🌍 Learning Where Our Food Comes From

Before we even picked up a chopping board, we explored where the ingredients in our Bolognese come from. We looked closely at beef—how it’s farmed, the journey it takes from field to fork, and the importance of choosing sustainable and responsibly sourced meat. This helped us understand the environmental and ethical impact of our food choices.

🥦 What’s Really in a Ready Meal?

We also investigated the nutritional content of ready meals. Pupils compared shop-bought Bolognese sauces and microwave meals with homemade versions, discovering that many ready meals are high in salt, sugar, and preservatives. This sparked some great discussions about how cooking from scratch can be healthier and more rewarding!

🔪 Safe and Smart in the Kitchen

In preparation for our cooking sessions, we learned how to safely prepare ingredients. This included:

• Proper handwashing and hygiene
• How to use knives safely with the “bridge” and “claw” techniques
• How to handle hot pans and boiling water responsibly

The children practised chopping onions, garlic, and vegetables, and learned how to brown mince and simmer a sauce.

📖 Creating Our Own Recipes

Each group worked together to create their own version of a Spaghetti Bolognese recipe. They chose their ingredients, measured quantities, and wrote recipes. Some even added their own twist—like extra vegetables or a pinch of chilli!

🍽️ Cooking and Tasting

With their hands washed and ingredients ready, the children cooked their Bolognese sauces in small groups. The classroom was filled with the delicious smell of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

A huge thank you to Mrs Hemus, who supported the practical sessions and brought in fresh herbs from her garden. She talked to the children about how herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can enhance flavour naturally—without needing extra salt or sugar.

👏 A Job Well Done!

The children were incredibly proud of their final dishes and many said they’d like to cook the recipe again at home. This project not only taught them valuable cooking skills but also helped them make informed choices about food and nutrition.

We’re so proud of their enthusiasm, teamwork, and growing independence in the kitchen!