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11 September 2008
The Government has published a new, free cookbook for all 11-year-olds, to help them learn healthy versions of old favourites – including spaghetti bolognese; risotto; lamb hot pot; lamb rogan josh; roast chicken legs; chow mein; and apple crumble.
The Real Meals – Simple Cooking Made Easy cookbook contains 32 classic recipes and sauces and was chosen after the public was asked to nominate the basic dishes every child should learn how to cook – and is endorsed by Michelin Star chef Phil Vickery.
The cookbook is available online and secondary heads will be able to order copies for all their Year 7 pupils.
In January it was announced that from 2011, food technology lessons, including hands-on practical cooking lessons, will be compulsory for every 11 to 14-year-old – the first time that cooking has ever been compulsory in schools.
The Government also committed £2.5 million a year to cover or subsidise the cost of cooking ingredients for children on free school meals.
Prue Leith, Chair of The School Food Trust said: "It is vital that all children can cook, it is a skill for life and understanding diet and food is as important as learning to read and write. I am delighted that cookery is now compulsory in both primary and secondary schools and is to be taught in the curriculum where it belongs. The cook book, Real Meals – Simple Cooking Made Easy, that has been created by the Department of Children, Schools and Families is full of really delicious recipes that will appeal to children. I hope it is a great success."
