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An instructor from King Arthur Flour in Norwich came to the school to teach Trish Wadlinger’s Family and Consumer Science class how to bake bread and rolls from scratch. Then the students went home with ingredients and instructions for baking two loaves on their own: one to keep and one to share with families in need.
The lesson was part of King Arthur Flour’s Bake for Good Kids program, which brings bakers into schools to teach baking skills and promote charitable giving.
“I really enjoy the fact that the students are learning how to bake bread and getting excited about bread,” said Wadlinger, who has been hosting the program every year for at least seven years. “It’s not just about learning for them. It’s about a giving experience.”
Instructor Amy Driscoll demonstrated to students how to make several types of baked goods from the ingredients provided by King Arthur Flour, calling on two students to help out with the recipes. “She sets it up like a cooking show,” Wadlinger said.
Students then get to try the recipes out on their own at home. The homework is voluntary, but Wadlinger said about 70-80% of students usually bring back loaves, which are then donated to the Upper Valley Haven.
Along with teaching math and science in a meaningful way and helping a good cause, the program promotes an important life skill, Wadlinger said. “I think it’s so valuable to learn about whole ingredients, about making food from scratch, about knowing what’s in your food,” she said.
Sarah Earle can be reached at searle@vnews.com or 603-727-3268.