Master Chef Honor

Household Arts

Requirements

1. Name the four basic food groups and collect pictures of foods grouped into each one of them.

   Answer: The four basic groups are: 1) Fruits and vegetables; 2) Grains and breads (such as rice, wheat, corn, and oats); 3) Milk and dairy products (such as cheese and yogurt); 4) Proteins (such as beans, eggs, nuts, and, for those who eat it, meats). To make a collection, cut out pictures from magazines or draw and glue each food into the right group. — Eating a little from each group every day keeps the body strong and healthy.

2. Describe a complete and balanced daily menu, made up of the foods most suitable for each meal.

   Answer: A balanced day has: 1) Breakfast: fruit, bread or oats, and milk (or yogurt); 2) Lunch: rice, beans, a vegetable, a salad, and a protein; 3) Afternoon snack: a fruit and a natural juice or yogurt; 4) Dinner: something light like soup, salad, or a healthy sandwich. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. — Spreading the food groups across the meals gives energy all day long without feeling heavy.

3. Help prepare and serve a meal with at least four different dishes.

   Answer: With an adult: 1) Choose a menu with four dishes (e.g., rice, beans, a salad, and a fruit for dessert); 2) Wash your hands and the food well; 3) Help measure, stir, and arrange, always with the adult taking care of the stove and the knives; 4) Set the table and serve the dishes with care. At the end, help clean up. — Helping with the preparation teaches hygiene, organization, and the value of caring for the family.

4. Prepare (on your own) two kinds of sandwiches.

   Answer: With an adult's supervision, make two different sandwiches: 1) Wash your hands; 2) Set out the breads and the fillings (e.g., cheese with tomato and lettuce; and egg spread or banana with honey); 3) Spread the filling on the bread and close it; 4) Cut it in half (ask for help with the knife) and serve it on a clean plate. Put the ingredients in the refrigerator afterward. — Making a simple snack by yourself gives independence and confidence in the kitchen.

5. Prepare (on your own) two different salads.

   Answer: With an adult nearby, make two salads: 1) Wash your hands and the vegetables well; 2) Salad 1: lettuce, tomato, and grated carrot; 3) Salad 2: fruit salad (chopped banana, apple, and papaya); 4) Season the green salad with a little salt, lemon, and olive oil, and serve everything nice and fresh. — Salads are easy, colorful, and full of vitamins that are good for the body.

6. Help prepare the snack for a family or Club picnic, and learn how to pack and transport the food. (The four basic groups must be represented).

   Answer: With an adult: 1) Put together a snack with the four groups (e.g., fruits, little breads/crackers, cheese or yogurt, and boiled eggs or nuts); 2) Pack each thing in clean, tightly closed pots or bags; 3) Put the foods that spoil (milk, cheese) in a cooler bag with ice; 4) Bring water and don't leave the food in the sun. At the picnic, pick up the trash. — Storing and carrying food well keeps it from spoiling and protects everyone's health.