At the end of October, we had the opportunity to enjoy the second edition of our Rice Masterclass for Children.

Seven children (between 6 and 13 years old) prepared four types different rice: Valencian paella, black, vegetable, and rice with chicken. Led by José Luis Pérez Braojos, Chef Lecturer at the Toledo Higher School of Gastronomy and Hospitality each child had an adult with them as a cook.

Chef José’s audience of little faces said it all! In this edition three of the children came from Minnesota (USA) on an exchange.

We started the day by travelling from Madrid. The morning’s weather was on the cool side however our desire to enjoy made us forget any chills. In the school’s classroom we received training about gastronomy. We saw closely the work that is happening now in schools: all of them were clear about:
- what is a balanced meal
- a healthy breakfast
- that you have to eat everything
- the importance of vegetables and fish in our daily diet
- remembering to include pulses

After the class, and to prepare for what was to come, we enjoyed a cocktail prepared by students from the Higher School who attentively looked after us.

We started with the preparation of rice. The children were focused on the teacher’s explanations wanting to do it themselves - that desire to be independent! Each child was responsible for their own progress, washing their hands for the slightest reason and cleaning when they should. We were pleasantly surprised!

In the final analysis, we could not decide which was the best. Each mini-chef received his/her diploma of attendance to this second edition. We hope that the American children have taken it home with a lot of love and that every time they see it they will remember the special time that was enjoyed that day.

We are sure that we will do it again because this generation of "mini-chefs" is eager to learn, and because seeing a smile on a child's face is priceless.

Last but not least, we are very grateful to the following Spanish brands which contributed their products:
- extra virgin olive oil by Yo,Verde
- toasted bread from La Regaña Don Pelayo
- ham in glass jars by Jamones Luis Bravo

Vive la Chaîne!

Abel González
Chargé de Missions