The seeds of chefhood blossom from the very first dashes of salt and cinnamon that grace a child's suppertime lima beans. Today's Groupon encourages the culinary spirit in the youth of today, who are the former children of tomorrow: for $15, kids ages 3 to 18 get one cooking class at Young Chefs Academy in Claremont (up to a $30 value).

Children can explore the flavor profiles inspired by their inner chef through interactive kitchen education that bypasses 80-watt-light-bulb baking. Young Chefs Academy provides a fun, safe, and motivating environment for kids to become acquainted with the art of food and food presentation. Engaging chef instructors instill lessons of kitchen etiquette and safety in youngsters growing up in a world full of laser can-openers and sharp pasta rakes, giving children a capable handle on their surroundings as they journey into the land of food.

Classes educate a variety of age groups, with specially catered classes for the kindergarten elite and junior line cooks, combining nutritional meals with basic food-prep skills that teach how to correctly follow a recipe to edible fruition. Senior flambéists are offered advanced classes that dig deeper into kitchen secrets and hone specific skills and techniques that expand the parameters of cooking creativity. Most classes last 90 minutes.

The lessons learned from early cuisine classes spark a valuable communion between a child and a stove. Imaginations stretch as they contemplate the infinite possibilities that exist among ingredients, spices, and food presentations so astute they beg to be stapled to the refrigerator door.

This Groupon is only valid for KinderCooks, Jr. Chefs and Sr. Chefs classes; children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required.

Reviews

Young Chefs Academy has received plenty of press accolades:

• Young Chefs Academy teaches cooking to kids ages 4 to 14 through classes, camps and birthday parties. Along with the creativity, math and science skills that come with hands-on cooking experience, the kids learn kitchen safety, etiquette, table setting and more. – Tracy Stapp, Entrepreneur
• Most kids feel like mini-Rachael Rays if they can cook a frozen pizza or follow instructions on a box of mac and cheese. However, you can help your kids channel their inner culinary creativity without the mess by enrolling them at Young Chefs Academy, where kids from ages 4 to 15 are instructed on basic cooking and baking techniques, food safety, table setting, and—drum roll, please—manners. The classes are hands on, and with membership, each student receives a chefs’ hat, apron, and binder for recipes. – D Magazine