Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1115758
CULTURE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 MAY 2019 10 THE Mediterranean Culinary Academy has just launched a new summer course that of- fers aspiring young chefs the chance to learn from the best in the business. In the Junior Chef Pro- gramme, youngsters aged be- tween eight and 16 will learn a wide range of professional- quality culinary skills, such as simmering, sautéing, roasting and baking, as well as how to build sauces from scratch. They will also learn about fla- vour pairing, taste and balance in dishes. The course will help to build their understanding of local produce and food culture – with visits to animal and veg- etable farms and even an olive grove – while instructing them on proper food storage, as well as safety, organisation and hy- giene in the kitchen. "We recently ran some child- focused cooking workshops and noticed that so many chil- dren are keen to learn about food," Debbie Schembri, MCA Culinary Officer, said. "They already enjoy dining, but want to feel more inde- pendent and accomplished in the kitchen. Through the Junior Chef Programme, we want to teach children that cooking isn't just about being in the kitchen; it can help you in many in other ways, from being a confidence booster, to learning about math- ematical ratios and chemi- cal reactions. It also teaches discipline, patience and sen- sitivity. But, more than any- thing else, it is fun and crea- tive! Putting together a plate of food on your own, and sus- taining yourself without hav- ing to rely on a parent to do it, can offer a great sense of achievement." Youngsters attending the summer course will also learn how to prepare an impres- sive menu of dishes, including Pork Saltimbocca with Salsa Verde and crunchy roast po- tatoes, and filled pasta (made from scratch) filled with a ricotta farce and accompanied by a summer vegetable and Maltese sausage ragù. They will also be taught how to make flaky pastry for quich- es, and a delicious chocolate fondant with macerated sum- mer fruit. After the eight-session pro- gramme is completed, there are many options for would- be chefs to continue their culi- nary education with the MCA. There are plans to hold a winter programme to build upon the skills learnt in the summer course, while a series of one-off workshops will fo- cus on specific cooking tech- niques. To celebrate birthdays and special occasions for eight- to 15-year-olds, the MCA also of- fers a Junior Chef Party, where party-goers can learn from the chef instructors how to make a delicious fresh pasta dish from scratch to be eaten at the event, alongside a cake that the mini chefs can also have fun decorating themselves. MCA's Junior Chef Pro- gramme will be held between 8 July and 1 August, on Mon- days and Wednesdays for those aged eight to 12, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those aged 13 to 16. A second programme for those aged 13 to 16 will be held from Monday to Thursday for two weeks between 19 to 29 August. More information and book- ing details may be found on- line at www.mcamalta.com New MCA summer course for kids who love to cook The Mediterranean Culinary Academy launches new Junior Chef Programme for youngsters aged between eight and 16 A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND BUILD A CAREER IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN A DYNAMIC HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT. Selected candidates will gain an attractive salary package and career progression commensurate with their qualifications. The Office of the Prime Minister is receiving applications for the post of: Manager (Projects) Candidates that have not yet obtained the specified requisites will still be considered subject that evidence is submitted that they would qualify by the 24 th May 2019 at noon (CET). Application can be submitted through Online Government Recruitment Portal on http://recruitment.gov.mt by not later than noon (CET) of Friday 24 th May 2019. Further information can be obtained by visiting the following website www.opm.gov.mt or by sending an email to human-resources.opm@gov.mt In the Junior Chef Programme, youngsters aged between eight and 16 will learn a wide range of professional-quality culinary skills