[*AHIMSA*]

I am going to be teaching teens cooking classes this summer at a teen camp in NYC. The teens will be from ages 13-17. I am so excited! I am also teaching several other classes (but that's another thread entirely!). <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/broccoli.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":bobo:"><br><br><br><br>
I would really appreciate ideas, favorite recipes and so on from those who work with teens, have teens, are teens or remember being a teen!<br><br><br><br>
The ingredients I will have will be pretty basic (I need to keep the recipes affordable and simple, so no exotic ingredients please) and I already plan on teaching them how to make muffins (with several variations), smoothies (with several variations) hummus (again, with several variations) and pasta with homemade marinara sauce etc.<br><br><br><br>
Any ideas on these themes or suggestions of simple, healthy, delicious and 'accidentally vegan' type of foods?<br><br><br><br>
I want to focus on items easily found in most everyone's pantry and refrigerator/freezer to make eating well really easy and healthy for these teens.<br><br><br><br>
Thanks in advance!

 

[Poppy]

Do you think tofu is too scary? I have a great peanut butter dip, but it does have silken tofu in it.....you have it with baby carrots and celery and it's wonderful.<br><br><br><br>
Also - how about bean tostadas or quesadillas? How about making your own nut butters?

 

[*AHIMSA*]

These are great suggestions! Please keep them coming <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/dancingbanana.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":nana:"><br><br><br><br>
I don't know for sure if I will have silken tofu but I will ask. I am just waiting to hear back about what the pantry will include. I plan on bringing 'Ener-G Egg Replacer', ground flax, spices and nutritional yeast myself.

 

[jeneticallymodified]

vegan pizza (with like proper home made quick and easy dough or even using pitta pockets or french bread styley) would be cool- they could pick and mix ther own veggie toppings and the like. i think the best thing i ever made in school home economics class was pizza.<br><br><br><br>
erm other toasty sandwichy things?<br><br><br><br>
bean based tacos or wraps.. hmm, thats not really cooking, unless you grill em<br><br><br><br>
spicy potato wedges with dips- like guacamole, bean dips, etc<br><br><br><br>
stuffed potato shells- microwaved potatoes (don't know how you feel about microwaved things) with the middles scooped out and mixed with nice things and topped with breadcrumbs or nutritional yeast or herbs something and then grilled.<br><br><br><br>
stuffed peppers/squash, etc- the same as the potatoes but with rice and canned green lentils and herbs and spices<br><br><br><br>
interesting salads- to get them thinking beyond lettuce and tomato and cucumbers.<br><br><br><br>
some kind of basic pie/quiche thing with veggies (or a fruit pie) and maybe if its savoury one with tofu in it too would be nice too- i never got really taught how to use tofu, and make pastry, and i think it could have come in useful instead of trying to figure it out myself, and its really satisfying to see a finished complete 'thing' like a pie that you've made all by yourself.<br><br><br><br><br><br>
sorry if these suck, but i'm really hungry so everything sounds good to me right now, lol.

 

[jeneticallymodified]

oooh, thinking about the pie thing- little pasties (i think they're called calzones in america) basically a circle of pastry flipped in half with a sweet or savoury filling in the middle, sealed, then baked, would be cool- things like that which you can make a big stash of, then cook, and freeze, and another day heat them up quickly and walk off with them in your hand like that are cool for instant gratification loving teens.<br><br><br><br>
similarly indian vegetable samosas or onion or veggie bhajis and pakoras would be lush, as would little veggie spring rolls!<br><br><br><br>
veggie burgers- done properly with nuts and lentils and beans and spices grated veggies- more like rissoles i guess. my dad used to make them when i was little and they rocked. you could take a big pile of buns and some sauces and lettuce and have a little veggie burger barbeque thing.<br><br><br><br>
and cookies, you HAVE to make cookies, lol<br><br><br><br>
oooh, i'm quite excited now, hahaha.

 

[*AHIMSA*]

GREAT ideas! You are right about the cookies! Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies are a MUST! Calzones/pakoras/samosas rock too. Teens like snacky finger foods (Okay, we ALL like them, right? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> ).

 

[Kataka]

sweet potato fries! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/drool.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":drool:">

 

[Katieq]

definitely burritos or other mexican-type food - so easy to do vegan!

 

[Tofu-N-Sprouts]

Chocolate chip cookies.. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/lick.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lick:"> (My daughter 'made up' a recipe that I posted in the recipe forums... although I tweaked it just a bit and now use half the fat she first started with...).<br><br><br><br>
I think you're the perfect person to teach this class AHIMSA!! Way to go! Though I am sure you realize what you're getting into, since most teens aren't going to have the fantastic attitude your daughter does about healthy foods OR the support at home to back them up after this class is finished...<br><br><br><br>
I think anything QUICK, EASY and definitely with ingredients they can find in the 'average' supermarket or decently stocked kitchen pantry....<br><br><br><br>
Most parents will freak if their child comes home with this list of 75 "new" ingredients that they "have" to have... (sorry, but they're just not as enlightened as we are..)<br><br><br><br>
So wraps and bean burritos only require opening a can of beans. Beans are nutritious, low in fat and cheap - not everything has to actually be "cooked" does it? Isn't it more about "creating" great things to eat?<br><br><br><br>
There's a tofu-nugget recipe in the forum that I think Rincaro posted, it's VERY kid friendly, easy and yummy!<br><br><br><br>
I know my kids want their food to "look" as much like their omni friends' lunches as possible, so that might be something to keep in mind... I know they like tofu-nuggets, scrambled tofu and tofu-"egg" salad for this reason...<br><br><br><br>
How about falafel? Thats about all I can think of. I pretty much think all the above ideas from others are good.

 

[nigel]

Stuff for them to make and drink through the day: Jamaica (steeped, sweetened Hibiscus flowers), Agua de Sandia (Watermellon Juice with some water, on ice), Horchata (rice and cinnamon drink), other blended melon drinks...<br><br><br><br>
Maybe a competition for the best tofu-and-bean sloppy joes?<br><br><br><br>
Maybe a few highlighted spices like cumin, nutmeg, and allspice that give body to "meat substitutes."<br><br><br><br>
Is this a non-profit effort?<br><br><br><br>
need donations?

 

[*AHIMSA*]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>nigel</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><br>
Is this a non-profit effort?<br><br><br><br>
need donations?</div>
</div>
<br>
Wow, what a kind offer! It *is* non-profit, on my end anyway...I am teaching for an entire month at a teen camp and will be doing several vegan cooking classes, including a 2 week long 'intensives' where I will have the same group of teens for 90 minutes a day.<br><br><br><br>
I will also be teaching nutrition, kitchen safety and hopefully (crosses fingers) a separate 'Introduction to Veganism' class as well as Belly Dancing and Homemade Spa Treatments <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/carrot.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":vebo:"><br><br><br><br>
I really appreciate all the ideas.<br><br><br><br>
I think I will do a series of 'themes' like:<br><br><br><br>
1) Mexican (enchiladas or tamale pie, calabacitas y elote (succotash), horchata)<br><br><br><br>
2) Italian (pasta, marinara sauce, pesto, garlic bread and Italian sodas)<br><br><br><br>
3)Appetizers/snacks/sides (hummus -traditional and with edamame or other canned beans, salads, smoothies and toasted sunflower seeds in Braggs or Soy sauce)<br><br><br><br>
4)Sweet treats (muffins, 'milkshakes', cookies)<br><br><br><br>
5) Breakfasts (pancakes, tofu scramble, fruit salad and homemade almond or other nut butter milk)<br><br><br><br>
Any suggestions about the plan thus far?

 

[*AHIMSA*]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Tofu-N-Sprouts</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Chocolate chip cookies.. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/lick.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lick:"> (My daughter 'made up' a recipe that I posted in the recipe forums... although I tweaked it just a bit and now use half the fat she first started with...).<br><br><br><br>
I think you're the perfect person to teach this class AHIMSA!! Way to go! Though I am sure you realize what you're getting into, since most teens aren't going to have the fantastic attitude your daughter does about healthy foods OR the support at home to back them up after this class is finished...<br><br><br><br>
I think anything QUICK, EASY and definitely with ingredients they can find in the 'average' supermarket or decently stocked kitchen pantry....<br><br><br><br>
Most parents will freak if their child comes home with this list of 75 "new" ingredients that they "have" to have... (sorry, but they're just not as enlightened as we are..)<br><br><br><br>
So wraps and bean burritos only require opening a can of beans. Beans are nutritious, low in fat and cheap - not everything has to actually be "cooked" does it? Isn't it more about "creating" great things to eat?<br><br><br><br>
There's a tofu-nugget recipe in the forum that I think Rincaro posted, it's VERY kid friendly, easy and yummy!<br><br><br><br>
I know my kids want their food to "look" as much like their omni friends' lunches as possible, so that might be something to keep in mind... I know they like tofu-nuggets, scrambled tofu and tofu-"egg" salad for this reason...<br><br><br><br>
How about falafel? Thats about all I can think of. I pretty much think all the above ideas from others are good.</div>
</div>
<br>
Thanks so much, TNS! I agree with you 100% on making it easy and familiar. I want them to take away something useful from this, something practical and lasting. I will be making things that most of them will find quick, tasty and affordable.<br><br><br><br>
I don't know how much access I will have to things like tofu and tortillas but I am going to try and make it really easy and fun <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[Shantih]

On the Italian theme, I often make myself some vegan bolognese. I'm not sure if you're using meat replacements or not, but it's a quick, tasty meal that a teenager can make <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/laugh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lol:"><br><br><br><br>
For the mince, I use a brand called "Realeat" (I live in the UK, so you might not have it). It doesn't have milk or eggs in like most replacements, and tastes great. I start by cooking that with some vegetable stock, then finely chop up some tomatos, and also puree a few. Once the mince is cooked, I mix in the tomatos, and put some herbs in (usually basil). If it's a bit watery, gravy granules help thicken it. Then add to some spagetti! Add some soy cheese on top if you like it, personally I'm not that fond of it though, so I give it a miss. For the mince, I know people who use firm tofu instead, and that comes out pretty good too.<br><br><br><br>
I'd advise adding a chinese or oriental theme - stir frys, sushi, noodle and rice dishes, etc. I love chinese food, and I find when I have an omni friend round it's normally a dish of that sort that'll win them round to my way of eating <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/laugh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lol:">

 

[katt]

<span>I second the stir frys. They're simple (you can even get a pre sliced and diced bag of stir fry mix in the frozen section) and aren't that expensive. Serve it over some brown rice with a bit of whatever sauce you're using, or put some tofu in, and it's good eating.<br><br></span>

 

[VeggieMath]

The teens I know love pizza. You can make a pizza on 1/2 a potatoe. It can all be done in the microwave. Cook slightly until no longer firm. Then add marinara and favorite veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers and finish cooking. (Good also with vegan cheese) - This is also good for people with Celtic's disease because no gluton.....<br><br>
Just my 2 cents....<br><br>
I personally do this every so often. East, Fast and nutricious.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/dancingbanana.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":nana:"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/dancingbanana.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":nana:">

 

[courgette]

How about a basic recipe using refried beans<br><br><br><br>
Saute onions (whatever amount you like), minced garlic. When soft add about 1/3 cup salsa and a can of vegetarian refried beans. Then the "exotic" ingredient I like to add is some chopped fresh cilantro.<br><br><br><br>
This simple recipe can be used to make bean burritos, nachos, taquitos, tostadas, enchilads, quesadillas, (or my favorite way: EAT IT WITH A SPOON!!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/hungry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":hungry:"> )<br><br><br><br>
Teens usually love Mexican food so any recipes along that line might be welcome.<br><br><br><br>
Good for you Ahimsa...I know you will do a great job...all your posts here let me know you are an interesting person.

 

[hopejoy]

Wow, that is so neat. I'm a teen and I wish I could come to your class... I've always wanted to take a veg*n cooking class...<br><br>
Anyway-<br><br>
You could show them how to work with tofu and show them how versitile it is and how tasty is can be.<br><br>
*Teach them how to make various veggie burgers.<br><br>
*Vegan pizza<br><br>
*some kind of vegan cake<br><br>
*lentil loaf is really good (on goveg.com)<br><br>
*vegetable, or fake chicken soup<br><br>
*make fries (baked) out of sliced potatoes<br><br>
Again, this idea sounds really awesome. Good luck =)<br><br>
*pasta is always good

 

[codemonkey]

Chili is pretty popular with my kids (10 and 14.) It's pretty easy and most people have cans of tomatoes and beans in the pantry.

 

[Keelin]

Wow! I wish there was some way I could be there... I'd kill for a class like this. And you'll be fantastic teaching it <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>
I'd definitely second the chili (or perhaps some easy, hearty soup? Curried, coconut-based soups are easy, crazy good, and taste much more complicated than they actually are.) Italian soda, yum! Nut milks are great, too!

 

[funwithyourfood]

okay looks like you have quite a few suggestions and everything looks GRREAAT<br><br><br><br>
so much so that I want to go to your camp. I'm seriously jealous of those kids.. hmm if only i was 14 again<br><br><br><br>
....<br><br><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">