Illini West High School’s International Club experiences global cooking journey

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Illini West High School’s International Club recently embarked on a culinary journey at Memorial Hospital’s Health and Wellness Center Teaching Kitchen under the guidance of certified exercise physiologist and registered dietitian Kara Andrew and head chef Amber Clark.

The club’s culinary journey spanned three global cuisines from:

• Spain: Chilaquiles, beans, tres leches cake.
• Korea: Bibimbap (rice, chicken breast, gochujang sauce, miso sauce, fried eggs, carrot salad, spinach).
• India: Butter chicken, palak paneer, naan bread.

In a press release, Andrew said, “The students are awesome. They love to experiment and are willing to eat anything. The practical application of using spices and flavors not only elevates the taste but also develops essential cooking skills. It’s fun to see both adults and kids wanting to try new foods. It’s crucial to open your palate to new tastes for overall health.”

Ashtyn Miller, the International Club sponsor and Spanish teacher, expressed the significance of this experience by saying, “Learning different recipes at the Memorial Hospital Teaching Kitchen has been a wonderful experience. Not only did we acquire new culinary skills, but we also discovered the joy of cooking healthy, delicious meals. It’s truly inspiring to see how food can bring people together and improve our well-being.”

Through this program, students learned to prepare diverse and nutritious meals and gained a deeper appreciation for international cultures and flavors. The hands-on experience encouraged them to explore and enjoy the process of cooking, promoting healthier eating habits and culinary creativity.