Discover Kitchen Chemistry: A New Family Cooking Class Series at The Children's Museum of Montgomery
- Children's Museum
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Cooking is more than just preparing meals; it’s a chance to explore science, creativity, and family bonding all at once. The Children's Museum of Montgomery has launched an exciting new series called Kitchen Chemistry, where families can come together to learn cooking skills with local culinary engineers while supporting the museum’s mission. This series offers a unique blend of fun, education, and hands-on experience designed to engage children and adults alike.
What Is Kitchen Chemistry?
Kitchen Chemistry is a family-focused cooking class series that combines the art of cooking with the science behind it. Each session is led by a local chef who guides participants through recipes that highlight chemical reactions, food science, and nutrition. The goal is to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for all ages while encouraging curiosity about how ingredients interact.
This program supports The Children's Museum of Montgomery’s mission to inspire learning through play and discovery. By connecting cooking with science, families gain practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond the kitchen.
Why Families Should Join Kitchen Chemistry
Families today look for activities that are both educational and entertaining. Kitchen Chemistry offers:
Hands-on learning: Children and adults actively participate in cooking, making the experience memorable.
Science made simple: Concepts like emulsification, fermentation, and heat transfer are explained through cooking.
Quality family time: Cooking together encourages communication, teamwork, and shared accomplishment.
Support for a good cause: Proceeds help fund the museum’s programs and exhibits that benefit the community.
Parents often seek ways to teach children about healthy eating and science in a fun environment. Kitchen Chemistry meets these needs by turning the kitchen into a classroom where everyone can experiment and taste the results.
What to Expect in Each Class
Each Kitchen Chemistry session lasts about 90 minutes and includes:
Introduction to the recipe and science concept: The chef explains the dish and the science behind it.
Step-by-step cooking: Families prepare the recipe together with guidance.
Tasting and discussion: Participants enjoy their creations and talk about what they learned.
Examples of past and upcoming classes include:
Gingerbread Cookie with Khye's Creations: Learning how heat effects sugar content and taste through carmelization and chemical leavening
Noche de Empanadas: Exploring delicious textures and shapes through dough kneads and imprints
Authentic Venezuelan Arepas: Discover how heat transforms hydrated corn flour dough through starch gelatinization
These examples show how cooking can reveal everyday science in a delicious way.
Meet the Local Chef Leading March's class
This month's class is facilitated by Chef Janett Malpartida, owner and chef od D'Road Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama. Known for serving Venezuelan-influenced, Latin fusion cuisine, and hearty, homemade dishes, she been a fisture in the local culinary scense since at least 2015. Operating the restaurant with a focus on,love and, warmth in her cooking, she believes one should eat today,how you want to feel tomorrow.
Chef Janett's approach focuses on:
Encouraging questions and curiosity
Using simple, fresh ingredients
Making cooking fun and stress-free for all ages
Her enthusiasm and clear explanations help families feel confident in the kitchen, no matter their skill level.
How Kitchen Chemistry Supports The Children’s Museum of Montgomery
The Children's Museum of Montgomery is dedicated to creating interactive learning experiences for children. Kitchen Chemistry aligns with this mission by:
Promoting STEM education through cooking
Encouraging family engagement in learning
Raising funds to expand museum programs and exhibits
By participating in the class series, families contribute directly to the museum’s ability to serve the community. This makes each cooking session not only enjoyable but meaningful.
Tips for Families to Get the Most Out of Kitchen Chemistry
To maximize the experience, families can:
Arrive ready to participate actively and ask questions
Encourage children to take on age-appropriate tasks
Discuss the science concepts after class to reinforce learning
Try the recipes at home to practice skills and experiment further
Bringing a sense of adventure and openness to the kitchen helps make cooking a lifelong source of joy and learning.
How to Sign Up and Join the Fun
Kitchen Chemistry classes are held monthly at The Children's Museum of Montgomery's new residency at the MAP360 gallery and surrounding locations. Registration is available on the museum’s website or by phone. Classes fill quickly, so early sign-up is recommended.
Families of all sizes and cooking abilities are welcome. The museum provides all ingredients and equipment, making it easy to join without extra preparation.
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