Daily Archives: March 19, 2026

Cooking Challenge!

Independent Skill Challenge

Members try to complete these tasks without staff help unless needed:

  • Read and follow the recipe

  • Measure ingredients correctly

  • Use the oven safely

  • Manage their time while cooking

  • Clean their workspace after cooking


Cooking Skills Checklist (Staff Observation)

Skill Completed Independently Needed Help
Washed hands
Read recipe steps
Measured ingredients
Used oven safely
Stayed organized
Cleaned workspace

Clean-Up Skills Checklist (Staff Observation)

Skill Completed Independently Needed Help
Turned off oven safely
Threw away trash
Washed dishes correctly
Wiped surfaces
Put items away
Left space clean

 


Group Reflection (10 minutes)

Discussion questions:

  • What step was easiest for you?

  • What step was the most challenging?

  • What cooking skill are you proud of today?

  • What is one meal you would like to learn to cook next?


Personal English Muffin Pizzas

Personal English Muffin Pizza

Course Lunch
Servings 1

Equipment

  • 1/4 cup Mixing bowls
  • Spoon
  • Plate
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven mitts
  • Timer

Ingredients

  • 1 English muffin split in half (GF use GF bread)
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce
  • ¼ –⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp toppings pepperoni, veggies, or sausage
  • Optional: Italian seasoning

Instructions

Cooking Instructions (Members Follow Independently)

  • Wash hands.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  • Split English muffin and place both halves on the tray.
  • Spread pizza sauce evenly on each half.
  • Sprinkle cheese over the sauce.
  • Add desired toppings.
  • Place tray in oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts.
  • Carefully remove tray using oven mitts.
  • Let cool for 2–3 minutes before eating.

Clean-Up Steps (Members Complete Independently)

  • Turn off and check equipment
  • Ensure oven is turned off
  • Remove all food from cooking area
  • Throw away trash (wrappers, unused scraps)
  • Store any leftover ingredients properly (if applicable)
  • Wash Dishes
  • Wash all used items (bowls, spoons, measuring cups) with warm soapy water
  • Rinse and place in drying rack or dry with towel
  • Clean Surfaces
  • Wipe down counters and cooking area
  • Clean any spills (sauce, cheese, crumbs)
  • Put Materials Away
  • Return ingredients to proper place
  • Put away clean dishes and tools
  • Final Check
  • Push in chairs/stools
  • Ensure workspace is clean and organized