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I’ve been in libraries for 30 years, going back and forth on food-based library programming. And I’ve worked in libraries with full kitchens, and I’ve worked in libraries without kitchens. Today I’m going to share with you one of my favorite library kitchen program ideas. Before we begin, I should clarify that this is not a paid recommendation. I happen to be one of those ADHD-like people who get overly attached to things and constantly think about how everything fits into the library. That’s what inspired me to write this article about your library’s dream mini-kitchen.
There’s a line of kitchen appliances made by a guy named Dash who makes a variety of mini items. Those are my favorite things. Until now. Over time, I’ve accumulated a variety of things for the express purpose of doing food-related things with teens.
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The first thing I bought was a mini toaster oven. I bought it because it was cute.
I find that the teens and young adults I parent and home invade love this. Make mini bagel pizza. It is early. It’s easy. You can make it from scratch or buy it frozen.
But Dash also makes mini waffle makers, mini griddles, mini grills, mini smoothie makers, and mini bundt cake pans. I made and decorated a bundt cake to have a fun night with friends.
There’s a weird egg maker that I bought for Mr. Mister to make his own little eggs to take to work in the morning. In this photo you can also see hash browns made with leftover mashed potatoes in a mini waffle maker.
The price of each mini machine ranges from $10 for a mini waffle maker to about $30. So it’s taken me a while to accumulate a collection, but I’ve been working on it slowly, in part to share it all with you. Consider this if you have a group of friends or are good at writing grants. The items featured here will cost you around $300 to get started.
I’ve been doing library programming with teens for years, and they love food. This is a super cute, fun, and easy way to do food programming with your teens, especially if your library doesn’t have a kitchen. But even if you do, mini food is fun.
Here are some things you can do.
- We offer Cooking/Adult 101 classes to teach you the basics of cooking. This is also a great way to teach the basics of nutrition.
- We offer a Cake Wars type program where you make and decorate Bund cakes and waffles. Or do something like Chopped and give them a basket of ingredients and see what they come up with.
- Free up your study room or after-school time and prepare only your ideas and ingredients. One in five of her children are food insecure. This is a great way to get food in your stomach while feeling safe while studying.
- Have a small/mini food party. There are even cookbooks dedicated to this concept.
- Consider creative ways to use your device, such as a Will it Waffle type program. There are tons of Tik Toks where people share creative ways to use their mini waffle makers. One of my favorites is leftover stuffing or potatoes, as seen above.
There are also mini dog treat makers, which are great if you have a pet-themed program. My dog, Fisher, loved the little peanut butter treats. I wish I had this on hand when I did my “Love Your Pets” program a few years ago.
The mini size makes it easy to clean and store. I have 8 of them and keep them in a bathtub in my closet.
There are a few things to keep in mind.
- As mentioned above, there is an initial investment required.
- There is also an additional charge for each ingredient used. Food-based programming is one of the most expensive types of programming that libraries undertake.
- Be careful about food allergies. Some food allergies, especially peanut and shellfish allergies, can be fatal.
- You may want to check and have additional items such as plates, silverware, and tablecloths available.
- Since we are talking about cooking, the surface may become hot. Make sure you have the right equipment, such as silicone tongs and finger protectors. They also make a silicone mat that you place under your device.
And here are some books that may inspire you:
Here are some inspirational food program posts from the past.
I love kitchenettes and have done so many great things with my teens. I highly recommend this. There are so many possibilities.
Filed under: Cooking, Food, Food Crafts, TPIB
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