Home Economics 101 &102
with Chef Pamela DiCristo
Here are some things you need to know!
DiCristo Meals celebrates the authenticity of delicious meals, with fresh ingredients, and the joys of cooking while learning.
While we've enjoyed offering cooking classes over the past 7 years to kids, teens, and adults alike, we're excited to expand our classes into a "course format" created for those who wish to truly understand and explore the artistry of cooking in more depth.
Home Economics 101 was specifically designed with kids and teens in mind, who enjoy cooking! This course is also intended to inspire healthy relationships with food.
There's a "picky eater" that lives inside all of us, until we're introduced to something that we enjoy. This creates interest, then excitement, and this is where our kids start to grow, and become more confident in the kitchen, as well in the choices they make about food. Understanding how food fuels our body is key.
​Is there a discount for families with multiple children?
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Families signing up more than one child (2) will receive a 15% discount for the second child, and three children will receive 20% off combined.
Please contact us here, to sign-up for households of 2 or more.
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How many classes are in each course, and how long are the classes?
There are 4 classes in each course package. Classes are grouped ages 8-12, and 13-16
What are the age requirements and pod groupings?
Our home economics classes are grouped 8-12 and 13-17 years of age.
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How can I sign-up?
You can book as a pod, meaning you have an established pod class or a group of friends, with at least 4 - 8 participants, and would prefer our Chef come to you. You may also come to us. Your group will have the option to select their time and day.
You may also sign your child or children up individually, where they will meet and cook with kids in their age group.
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Students will be given a starter kit on day one, which includes the following:
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1 apron
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1 chefs jacket
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1 recipe book/journal
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**Our 13-17 age group will receive a more advanced starter kit
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DiCristo Meals is also licensed and insured. Chef Pamela also holds a food health and safety certification from the State of California, and is CPR certified.
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Scroll down to the bottom to learn more about Chef Pamela DiCristo.
Our Curriculum
What's covered in our courses?
**Courses are modified for our younger age groups
Dicing, Slicing and Chopping
This class covers knife safety, as we want ALL students to understand how important it is to handle "cooking knives" properly and safely. From there, we'll explore different cutting techniques, including slicing julienne, dicing and mincing. There are 2 recipes incorporated in this class, where these cutting techniques will be put to good use.
Sauces and Soups
The authenticity of stocks and sauces are what distinguishes a homemade chicken soup or bolognese from a restaurant chicken soup or bolognese. Good stocks and sauces form the base flavor component for many dishes that start this way, making it an essential kitchen skill. Learn the fundamentals behind creating a classic stock or sauce, while preparing classic soups. Then master the “mother” sauces, from a Tomato base to an Alfredo base, and so many more.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and Spices serve as the foundation to any and all recipes. The right combination of herbs are what separates a good dish from a great dish. The right amount of spice separates authentic from generic. When joining the two together, we're creating flavor, and flavor is everything.
Breakfast 101
While some refer to breakfast as the most important meal of the day, we just refer to it as the most "favorite" meal of the day. With so many options to choose from, let's start with the basics. We'll explore sweets vs savory, and how the two come together in the most delectable way. Boiling and scrambling eggs, to making an authentic pancake or waffle with simple tried and true recipes will stay with our class participants for a lifetime.
Express Yourself
This class was designed straight from the "Iron Chef" playbook, where students will be assigned one key ingredient, in which they have to create a dish from start to finish, using whatever supporting ingredients that are available in the kitchen. Students will be given their final assignments on this day, and will be expected to implement ingredients and techniques they've learned throughout the course.
Final Exam
It's time to recap! We'll enjoy a look back on all that we've learned. Students will get the opportunity to prepare their dish, and present it to the class for tasting. ​
Each Course includes 1-2 recipes per class.
Home Economics
Santa Barbara Summer Cooking Camp
Ended
From 406 US dollars
Ventura County Summer Cooking Camp
Ended
From 406 US dollars
Sign your family up for a series of 3 cooking classes, and enjoy a bon...
165 US dollars
Group Bookings
Contact us for here for group Bookings
If you have a pod group or class with at least 4-8 kids, and you'd like to book an 8 week course, please submit your information below.
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Your classes will be scheduled based on your availability, so please include at least 2 days and times that will work.
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** When we say pod bookings---if you have a group of kids that meet each week or weekly at the same time for other classes or activities, you may book as a group, verses individually.
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You may also inquire here, for birthday parties, special events, demos, and more!
Meet Chef Pamela DiCristo
I was born and raised in Atlanta Georgia, where Sunday dinners were legendary, sun tea was the dinner drink of choice, fresh squeezed lemonade made the Georgia summers bearable, and every single dish was made from scratch.
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Growing up surrounded by some of the most amazing home chefs, I developed a passion for food and heritage at a very early age — understanding where traditions began, how we honor and celebrate them, and the storytelling that accompanies every meal being prepared.
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My passion has afforded me some pretty amazing experiences, and I attribute every success that I've achieved to my quirky, yet unique journey.
While attending Dillard University in New Orleans, LA, I had the opportunity to add additional cultural and flavorful layers to my craft.
I went on to live and work in New York, where I managed one of the city’s most iconic restaurants-- “Sarabeth's,” located right across the street from Central Park West, between the Ritz Carlton and the Plaza Hotel.
That position and experience introduced me to the Irwin family, where I was fortunate enough to travel and work abroad in Australia. Working and cooking for one of the most inspiring families I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! It was an honor cooking for royalty!
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From there, I relocated to Los Angeles for 9 years and then San Diego for 5 years, where I established myself in both cities as a professional chef and caterer, and have had (still do) the pleasure of cooking for some pretty amazing people.
We have a successful meal plan company located in Coronado, CA cooking and catering to a beautiful community of people.
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I began combining my love for food with my fondness for teaching, and for the past 7 years, teaching has been a huge part of what I do.
I am a survivor of Breast Cancer, married to my best friend and partner, and most recently a first time Mommy, who is more inspired now than ever before.
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It is my belief that every child should have a basic to intermediate understanding of how food works on every level, while exploring all the benefits cooking can bring, combined with good manners and table etiquette.
This level of understanding and education fosters healthy relationships with food and all the many joys that cooking for yourself, and others can bring!