GiGi’s Kitchen – A Recipe for Fun, Skills & Leadership

Jared skillfully prepares chicken shawarma.

“Jared’s dream since he was 7 years old is to become a chef. Thank you GiGi’s for giving him an opportunity to learn new cooking skills and new recipes that will help him make his dream come true!” Denise, Chicago

 

 

 

 

Carmen joyfully plays the ukulele while waiting for the timer to buzz!

Ginger and Carmen (GiGi’s Annapolis), along with experienced chefs Kristin and Diane, lead GiGi’s Kitchen on the National GiGi’s At Home calendar. This committed team have been guiding a group of budding chefs from across the country every Wednesday evening.

Kristen is proud of her knife skills success!

GiGi’s is a place where people with Down syndrome can become leaders, and Carmen is doing just that! Her jokes, singing and even ukulele playing in the cooking program add fun and laughter, building community! Carmen has now begun leading the group, with support from Ginger. The group have been working on recipes from around the world to help expand palates and learn new skills! The first GiGi’s At Home GiGi’s Kitchen (18+) program in September participants will be making Chicken Tikka Masala over Basmati rice!

Sam actively listens preparing recipes in his home kitchen. He also plays his guitar in a musical ending!

GiGi’s Kitchen is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palette expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!

Lucia – Yes, nailed it! Self-esteem through the roof!

“The Fajitas and guacamole were so simple to make and Muy Delicioso!!

Sam loves music & cooking, at GiGi’s Kitchen he combines them!

“This is something Sam can definitely do at his apartment. This is right up our taste bud alley.” Sam shares, he “likes everything about the course.”

Sam’s Mom shared, “I’ve really been enjoying doing this with him. Sam was living on his own before the pandemic. He cooked for himself but just  a few dishes. We have made the class a priority so I come home from work in time for us to do it. Sam is gaining confidence in the kitchen. We are both having a special time— one we look forward to— especially during this time of limited social opportunities for Sam.” Suzanne, North Carolina

Join GiGi’s Kitchen, you’ll end up with a fabulous dinner made just for you, and your son or daughter will gain leadership and independent living skills while having purposeful fun with friends across the country!

To RSVP for the GiGi’s Kitchen (18+) program visit: GiGi’s At Home on Wednesdays at 5pm (Eastern)

Linda’s kitchen confident smile says it all!

“Thank you GiGi’s Annapolis for empowering Lucia to become independent, gain self-confidence in the kitchen through these delicious weekly virtual cooking classes recipes during this pandemic! Thank you to all who make it happen! Maria, North Carolina

“Our daughter was really proud of her salad. She was still talking about it this morning.  The class has been something to look forward to every week during this time. And we’ve gotten some great recipes! Rebecca, Georgia