{"id":141978,"date":"2025-02-25T09:33:49","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T14:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/?p=141978"},"modified":"2025-02-25T09:33:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T14:33:49","slug":"best-of-all-gigis-kitchen-adult-participants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/2025\/02\/25\/best-of-all-gigis-kitchen-adult-participants\/","title":{"rendered":"Best of All: GiGi&#8217;s Kitchen Adult Participants!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-fl-header-bg-color has-fl-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-0e8b8f8c41c04702162ab32c67833673 wp-block-paragraph\">At GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe in the power of growth, teamwork, and personal achievement. Our very first GiGi&#8217;s Kitchen Adult session has been a shining example of these values! Whether they came in with years of kitchen experience or were brand new to cooking, our participants have embraced every lesson, every challenge, and every new skill with enthusiasm and determination. Here are just a few of the ways our incredible chefs have made this class a success:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aaron<\/strong> is always looking for a way to help. Having gained experience working in a kitchen, he knows that every task contributes to a smooth-running kitchen. From washing produce and cleaning dishes to teaching the whole group the best way to cut an avocado, Aaron\u2019s contributions are truly appreciated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Carson<\/strong> is impressively engaged throughout class. While he enjoys starting and ending his time at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse with a quick nap on the couch, when it&#8217;s time to work, he&#8217;s all in! Carson knows exactly where he wants to sit and which color knife he prefers\u2014and he\u2019s done a great job of politely advocating for himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"952\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141980\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron-952x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron-952x1024.jpg 952w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron-279x300.jpg 279w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron-768x826.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron-1428x1536.jpg 1428w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron-1904x2048.jpg 1904w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/aaron.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 952px) 100vw, 952px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"764\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141981\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/carson-764x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/carson-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/carson-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/carson-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/carson-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/carson.jpg 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Olivia<\/strong> comes to class each week ready to roll up her sleeves and learn something new. She even arrived on the first day with a list of suggested recipes! Olivia also gives valuable feedback on each dish, helping us refine and improve our recipes for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jake<\/strong> volunteers at the Playhouse every week, so he knows the kitchen inside and out! His meticulous organization skills help ensure that everything is in its proper place. Jake loved GiGi\u2019s Kitchen Adult so much that he made our very first recipe\u2014Pineapple Avocado Chicken Salad\u2014for his family the very next night from memory. Way to go, Jake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"764\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141986\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jake-1-764x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jake-1-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jake-1-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jake-1-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jake-1-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jake-1.jpg 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"764\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141987\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/olivia-764x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/olivia-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/olivia-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/olivia-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/olivia-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/olivia.jpg 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elizabeth<\/strong> may be our youngest adult participant, but she brings confidence and enthusiasm to every class. She\u2019s always the first to volunteer for a task, and we can\u2019t wait to see her continue to blossom throughout the session. Just put a little country music on and she&#8217;ll be a happy camper!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jason<\/strong> joined us for his very first program at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse this past January, and his presence has been a joy. With his strong cooking background, we set the bar high for Jason, and he has risen to the challenge, taking feedback and refining his skills beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"764\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/eliz-and-jas-764x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141982\" style=\"width:357px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/eliz-and-jas-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/eliz-and-jas-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/eliz-and-jas-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/eliz-and-jas-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/eliz-and-jas.jpg 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Isaac<\/strong> has impressed us with his willingness to take on any task. One area where he has truly grown is in his knife skills\u2014learning the fine motor control and safety techniques necessary for chopping different foods. His improvement has been incredible to watch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jon<\/strong> has made huge strides since his first class. While he loves chatting about movies (especially horror films!), he\u2019s done a fantastic job of staying focused on cooking tasks to ensure a safe and productive kitchen. His favorite knife skills tip? Grip the knife like a hammer, not like Michael Myers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rebecca<\/strong> is always on the move! She actively participates in every aspect of cooking and, when there\u2019s a break, she keeps herself active by getting in some steps\u2014while keeping an eye on the kitchen, of course. She also takes great care in filling out every section of her recipe book page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"764\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141990\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/isaac-1-764x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/isaac-1-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/isaac-1-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/isaac-1-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/isaac-1-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/isaac-1.jpg 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141988\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jon-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jon-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jon-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jon-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/jon.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"141989\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/rebecca-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/rebecca-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/rebecca-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/rebecca-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/rebecca-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Teamwork, Growth, and Personal Choice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond individual accomplishments, our entire GiGi\u2019s Kitchen Adult class has improved in essential skills like handwashing, teamwork, and making personal choices in the kitchen. This group\u2019s enthusiasm and dedication remind us that learning is a lifelong journey, and we couldn\u2019t be prouder of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"895\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/measure-1024x895.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/measure-1024x895.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/measure-300x262.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/measure-768x672.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/measure-1536x1343.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/files\/2025\/02\/measure-2048x1791.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <strong>GiGi\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong> programs are designed to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early exposure to practical cooking skills. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants engage in hands-on activities that promote healthy eating habits, kitchen safety awareness, food preparation skills, self-confidence, and social skills\u2014all while preparing and enjoying a shared meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GiGi\u2019s Kitchen is truly life-changing. Participants motivate one another as they work toward their personal best in health and wellness. The program increases healthy eating habits by helping participants develop a positive relationship with food, understand the importance of a balanced diet, recognize hunger cues, and explore basic nutrition concepts. It increases kitchen safety awareness by teaching safe food handling techniques and helping participants recognize common kitchen hazards to prevent accidents and injuries. Food preparation skills are strengthened by focusing on the fine motor, cognitive, math, and literacy skills needed to use utensils, measure ingredients, follow recipes, and master basic cooking techniques. Self-confidence and social skills grow through activities that promote responsibility, good manners, and peer-to-peer interaction, including working together on cleanup. Most importantly, the program enhances quality of life by helping participants share learned skills at mealtime, create lasting memories, build meaningful relationships, and apply nutrition and wellness knowledge for a healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe in the power of growth, teamwork, and personal achievement. Our very first GiGi&#8217;s Kitchen Adult session has been a shining example of these values! Whether they came in with years of kitchen experience or were brand new to cooking, our participants have embraced every lesson, every challenge, and every&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14614,"featured_media":141979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14614"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141978"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141978\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/141979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cincinnati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}