Westfield Technical Academy culinary students Ryen Velozo and Yoeliany Lebron prepare the pizzas they are making for the seniors. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – Westfield Technical Academy culinary students took their talents to the Southwick Senior Center on Tuesday morning as students taught a cooking class to any interested members of the senior center.
Culinary teacher, Eric Rogers, brought along Westfield Tech culinary students Ryen Velozo and Yoeliany Lebron, who are both juniors at the school.
The cooking class featured two interesting twists on pizza. Velozo prepared a cauliflower pizza while Lebron made a fruit pizza.
The cauliflower pizza included a cauliflower crust made with kosher salt, ground black pepper, shredded mozzarella cheese and freshly grated parmesan while toppings included chopped tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, pepperoni minis, basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes.
The fruit pizza was a slightly different approach as the dough included a number of ingredients to go along with a frosting that Lebron made. After the dough and frosting were created assorted fresh fruit slices were spread across the pizza.
The fruit pizza is one of two dishes that the culinary students made for the seniors. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
While both Velozo and Lebron were preparing their respective delicacies, they formed a dialogue with the seniors who were in attendance for the class. Along with Rogers, both students went step by step and told the crowd what they were doing, while the seniors also asked questions.
Of course, once the food items were fully cooked, the seniors were able to have a slice of both pizzas and review the student’s work.
The culinary program at the Westfield Technical Academy has done a number of cooking classes at the Southwick Senior Center this year. Each time, Rogers tries to bring in two different students, and the result continues to be a positive.
“They’re very organized, very dedicated,” said Rogers of the students.
Before the cooking class started, Velozo and Lebron were nervous but were able to overcome it rather quickly.
“I had my nerves,” said Velozo. “Instincts really took over and I just relaxed.”
Rogers also mentioned that the pizzas were gluten free, an aspect that the students enjoy.
“I like showing people healthier alternatives,” said Velozo.
Members of the Southwick Senior Center were in attendance for the cooking class. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
As much as the seniors appreciated the great tasting pizzas with the several varieties of non-traditional ingredients, the students enjoyed making them as well.
“It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s good,” said Lebron.
Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan is fully engaged in doing inter-generational activities between students and seniors, and Tuesday morning’s cooking class was yet another example of that.
“Both populations get a value out of it,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan also says that the feedback she has received from the seniors proves that the activity has become a success.
“They just really enjoy it, it’s very valuable,” said Sullivan.
There will continue to be more cooking classes at the senior center and once the next date is made official more information will be released.
