Danny Ferraro of Ferraro Foods joined students in the Steps to Opportunities and Readiness (SOAR) Program for a hands-on culinary workshop, teaching them how to make his family's homemade gnocchi and sauce from scratch.
In the commercial kitchen on the Trail Campus, students measured and mixed the gnocchi dough, learned a new rolling technique, and portioned and prepared it for its boiling water bath. They also cooked up two large pots of sauce one vegetarian and one meat-based gaining practical kitchen experience while building confidence and teamwork skills.
Ferraro Foods is a large, inclusive employer in the region, and the workshop provided a meaningful connection for students, giving them the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills and enhance their employability.
"I love working with people and teaching people how to make simple, different things," says Ferraro. "The students were so receptive and did an incredible job today. My mother taught me the breaststroke rolling technique. Teaching through food brings connection, enthusiasm, and provides simple recipes for tasty dishes that people can do themselves."
For the students, the experience was both educational and rewarding. "This was brand new for me," says Jordan. "I liked the teamwork today. And I like gnocchi."
