Introduction
As parents navigate the challenges of distance learning and homeschooling, it becomes essential to incorporate engaging and educational activities into their children’s curriculum. One such activity is cooking, which not only provides valuable life skills but also nurtures creativity and independence. Raddish, a subscription-based cooking kit for kids, offers an exciting way to explore the culinary world while learning various subjects. In this article, we delve into the details of Raddish, its mission, and how it works, providing insights into this perfect homeschool activity for kids.
What is Raddish?
Raddish is a cooking kit that focuses on teaching and learning through the art of cooking. Born from the idea of a Los Angeles mom who was also a teacher, Raddish emphasizes the educational aspects of cooking, including math, science, creativity, and independence. This unique approach sets it apart as a valuable resource for parents seeking to engage their children in fun and educational activities.
The Raddish Experience
Each month, Raddish delivers a box filled with culinary adventures to your doorstep. The box contains three recipes related to a specific cuisine, along with a cooking utensil, laminated Table Talk cards for dinnertime conversations, and a keepsake badge. Upon subscribing, the first Raddish box also includes a branded apron and a binder ring for organizing subsequent month’s Table Talk cards. It’s important to note that while Raddish provides the recipes and cooking tools, you’ll need to purchase the fresh ingredients separately. However, they do provide a helpful shopping list to guide you. Additionally, subscribers gain access to a digital library featuring extra recipes, playlists, kitchen activities, and homeschool lesson plans.
Cost and Subscriptions
The cost of a Raddish subscription depends on the duration you choose. A monthly membership costs $24, which is the same as the price of a single kit. Opting for a six-month subscription brings the cost down to $22 per kit, while a 12-month subscription reduces it further to $20 per kit. Domestic shipping is free, and international shipping is available for an additional $7 per month. Please note that the Raddish apron is only included in the six- and 12-month subscriptions.
The Raddish Kit Experience
Each Raddish kit revolves around a theme and includes recipes and activities tailored to that theme. For example, our kit was themed “Taste of Thailand,” featuring recipes for Pad Thai Noodles, Chicken Satay Skewers, and Mango Sticky Rice. The kit also included a fun kitchen activity—Thai fruit carving—and Asian-themed Table Talk cards. Alongside these items, we received a red whisk, a Raddish apron, and a keepsake badge showcasing a picture of a Thai temple.
The quality of the items in the Raddish box is exceptional. The recipe cards are visually appealing, printed on laminated card stock, and easy to follow. The apron, made of durable polyester, is designed to withstand stains and frequent washing. However, it’s important to note that the box does not include actual food ingredients, not even spice packets.
Cooking with Raddish
The Raddish recipes are straightforward and kid-friendly. The recipe cards, complete with charming illustrations, make it easy for children, including pre-readers, to follow along. During our cooking experience, my children, with minimal assistance, prepared the Chicken Satay Skewers and Mango Sticky Rice. While I provided the necessary ingredients and measuring cups, they were able to tackle most of the preparation themselves. For children between 8 and 10 years old who are comfortable using the stove, Raddish offers an opportunity for independent cooking, allowing parents to relax and enjoy some personal time.
The Flavorful Outcome
Our Raddish-cooked dishes turned out delicious. The Chicken Satay Skewers received rave reviews from my normally picky eater, and even my daughter, who claimed to dislike Thai food, enjoyed them. The chicken was flavorful and reminiscent of the Satay I had experienced in Thailand. Although we found the Mango Sticky Rice slightly too sweet, the texture was perfect, and it was heartwarming to see my children embrace a dish they had never tried before, even if it was a dessert.
Is Raddish Worth It?
If you’re looking to incorporate more cooking into your homeschool or distance learning curriculum but lack the time for extensive research, Raddish is an excellent option. The themed kits, with their recipes and fun facts, provide a unique experience that can foster a love for cooking in children. By making cooking fun and accessible, Raddish encourages kids to expand their culinary horizons. Who knows, with enough practice, they might even take over the dinner preparations, giving parents some well-deserved relaxation time.