HASTINGS, Fla. — Twelve young bakers traded summer downtime for mixing bowls, family recipes and a little friendly competition during the Kids Can Cook Baking Contest at The Venue in Hastings.
The summertime event, presented by the Women’s Food Alliance and spearheaded by founder Leigh Cort, brought together children ages 8 to 13 for an afternoon centered around baking, creativity and the stories that often begin in a family kitchen.
And this wasn't simply a matter of showing up with the prettiest cupcake.
Before reaching the finals, young chefs were asked to submit a dessert recipe along with a short story explaining why they chose it. The finalists then brought their creations to Hastings, where judges considered taste, imaginative use of ingredients, presentation, the dessert's name and the child's story behind the recipe.
More than a baking contest
The competition was designed in part to get children into the kitchen with their families — learning skills that can be passed from one generation to another.
Cort has said the idea behind Kids Can Cook is to encourage children to develop confidence in the kitchen while preserving the family traditions and memories that often surround food. The Women’s Food Alliance itself focuses on education, collaboration and connections within the culinary and hospitality industry throughout Florida and coastal Georgia.
That made Hastings an especially fitting setting.
The finals were held at The Venue, a restored historic property on North Main Street that has become a gathering place for weddings, dinners and community events. The redevelopment is also part of a broader effort to bring new activity to downtown Hastings while preserving the community's rural, Old Florida character.
Learn more about The Venue in Hastings
Twelve young chefs make the finals
The July 15 finals featured 12 young chefs between the ages of 8 and 13, each showcasing a baked dessert.
Contest rules required finalists to prepare at least eight servings for judging, with the desserts evaluated on more than flavor alone. Originality, appearance and even the story behind the creation were part of the score.
Prizes added to the fun. Organizers had lined up experiences ranging from children's cooking and baking activities to a grand prize stay at Mission Resort + Club in Central Florida.
But arguably the bigger win was getting a dozen St. Johns-area kids excited about something families have been doing for generations: making something together in the kitchen and sharing it with everyone else.
Hastings continues its comeback as a community gathering place
Kids Can Cook is also one more example of the growing number of community events taking place in Hastings.
Hastings Main Street has been working to revitalize the town's historic downtown through businesses, community gatherings and the reuse of previously vacant or underused properties. The Venue has emerged as one of those gathering places, hosting dinners, markets, meetings and special events.
And judging by a room filled with 12 young bakers this summer, the next generation already has a seat at the table.
Or at least a spot next to the mixing bowl.
Women’s Food Alliance
Explore Hastings Main Street and upcoming events
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Looking for more things to do with kids in St. Johns County?
Explore the StJohnsFL.org Families Guide, our Youth Sports Guide, and the Things to Do calendar for family activities, programs and events around the county.