Baking by the books

Half a dozen children had fun decorating butterfly and flower cookies at the Wantagh Public Library on April 27 in celebration of the spring season. With just a pair of gloves and a baking apron, the children were able to learn about the culinary arts and even bring home a box of goodies for their family.

“With the decorating, I like them to be more creative because libraries in particular, seem to be more free in that way,” baking instructor Chris Scolaro said. “After-school sessions are different because the children’s mindsets are more regimented.”

With students off from school for spring break, the baking class was a perfect way to keep them occupied and give parents an hour of free time. The Baking Coach, an entertainment company located in Huntington, provided the cookies, icing, decorations and even the boxes for them to bring home the treats.

“I didn’t even know I liked baking until I took this job,” Scolaro said. “I’ve been learning alongside the kids!”

While decorating their festive cookies, the children also learned about primary and secondary colors, how to measure certain ingredients and how to make fondant — a mix of sugar, vanilla extract and shortening.

“The kids were very independent,” Scolaro said. “They were very open to having fun and learning something new.”

The Baking Coach holds baking classes and other activities at most public libraries, after-school programs and even at senior citizen housing complexes. For more information on the various events visit www.bakingcoach.com.

“Today was definitely sugar-rush city,” Scolaro added with a laugh.