Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Baldwin High School recently welcomed back alum Chef Hal Udell, founder of Cooking with Hal, who shared nearly 30 years of professional culinary experience with students in the school’s culinary arts and life skills programs.
Udell, who trained under master chefs and has been featured on the Food Network, led hands-on cooking sessions with classes ranging from grades 9 through 12. Students prepared and sampled healthy “potato chip” alternatives, such as kale and cabbage chips, while learning about nutrition and mindful eating.
“Chef Hal’s visit was not just a cooking demonstration; it was a powerful lesson on how small choices can contribute to lifelong wellness,” said culinary teacher Samantha Billg. “Our students left feeling inspired and informed.”
Beyond his culinary career, Udell serves as an executive board member of Chef and Child, a program of the American Culinary Federation’s Long Island chapter, and as vice president of the Seaford Wellness Council. Over the past year, he has taught more than 10,000 children about healthy eating habits.
Baldwin expects to invite Udell back in the spring for another wellness-focused cooking workshop.
