Design and make Food

DESIGN & MAKE FOOD lessons take place in the splendid new, purpose built JACKSON SUITE which was opened in 2004.
 
Curriculum
The focus of FOOD at St. James' is on the understanding of food ingredients, their preparation and cooking in a well-equipped specialist room. Cooking is a craft and the students are given the chance to learn the skills and appreciate their value as they progress through the school.
 
The younger students in the Preparatory Department enjoy experiencing food through a range of hands-on fun activities and after school clubs are very popular.
 
During Years 7-9 the students gain the benefits of building life skills and knowledge through practical work with food. These are numerous and include

- Health and nutrition
- Eating a balanced diet... 'we are what we eat'
- The use and preparation of fresh ingredients
- Cooking methods
- Comparison of home-made and ready prepared food
- Wise choice of convenience food
- Use of labour saving equipment
- Sensory analysis
- Knowledge of hygiene standards and safety requirements
- Consumer issues
- Confidence and capability to work as an individual or as a
   group member

Food Club
A FOOD CLUB for senior students takes place after school on one night a week for approximately one hour. All are welcome but the club is particularly popular with boarders. The students are encouraged to indulge their love of cooking as a hobby in their leisure time and learn new skills, whilst taking advantage of individual help and attention.
It is amazing to see how a little bit of practice can build confidence and expertise.

CORN and BACON FRITTERS... perfect hot or cold, for a nutritious snack, packed lunch or party dish. Vegetarians... leave out the bacon or add chopped red pepper.
 
This is what you need to make approx. 18

- 150g. plain flour
- 150ml. milk
- 2 eggs
- 326g. can unsalted sweetcorn (drained)
- 2-4 spring onions (finely chopped) OR half a small onion, grated
- salt and black pepper to season to taste
- 4 rashers bacon pre-grilled and snipped into small pieces
- sunflower oil for frying
 
This is what you do:

- Ask an adult to supervise.
- Remember to wash your hands before beginning.
- Put the flour, milk, eggs and a pinch of salt into a food processor or liquidizer goblet, and switch on
   until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Pour this mixture into a large jug and add the sweetcorn and spring onion and grilled bacon pieces.
- Season with a little salt and black pepper. Take care not to add too much!
- Heat a little oil in a large frying pan over a medium/high heat until sizzling.
- Add 4 tablespoonsful of the mixture at a time and fry for 2-3 minutes until firm and golden.
   Turn the 4 fritters over and cook the other sides until golden brown.
- Drain the fritters on kitchen paper and make the next batch.
- Eat immediately or leave to cool and store in the fridge.