Food, Traditions, and the Joy of Teaching Kids to Cook

Do food traditions hold a special place in your heart? At Sticky Fingers Cooking®, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of food to connect people and build community—one delicious recipe at a time.

At Sticky Fingers Cooking®, we believe that teaching kids how to cook is about more than just recipes—it’s about sparking joy, building confidence, and connecting through the universal language of food.

Cooking is one of life’s most essential skills, and in our classes, children do so much more than whip up delicious dishes. They learn math, geography, history, science, teamwork, and so much more—all while gaining a deeper appreciation for where food comes from and what it means to different cultures.

Four young girls in colorful chef hats and green kitchen aprons smile next to drinks with lemon wedges. — During a Sticky Fingers Cooking lesson, kids learned how to make a yummy drink.

The Sticky Fingers Cooking franchise business model is based on thousands of recipes that I created (many are now in my cookbooks too) being used in the classroom. When kids learn to cook for themselves, it’s like unlocking a treasure chest of possibilities:
🍅 Learning about where ingredients come from.
🥕 Choosing slow, meaningful food over fast food.
🌽 Understanding the basics of nutrition.
🍰 Seeing food as a celebration and a way to connect with others.

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The Power of Food Traditions

One of the most magical moments in our classrooms is when kids share stories about their family’s food traditions—whether it’s a recipe passed down for generations or their favorite dish for a special occasion. These conversations create connections that go beyond the kitchen.

A young boy in a yellow t-shirt smiles while he holds a tray of frosted muffins. — A Sticky Fingers Cooking student happily shows off his baked muffins.

Pause for a moment and think about your own food traditions:
🥗 Is there a dish that defines your holidays?
🍓 A special treat that marks the arrival of summer?
🍵 A comfort food that always brings you home?

At Sticky Fingers Cooking, we celebrate traditions from around the globe! A few of our favorite recipes include:
🍲 Caldo Verde – A Portuguese soup that’s considered a national treasure.
🎂 Ms. Frizzle’s Chocolate Cake (Kladdkaka) – A Swedish treat perfect for any celebration.
🥖 Fun “Fufu” African Dough Balls – A West African staple for weddings and festivals.

🍩 Puff Puff the Nigerian Doughnuts –A recipe inspired by our own Chef Dylan’s childhood experience.

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A Recipe for Franchise Success

Just like food, choosing the right franchise opportunity needs to “click.” If you love sharing the joy of cooking with kids, exploring global food traditions, and creating meaningful connections in your community, Sticky Fingers Cooking® might be your perfect fit.

Some of our franchise owners have shared their own food traditions and how it inspires them in their work. If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear your story and explore if this flavorful opportunity is right for you!

Click here to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Let’s see if you’re the right mix of passion and purpose to join the Sticky Fingers Cooking family.