Out and About, Trying New Things

 Jr. Chef Day Camp definitely had an excitement around it today as we travelled to Raleigh for some exciting edible experiences.   

  Our first stop was at a Slice of Pie Company.  Our youth met the Pie Lady, Kristen Mullins and heard her story of starting this delightfully tasteful company.  Going from a family recipe and winning blue ribbons at the NC State Fair for her apple pie, she has combined that into a successful pie business that ships pies nationwide.  It has also given her the opportunity to meet and bake for celebrities and hone her own skills.  She says looking back ten years to what she used to bake to the custom pies she can create now, her skill set has grown.  Just proving we are never too old to learn.  Our youth later said they learned that hard work is worth it, because you could create a job for your passion.  They said they also learned that you don't fail unless you give up.  They were inspired by the Pie Lady and her story.

  Our next stop was at North Carolina State University (NCSU).  We went straight to Fountain Dining Hall for lunch with the college students.  A few of our campers were skeptical, but after walking in they saw the difference between their school cafeteria and how the college students eat.  They were excited about the huge salad bar, pizza options, and lets not forget the soft serve ice cream machine complete with toppings.  It was an experience that they were all excited about.

  Our next stop of the day, was Videri Chocolate Factory.  There we went on a self guided tour to learn how chocolate is made from the cocoa beans collected near the equator from pods grown on trees, all the way to our stomachs.  They spoke with the head chocolate maker at Veredi and watched as cocoa beans were roasted.  Some of the brave soles even tried a bean out of the roaster, however I think all of them agreed that was not their favorite.  However the aftermath of the chocolate with sugar added was more to their liking.

     We made a quick Stop at Slice of Pie to purchase some pies and bring back to try during the week.  The campers were excited about that and the chocolate bars they would get to take home.  All in all it was a sweet day.  To see all our photos from today please click this link.