Add a sprinkle of enchantment to your child's cooking escapades with our Fred and Friends Mushroom-Shaped Measuring Cups! Delightfully charming and whimsically designed, these tools turn cooking into an enjoyable and educational journey. Watch as your young chef effortlessly learns to measure and mix, enhancing their understanding of quantities and ratios while igniting their creativity and passion for culinary arts. These measuring cups nest together like a delightful mushroom cluster, ensuring they are never lost and instead become a charming decoration in your kitchen. Infuse your space with a hint of fairy-tale magic and inspire the next generation of master chefs today! 🍄✨

Introducing the "Let Me Cook" Kids T-Shirt, a must-have wardrobe staple for all aspiring junior chefs from the Children's Culinary Institute. Crafted from soft, breathable cotton, this shirt combines comfort with a playful design that every young culinary enthusiast will love. The bold print proudly declares their passion for cooking, making it the perfect attire for both kitchen adventures and everyday wear. Wearing this t-shirt, junior chefs can showcase their skills and confidence in the kitchen, while inspiring peers to join the culinary journey. Whether your child is whipping up a simple salad or experimenting with gourmet recipes, the "Let Me Cook" t-shirt is the perfect way for them to celebrate their love for cooking and stand out as a proud member of the culinary community.

"Chef Arlena takes the lesser known history of cooking to a younger generation of budding chefs who are hungry for the stories behind the food! The past comes alive with colorful relatable illustrations and fun facts for learning nestled alongside the adventure. It's clear that Arlena understands how to engage children in the delectable art of preparing food; no doubt a result of her many years experience in the kitchen with students of The Children's Culinary Institute. This book is sure to be gobbled up by little cooks everywhere!"

"A fantastic way to bridge culinary treasures and modern day life! Chef Arlena brings the history of chefs to life in this fun and beautiful story, and gives families an opportunity to explore the kitchen together."

At CCI, we understand that picky eaters can be a challenge, but we love turning mealtime into a delightful adventure! Our cooking classes are all about introducing young ones to new foods in a fun and engaging way. Now, we're bringing that excitement to your home with the Dino Dinner Winner—a playful plate game designed to encourage kids to explore a variety of foods without the pressure. This interactive approach transforms each meal into a fun-filled journey, helping little eaters discover new flavors and textures while enjoying the thrill of the game. Make mealtime as enjoyable at home as it is in our classes with this innovative and entertaining solution!

All Items are for pick up at 88 West St. Pittsboro, NC 27312

Introducing Chef Arlena's top olive oil recommendation, now available for purchase in our chef shop! This exquisite oil hails from a picturesque grove in Benivento, Italy, where it has been crafted with passion and tradition for over 300 years. Having personally visited this grove and used this oil for over a decade, I can confidently say it’s an essential part of my culinary creations. Its rich, robust flavors and silky texture have made it indispensable in my kitchen, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. Elevate your cooking with this exceptional olive oil and experience the difference it brings to your dishes. Your new kitchen staple awaits!

Introducing the vibrant Non-Woven Bright Green Cinch Backpack, the perfect companion for your aspiring junior chef! Designed with practicality and style in mind, this backpack offers ample space to neatly fit your child's class workbook and apron, ensuring they are always prepared for every culinary adventure. Crafted from durable non-woven material, it’s both lightweight and sturdy, making it easy for young chefs to carry their essentials. The backpack features a special spot for writing their name and proudly displays a "Jr. Chef in Training" badge, allowing your child to showcase their passion for cooking wherever they go. Ideal for school, cooking classes, or everyday adventures, this backpack is more than just a bag—it's a badge of culinary ambition!

"Chef Arlena Strode does it again in this heart-warming true tale of overcoming and bringing people together in Food Bridges: The Story of Leah Chase. Children will stay engaged and excited throughout the story as she blends discussion topics, cultural history, and cooking all together in a colorful narrative. Whether your child is new to cooking or already passionate, Chef Arlena and her experience leading the Children's Culinary Institute truly shines through. This isn't just a book to read, it's an experience!"

For pick up only - 88 W street Pittsboro

Introducing "Mr. Food Face"—the ultimate culinary adventure for kids! This delightful item transforms mealtime into an engaging, creative experience that encourages children to play with their food in a constructive way. Mr. Food Face is a whimsical plate featuring a simple face design that invites young chefs to use an array of colorful fruits, vegetables, and other edible goodies to create unique, imaginative expressions. As kids decorate and garnish their plates, they not only learn the art of plating but also develop a curiosity for trying new foods. Whether turning broccoli into hair or using cherry tomatoes for eyes, Mr. Food Face makes every meal a canvas for creativity, making healthy eating both fun and educational. Perfect for inspiring budding food artists and making family dinners a joyous occasion, Mr. Food Face is where imagination meets mealtime!

Introducing "Mrs. Food Face"—the perfect companion for kids' culinary adventures! This enchanting plate transforms ordinary meals into a delightful game of creativity and exploration, encouraging young ones to express themselves through food. Featuring a charming face design, Mrs. Food Face invites children to decorate with an assortment of vibrant fruits, veggies, and other tasty treats, crafting imaginative and unique expressions. As they playfully arrange carrot curls for hair or blueberry earrings, kids not only discover the art of plating but also cultivate a willingness to explore new flavors. Mrs. Food Face turns every meal into a masterpiece, promoting healthy eating habits in a fun and educational way. Ideal for igniting the imaginations of aspiring food artists and making family meals an exciting event, Mrs. Food Face is where creativity and cuisine come together!

In this third book of the series, the heartwarming story of Fannie Farmer as told by Chef Arlena with the Children’s Culinary Institute will bring smiles to young ones as they begin to appreciate the importance of healthy eating. Fannie lived a challenging, yet rewarding life as she learned to press forward while working around some of life’s obstacles. Her extraordinary efforts in the field of food science continue to benefit all of us today. Fun experiments and interesting facts makes this book interactive and the art is engaging. What a wonderful book for little cooks and their parents alike.

The Obsessive Chef Cutting Board

Elevate your culinary experience with the Obsessive Chef Cutting Board, the top recommendation from our CCI chef. This premium instructional cutting board is expertly designed for advanced culinary students looking to refine their knife skills. With precise measurement guides and cutting angles engraved into the surface, it offers a practical and effective way to master the art of precision cutting. Whether you're practicing julienne, chiffonade, or brunoise, this cutting board ensures consistent results, turning your kitchen into a professional workspace. Perfect for those passionate about their craft, the Obsessive Chef Cutting Board is an essential tool for any aspiring chef.

All Items are for pick up at 88 West St. Pittsboro, NC

Safe Knife

Unleash your child’s culinary creativity with the Junior Chef Safe Knife Set, specially designed to empower young chefs in the kitchen while ensuring maximum safety. Perfect for children ages 3 and up, we use these in our kids' cooking classes, and you can choose the size based on your hand size, with smaller knives ideal for smaller kids. This set includes three knives of varying sizes, each with a rounded tip and serrated edge to prevent accidental cuts. Crafted from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel and featuring ergonomic, non-slip handles, these knives provide a comfortable grip for little hands. The vibrant colors make cooking fun and encourage kids to engage with their food preparation. Whether your child is slicing soft fruits, cutting vegetables, or spreading butter, the Junior Chef Safe Knife Set inspires confidence and skill development in a safe and controlled manner. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, this set is an ideal gift for budding chefs. Let your child explore the joys of cooking with peace of mind and safety at the forefront.

This is for just one knife and all items are for pick up only at 88 West St. Pittsboro NC

The Worst Cook in New York, is the fourth in a fun series for little cooks. This book reminds kids of the importance of keeping clean hands and a tidy kitchen. Mary Mallon, better known today as Typhoid Mary, has a zany story that is sure to delight kids of all ages. She didn't know what we know now about hygiene, and food preparation. Kid everywhere will love this story and learn in a creative way how to be a great chef, and prepare food safely.

- paperback only

For pick up only - 88 west st Pittsboro

Unleash your inner chef with Fred and Friends' Catepiller -shaped vegetable peeler! This delightful tool isn't just quirky—it combines fun with function. One side of the cutting mechanism is safely covered, ensuring peace of mind while peeling. Plus, the ergonomic child-sized handle offers easy control for both little and big hands, making it the perfect twist to your kitchen routine!

All items are for pick up at the school- 88 West st Pittsboro NC

Introducing the Match Up Food Game, the perfect blend of fun and flavor for snack time! This engaging memory game invites players to embark on a culinary adventure by matching pairs of delectable snacks hidden behind colorful doors. Ideal for all ages, the Match Up Food Game not only challenges your memory skills but also tantalizes your taste buds with a variety of new and exciting foods. Each round promises a delightful surprise as you uncover and sample snacks from different cuisines. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a solo snack session, this game transforms ordinary snacking into an entertaining experience that everyone will savor. Unleash your inner foodie and let the Match Up Food Game bring joy and excitement to your snack time! Encourage adventurous eating from the start!

All products are for pick up at 88 West ST. Pittsboro NC

Introducing our delightful "Mini Chef Adventures" coloring book series—a perfect blend of creativity and culinary exploration designed for budding chefs! These innovative coloring books are crafted to engage young minds with the world of food, recipes, and kitchen tools. Each page features beautifully illustrated food items, step-by-step recipe guides, and essential cooking utensils, waiting to be brought to life with vibrant colors. As your mini chef embarks on their culinary journey, they can proudly color in the unique "I did it" symbols each time they taste, try, or use something new. This interactive feature encourages adventurous eating and hands-on learning, making the kitchen a fun and exciting place to be. Perfect for parents and educators who want to inspire the next generation of food lovers and future chefs!

Introducing the "Memoroni Pizza Matching Game" – a delightful and engaging twist on the classic memory game, perfect for pizza lovers of all ages! Dive into a world of cheesy fun as you flip over cards to find matching pizza toppings, from pepperoni to mushrooms, and everything in between. As you talk about the different toppings and play with these cards, you'll be exposed to new food ideas, making it a gateway to expand your culinary horizons. Designed to enhance memory skills and provide hours of entertainment, this game features vibrant, mouth-watering illustrations that capture the essence of everyone’s favorite food. Packaged in a compact, pizza-themed box, it's easy to take this game on the go for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy night at home. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, the Memoroni Pizza Matching Game promises a slice of joy and a dash of challenge in every round!

All items are for pick up at 88 West St. Pittsboro, NC

"Write My Own Cookbook" is an innovative approach to mastering the art of cooking. This method encourages you to document your culinary experiences, offering a unique and personalized way to track your progress and growth. By journaling your experiences, you not only learn new techniques but also expand your culinary vocabulary, all while enjoying the journey at your own pace. This approach allows you to select recipes—whether from online resources or cherished family traditions—that align with the learning recommendations provided by seasoned culinary educator, Chef Arlena Strode. As you explore different cuisines and cooking styles, you’ll gain confidence and creativity in the kitchen, making every meal a new opportunity for discovery and enjoyment.

Six Star Chicken is a delightfully illustrated and engaging read for any young reader! Chef Arlena brings to life a story of grit and determination, exampled in the mother of culinary- Chef Eugenie Brazier. This rendition of her story is told in a way in which any child can learn and benefit. Parents, teachers and caregivers will especially appreciate the historical facts inside as an opportunity for more in-depth conversations. - Paperback only

All items must be picked up at 88 West st. Pittsboro NC

Introducing our Toddler Wavy Cutter, the perfect kitchen tool for little chefs eager to join in on family cooking adventures! Designed with safety and fun in mind, this wavy cutter is ideal for slicing through soft foods like bananas, cooked carrots, potatoes, melons, and cucumbers. Its user-friendly design not only encourages toddlers to participate in meal preparation but also aids in the development of essential motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and hand strength. Crafted with child-friendly materials, this cutter is a wonderful way to inspire confidence and creativity in young cooks. Watch your little one's culinary skills blossom with this engaging and educational kitchen companion!

For pick up only - 88 W street Pittsboro