Classroom offers cutting-edge culinary lessons for kids

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Kids got to show off their cooking skills Sunday afternoon at the Master Chef Jr. Open House.

"It's designed to give kids great, basic skills in cooking and food preparation,"

said John Alunni, owner and chef at The Cutting Edge Classroom.

It was full of valuable lessons and on Sunday's menu was pizza.

"It's always hands on here, so they get to actually do everything,"

Alunni said.

Kids participating in the class said they enjoy the warm kitchen and it's aromas, which always smell delicious.

"For a really long time, I've been cooking for my family for a while because I love to do it,"

10-year-old Farrah Laverghetta said.

Alunni saud these are skills that will come in handy as the kids grow into adults.

"My mom was sick one day and I didn't know how to cook, and my 12-year-old brother knew how,"

9-year-old Olivia Kohl said.

"He was trying to teach me and I was like, 'I don't get this at all.' So I learned from him."

Previously a culinary teacher at UT, Chef John Alunni said teaching kids to cook at a young age is beneficial.

"It's important for self sufficiency, safety in the kitchen, I think it helps them to eat better and try different types of foods,"

Alunni said.

Anyone interested in taking classes at the Cutting Edge Classroom can visit its website.