‘Chopped’—Home Kitchen Version

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we hope all of our Manhattan patients are staying home and staying safe for their own protection, and to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We also know that many families are experiencing severe cases of cabin fever at this point too. How about breaking up the boredom with a home version of the popular television show, ‘Chopped’?

Choose Your Teams

Depending on the number of family members and their ages, you can decide if individuals or teams will participate. Keep skill level even. Either have kids compete against kids, or pair an adult or older sibling with a younger child. Designate one adult to be the judge (young assistants welcome!).

Time to Dish

Just like on the reality television show, the judge puts together the basket of ingredients that contestants must use to make a dish. Scour your cabinets (most of us have way more in them than we think!), fridge and freezer and come up with several ingredients for the contestants to use. Decide if you will have your players make an appetizer, main dish, or dessert. You’ll probably want to give your contestants more time than the players get on the show, especially if the dishes will be cooked. For younger children who may not have as long an attention span, perhaps make it a non-cooked snack or dessert and allow less time.

Ready, Set Go!

Explain the rules:

·         All ingredients in the basket must be used

·         Dishes must be completed and plated for the judge when the timer goes off

·         The judge’s decision is final

Then set the timer and let the teams go to work. When the timer goes off, taste both dishes and decide on a winner, based on flavor, creative use of all ingredients and presentation. Of course, offer compliments to both chef teams and point out the positives of the second-place dish too.

Sneak in Some Learning

You can also use this game to teach your children as well. There are several possibilities, including:

·         Measurements and fractions

·         Healthy foods and ways to prepare them

·         Cooking skills

Just don’t try to do all of these at once. Remember, the idea is to have fun!

Of course, as always, our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia, are available to handle any podiatric concerns you have. Contact our Upper West Side office by calling: (212) 877-1002.

Stay safe everyone!