The ArTABLE! Programme at the Foyer Saint-Remi

“Is everyone happy to be here?” “Yes!” Marie Rouvillois and Caroline de Chantérac are faced with a young audience who are rather keen on the idea of spending two hours in the kitchen, leaving their worries at the door. As key members of Philanthropic ArsNova, they are well known at the Foyer Saint-Remi, which provides day-to-day support for children and teenagers in the care of Child Welfare Services. Together with their colleague, the dietitian Manon Edeline, they have already carried out occasional sessions there. This time, the programme – which was developed in collaboration with the school as part of the ArTABLE! programme – will run for one school year. “Once a month, you’ll discover a country and a dish from that country. Today we’re heading to the United States with a seasonal recipe: the pumpkin cupcake." The combination of vegetables and dessert gets young people talking. All the better: the aim is to show them that pumpkin, courgette and carrots can be used as alternatives to foods that are less healthy. Caroline continues: “Right, but to cook, we need…” The answer comes straight away: “An apron and a chef’s hat!” With their aprons on, sleeves rolled up and hands washed, today’s young chefs head back to the kitchens of their four households, accompanied by Marie and Caroline, who are assisted by Florence, Françoise and Sylvie, three kind-hearted volunteers. Let the party (for the taste buds) begin!

On each table are ingredients and utensils, the names of which they are learning. The red kuri squash, which the young people had gone to pick the day before at the Muizon pick-your-own, has already been puréed (by Patrick, the Foyer’s head chef). The instructions are given as they go along, with a touch of *Peau d’âne* about them (“Prepare your dough in a shallow bowl and, without further ado, turn on your oven, etc.”). The young shop assistants share the tasks among themselves: one weighs, one cracks the egg, one pours, one whips. The recipe is prepared in a cheerful atmosphere, with everyone helping one another. One of them, who had been quiet at first, eventually got into the swing of things and vigorously whisked the mixture in the large mixing bowl. The delight shining in everyone’s eyes grows even more when, with the mixture in the moulds and the moulds in the oven, it’s now time to pipe little Halloween designs using a piping bag filled with melted chocolate. And you’re allowed to lick up the leftovers! Their favourite part, they’ll admit at the end, as they proudly present all their baked, deliciously fragrant and decorated cupcakes. Just a little more patience before they can fully enjoy the fruits of their labour: the tasting is scheduled for dinner. 

The workshop is nearly finished, but not yet. In the goody bag they were given, the children will find a passport to have stamped, a quiz about the United States to extend the ‘journey’ and, of course, the recipe of the day, which they can try out for themselves. Christophe, head of department at the Foyer Saint-Remi, sees nothing but positives in this partnership with Philanthropic ArsNova: “The children take part in lots of activities with their teachers, but often separately, each in their own group. Whereas here they spent the afternoon all together doing the same activity. And for 15- to 18-year-olds, learning how to prepare and vary their meals is important for developing their independence." Marie Rouvillois emphasises this point: "Cooking is about much more than just preparing a meal. It’s a way of living together that we’re trying to pass on." Under the guise of teaching children about taste and healthy eating, the ArTABLE! programme is a fantastic tool for fostering sharing and a sense of community, as well as helping children to develop new skills and build self-confidence. And let’s not forget that it’s fun!


The ArTABLE! programme is supported by: Mauviel 1830, Taittinger, the Muizon harvest and Rougier & Plé. 

philanthropicarsnova.org/fr

foyersaintremi.fr



Text : Catherine Rivière