Sauce or Gravy? Central Montco Dives into Southern Italian Classics!

Week 6 at Create-a-Cook Central Montco took our junior chefs on a journey through the heart of Southern Italy in Sauce or Gravy? Southern Italian Cuisine. This flavorful week focused on the sauces, staples, and sweets that define the region—encouraging campers to embrace slow cooking, bold flavor, and hands-on technique.

With Chef Jarrett leading the savory side of the kitchen, campers learned the art of simmering, layering flavor, and creating satisfying, traditional dishes, including:

• Ratatouille Pasta – a colorful medley of vegetables and herbs tossed with pasta

• Arancini with Homemade Marinara Sauce – crispy risotto balls paired with a robust, scratch-made tomato sauce

• Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta – elegant stacks of eggplant layered with herbed cheese

• Sunday Gravy – the quintessential Southern Italian red sauce, slow-simmered with meats for maximum flavor

Meanwhile, Chef Megan brought sweet Italian indulgence to the table, helping junior chefs explore baking techniques, flavor balance, and presentation with:

• Orange Olive Oil Cake with Honey Thyme Glaze – fragrant, moist, and glazed to perfection

• Biscotti – classic twice-baked cookies perfect for dunking

• Mini Ricotta Cheesecakes – creamy, tangy, and rich with Italian character

• Peach Crostata – rustic and juicy, wrapped in a golden flaky crust

• Lemon Ricotta Cookies – soft, citrusy, and just the right touch of sweet

This week wasn’t just about following recipes—it was about understanding the “why” behind the process. From learning how to sauté aromatics for a perfect base to whipping ricotta until airy and light, our junior chefs walked away with valuable culinary skills and a deeper appreciation for Italian food culture.

We’re so proud of how focused, creative, and collaborative our campers were this week. With sauce-splattered aprons and smiles all around, it’s safe to say this Southern Italian adventure was a savory success!