I walked into consumer science (cooking class) to find everyone neatly in their seats and ready to make that day’s recipe.  ”Why are all of you so quiet?” I asked, still slightly in shock.  ”We have to be quiet so we can make the caramel rolls faster!” one of my classmate’s exclaimed.  I sat down and follow the crowd – not due to peer pressure, those caramel rolls are good!

This week, I’m the chef of the kitchen.  I like cooking and baking and preparing foods.  It calms me down and fills my stomach!  Since I have more cooking experience due to my mom and grandma, the recipes don’t seem too difficult to me.  I think it’s good to have a consumer science class. Next year, I’ll get to learn how to sew things like pillows, blankets, hats, etc.

As I sit down start to take my first bite of a caramel roll, I hear some of the kids whispering, “Why didn’t I make these yesterday?!?!”, “These are amazing!”, “They should call them heaven rolls!”.   I understood what they meant soon after I got my first taste – a yummy combo of doughy goodness and brown sugar!  I look forward to the rest of the rotation and making more yummy treats.

Caramel Roll Recipe (courtesy of my consumer science teacher):

1 Tube Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons whipping cream

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.  Mix brown sugar and cream in bottom of round cake pan.

3.  Sprinkle with nuts.

4.  Cut each biscuit into quarters with kitchen shears and place on top of  brown sugar/cream mixture.

5.  Bake for 10 to  15 minutes or until brown on top.

6.  Carefully turn pan upside down on a plate to serve.

CAUTION: HOT CARAMEL!

It really stinks that at most spas and resorts, the age limit is 16. I know a lot of pre-teens who want and need to let all their stress go – some place to just clear the mind of all distasteful thoughts (SCHOOL).  I bet relaxation centers would make more money if they lowered the age limit. I realize that there are some treatments that are not supposed to be done on the more delicate tissue and bones of a 12 year old. But that doesn’t mean they can’t come up with different treatments just for us.

My mom found a spa in the northwestern suburbs that does provide facials to 12 year olds.  It’s very relaxing, and you do just zone out, forget about your paper due on Tuesday.  Why can’t more spas do the same?  Then young people throughout the Chicago area could experience it, unwind and relax.

I’m just saying that spas and resorts need to consider lowering the age limit. And really all businesses that have a 16 and under policy. Would 4 minor years really hurt anyone?  We wouldn’t cause a riot or set the place on fire.

I am a member of an all-star team in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.  I have been cheering since I was just 6 years old.  My mom was a cheerleader in high school and college, as a captain.  She probably nudged me towards the sport and I’m glad she did.  It’s time consuming, exhausting and dangerous, but I think it’s all worth it.

We practice for about three hours a night, twice a week.  To some, that’s not a lot and to others, it’s annoying.  I love the feeling of “flying” when I’m thrown into the air.  I’m one of the “flyers” – the girls who get tossed during the stunts.  How could my parents not get nervous?  Well, my mom was a flyer, so she understands what it’s like.  My dad is the nervous one but I think he tries to hide it.

You might have seen some cheerleading movies like Bring It On or Fired Up! The teams in those movies are cheering for their school just like at most schools.  But my team doesn’t represent a school and we only compete against other all-star teams.

Some people don’t consider cheerleading a sport, which I find annoying.  It’s just as much of a sport as any other.

A day in health class can really teach you something.  Last week’s topic was portion control and a discussion of how a lot of Americans are now overweight or obese.  It really makes you step back from the table and look at your dinner plate.

Serving portions grew a lot in the 80′s.  A bagel back then was 140 calories and 3 inches wide.  Today, a bagel can be about 350 calories and 6 inches wide!  That equals half of the grains a person is supposed to have in one day.  Scary, huh?  The scariest part for me is that kids are even at risk for conditions like heart disease.  It’s made me focus even more on regular exercise, although just a walk can reduce the odds of becoming obese.  I think it’s kind of silly for people who are at risk and are being affected to do nothing about it.  Exercising and eating smaller portions aren’t hard.  It’s for their benefit; for a better, healthier life.   Why not?

So walk your dog, ride your bike, or dance like nobody’s watching.  Because it will be for a better tomorrow.  And thanks to my health teacher, who taught me what I’m telling you.

As a pre-teen, I don’t like the idea of kids having a separate menu just because of age.I guess restaurants, and their owners, don’t take into account that we are young adults and we might just want smaller portions from the better menu.I would rather have a mini filet mignon than the usual options of chicken fingers, pizza, buttered noodles, and other simple foods.But seldom do I find a smaller portion of the “regular menu” foods.And I know that I usually steal off my parents plates just because their food looks better.