Barry House Life Skills

Of the many lessons we try to teach the boys in Barry House, cooking is one of the favourites. It’s a skill that is very important as young men grow up, for many reasons. Firstly, it’s an opportunity to learn about good nutrition, and how to source the best foods. Secondly, as the boys move through life and out into the real world, independence is such an important prerequisite, especially as so many boarders leave home straight after school. Cooking at home beats takeaway any day! Thirdly, we hope that the Barry House boys can take these skills home with them and cook for their families on holidays and on weekends, maybe go a little way to paying back the many meals served up to them over the years.

The Master-on-Duty buys the ingredients, sets out the cooking utensils and prints off the recipes to follow. Boys split into two or three groups, and following the instructions, a little while later they have cooked up their own gastronomic delight (with the odd disaster at times). Usually, the boys are surprised at how easy it all is. Recently, Spaghetti Bolognese was on the menu; it brought the House together, there was some friendly MKR rivalry, and then it was outside, al fresco, to enjoy the spoils under a mild evening sky – perfect.