FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2011
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

Sister and brother cook up fun at MUW culinary camp

COLUMBUS, Miss. – At the age of 16, Alliemarie Brooks moves through the kitchen like a seasoned culinary student. It’s no wonder; she and her 15-year-old brother Tinsley Brooks have been attending culinary camp at Mississippi University for Women for the past 10 years.

As a result, both have acquired a fondness of the kitchen—one for cooking and the other for eating.

“When we started, it was a fun summer activity. We just kept coming back year after year after year,” Alliemarie said. “Since that time, I have developed a love for cooking, and I want to come back and attend MUW’s culinary program”

Each year campers return, Chef Vicki Leach tailors recipes to fit their ability.

“I develop all the recipes we use, and I really think about the kids who have been here before,” Leach said. “We personalize the experience, and I think that’s what makes it so successful.”

At home, Alliemarie seeks difficult recipes to try. One of her most challenging creations is a homemade Alfredo sauce. “It just takes time,” she said.

Tinsley recently cooked Corn Flake candy at home.

“Cooking camp is a good place to try things,” he said. It’s just fun, and I like to eat.”

Chef Leach encourages the students to have fun and try different foods. “It’s a safe place to do it,” she said. “I ask them to try everything, but they don’t have to like it.”

Looking into the future, Tinsley said, “I will know how to cook for myself when I go to college so I won’t have to eat pizza every night.”

In addition to becoming more comfortable in the kitchen, the two have made friends at the camp.

“We’ve gained a lot of people skills. We have met people from Georgia and Texas,” said Alliemarie.

Chef Leach said watching the sister and brother grow up over the past few years has been so much fun.

“They just crack me up. Alliemarie is so serious. They are total opposites,” she said. “I enjoy them and look forward to them coming each year.”

Alliemarie and Tinsley are the children of Dr. James and Rosemarie Brooks.

For more information about MUW’s culinary programs, call (662) 241-7472.