Rice crispies are often one of those favourite snack foods that make childhood memorable. Although, it sometimes cuts the roof of your mouth, but to many it is delicious. Making this cereal killer sweet, even more attractive, was a Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) workshop dedicated to decorating the sweet demon.

Children divided in teams of four were handed out crispy rice shapes, Oreo biscuit, Kit-Kat crumbs, rainbow vermicelli and fondant. Immersed in exploring and decorating their pieces, these children were seen creating curious faces unleashing their imagination at SCRF’s culinary boutique.  Learning to sculpt with different food items was one of the key take ways of this workshop.

Although this decoration was seemingly elementary, the chef confesses, dessert decoration’s advanced techniques can be challenging, “what we are teaching today is quite basic, elementary, just to draw kids to experiment with food and its different colours and textures. The idea is to unleash their imagination, allowing them to express themselves”.  

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival’s daily culinary corner is introducing appetising recipes that are tailor made for kids.

Held under the theme ‘Explore Knowledge’, SCRF’s 11-day event’s calendar from April 17-27, features 130 culinary activities and cooking stations that are showcasing the creative skills of several chefs through a wide range of healthy and new recipes. Top nutritionists are also sharing healthy diets and tips for visitors, through a series of workshops and seminars.

A cultural celebration attracting not only children, but extending the joy of learning to parents and adults in a family- friendly atmosphere. SCRF encourages learning and self-education from a young age, helping raise a generation of leaders, scholars and professionals who will contribute to the development of their society.

SCRF is held annually under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Muhammad Al Qasimi. Last year has seen the festival succeed at attracting more than 306,000 visitors, hosting 134 exhibitors specialized in children’s literature and entertaining visitors with 2600 educational and fun-filled activities.