In Slovenia, a unique culinary program for children is reviving recipes to preserve a rich culinary heritage. The program called “The Kitchen and All That,” was launched 14 years ago as a cooking competition. It is now part of the curriculum, engaging almost 8,000 students in 196 schools nationwide. With their teacher’s guidance, students are encouraged to seek out forgotten recipes from their families and prepare them for their peers throughout the year.
Many regional dishes in Slovenia survive only through handwritten notes and the memories of older relatives. Slovenia boasts 24 distinct culinary regions, reflecting its complex history at the crossroads of Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe. The program emphasizes maintaining the rich history of seasonal and local food sourced from nearby farmers. More than 40,000 students have participated, making the program a huge success in preserving Slovenia’s culinary traditions.
