Casey Jojic founded The Flavor Labs driven by her passion for teaching and love for cooking. Raised in a family of educators, she spent 17 years in finance but never abandoned her culinary dreams. In 2019, she secured a location in Norwood and overcame pandemic challenges by offering virtual classes. By September 2020, The Flavor Labs opened, and in March 2023, it expanded to Paramus. Today, The Flavor Labs offers a variety of cooking classes for kids, emphasizing creativity and hands-on learning. Jojic's dedication to fostering a love for cooking in children has made The Flavor Labs a beloved community staple. Check out some of Jojic's favorite back-to-school recipes!
Pantry Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/3 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Equipment:
• Muffin Tin + Non-stick Spray
• Measuring cup (1/3 C)
• Mixing bowl • Measuring spoons (1 T, 1⁄4 t)
• Wooden Spoon • Optional: Small Cookie Scoop
• Fork
Instructions:
1. Spray a muffin tin (24 cups) with non-stick spray or line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Set aside.
2. Place ground turkey in a mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/3 cup breadcrumbs and 1/3 cup parmesan to the bowl.
4. Crack an egg into a small bowl, beat lightly, then add to the mixing bowl.
5. Add 1 tablespoon milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon dried basil.
6. Mix all ingredients gently with a wooden spoon.
7. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them in the muffin tin.
8. Bake at 375°F for 23-25 minutes (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Broil for the last 2 minutes to brown the tops, if desired.
9. Let meatballs cool slightly before removing them from the pan with a fork.
10. Enjoy!
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Blondies
Ingredients:
- Non-stick spray
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&Ms, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or other candy mix-in
Equipment:
- 8" square baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dinner spoon
- Butter knife
- Toothpick
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and melt butter.
2. Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
3. Pour melted butter into a large mixing bowl.
4. Crack egg into a small bowl, remove any shell, and add to the butter.
5. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla to the butter and egg. Mix until smooth.
6. Measure and add flour and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
7. Fold in ¾ cup of the candy mix-in.
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Sprinkle remaining candy mix-in on top and press gently.
10. Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
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Blueberry Streusel Muffins
Ingredients: (Muffins and Streusel Topping)
- 1 ½ C all-purpose flour
- ½ C buttermilk (or ½ C milk + 1 t white vinegar, sit for 5+ mins)
- ¾ C granulated sugar
- 1 C blueberries (if frozen, rinse and pat dry)
- ½ t salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 t baking powder
- 4 T softened butter (for topping)
- 1/3 C vegetable oil
- 1 ½ t cinnamon (for topping)
Equipment:
- Muffin tin + liners
- Measuring cups (1 C, ¼ C)
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 2 small)
- Measuring spoons (1 t, ½ t)
- Wooden spoon
- Spoon, butter knife, fork
- Liquid measuring cup
- Paper towels/dish towel
Instructions:
1. Line muffin tin with liners.
2. Combine 1½ C flour, ¾ C sugar, 2 t baking powder, and ½ t salt in a large bowl.
3. Mix 1/3 C vegetable oil, 1 egg, and enough buttermilk to reach 1 C in a liquid measuring cup.
4. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in 1 C blueberries.
6. Scoop batter into muffin tins, about 2 T per muffin.
7. For the streusel, combine 1/3 C flour, ½ C sugar, 1 ½ t cinnamon, and 4 T butter in a small bowl. Mix until it looks like wet, chunky sand.
8. Sprinkle a heaping teaspoon of streusel on each muffin.
9. Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool muffins in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
For more recipes like this you can visit www.theflavorlabs.com.