Earning the Cooking merit badge will help Scouts master the basics of preparing and cooking meals. To become a fully-qualified badge holder, Scouts must demonstrate and understand the fundamental principles of nutrition, food safety, food storage, meal planning, and food preparation.
Cooking Merit Badge Worksheet & Requirements
The Cooking badge is divided into two parts. The first part is the Cooking Merit Badge Worksheet, which Scouts must complete to demonstrate that they understand the fundamentals of nutrition, food safety, food storage, meal planning, and food preparation:
- Choose two of the five areas of the Cooking merit badge and explain how each contributes to food safety.
- Explain what the USDA Food Pyramid is and how it is used to plan healthful meals.
- Describe the importance of reading and following recipes.
- Explain how to read food labels and the importance of doing so.
- Name five basic kitchen tools and explain how to use each one.
Cooking Merit Badge Requirements
In addition to completing the Cooking Merit Badge Worksheet, Scouts must demonstrate the following skills to receive the badge:
- Demonstrate proper knife safety.
- Prepare a non-perishable meal using a stove, camp stove, or grill.
- Design a three-day menu plan for a family of four that meets the USDA Food Pyramid guidelines.
- Demonstrate how to measure, mix, and bake ingredients to make bread or a cake.
- Explain the steps to take if food poisoning is suspected.
Once the Cooking Merit Badge Worksheet and Requirements have been completed, Scouts can earn their Cooking badge and will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to prepare healthy, tasty meals!