Family Resources

Pilot Light’s Family Resources are designed to provide a time of learning and deeper connection for children and their loved ones through the act of sharing and making food. This library of resources includes Family Lessons in both English and Spanish, Family Meal Videos, recipes, and more as a way to bring food education into your homes.

To introduce young students to food education, we partnered with WTTW to launch Food Thoughts, an animated seven-part series of one-minute videos. Hosted by Pilot Light’s own puppy chef, “Puprika,” each Food Thoughts episode is based on one of Pilot Light’s Food Education Standards.

Watch Food Thoughts Here!

If you and your family engage in the videos and lessons from home, please post your photos and videos and tag us @pilotlightchefs #PLFamilyMeal.

Click here to sign up for free for the Food Education Center and to be notified of new Family Lessons each week!

Know a family or teacher who would benefit from Pilot Light resources? Please share this page with them. Want to support additional lessons and videos? Click here to find out how.

Have a question or suggestion? We’d love to hear from you!
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Goulash + Common Core Writing and Language

In this Family Meal video, learn how to make chef Megan Gusick’s version of Goulash, and in the Family Meal lesson…

Lentil Soup + Common Core Reading

Lentil soup is a hearty, nutritious meal. It’s also a recipe you can customize and make your own by adding different…

Polenta with Mushrooms and Greens + Common Core Math

Practice your math skills while preparing a meal that will impress your family and friends! Chef Julia Weeman shows us how…

Syb’s Brownies + Common Core Writing + Social Studies

Learn more about the interesting history of chocolate as you bake with chocolate in this brownie recipe! In this Family…

Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri + Common Core Reading + Writing

Learn more about the sources and origins of ingredients you cook with and learn how to make Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri…

Mountains of Roots + Science + Common Core Writing

Create “Mountains of Roots” with Chef Lindsey Shifley and learn more about actual mountains! In this Family…

Granola + Common Core Writing

Chef Jordan Rawlings shows an easy recipe for granola that allows families and children to use creativity in the ingredients…

Jersey Clam Chowder Pizza + Common Core Reading & Writing

In this Family Meal, Chef and Pilot Light co-founder, Matthias Merges, shows us how to make a pizza that is a…

Ricotta + Common Core Math

Ricotta cheese is easier to make at home than you may think! Learn how in this Family Meal and also practice using fractions…

Chicken Adobo + Common Core Writing

Chef Dan Snowden shows us how to make Chicken Adobo – a delicious recipe using only a few ingredients you may already…

Orecchiette with Asparagus + Common Core Writing

Chef and Pilot Light co-founder Jason Hammel’s recipe for Orecchiette with Asparagus, Sweet Onion, Pistachio, and…

Carrot Hummus Dip + Common Core Math

Did you know that we absorb more beta-carotene from carrots when they are cooked? In this Family Meal video, Chef Lydia…

Cinnamon Bread + Common Core Reading

Chef Mitch Cavanah shows how to make cinnamon bread using a few ingredients often found in our pantry! The Family Meal…

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Fresh Tomato Sauce + Common Core Writing

No need to go out for Italian food when you can make chef Amy Lukasik’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Fresh Tomato…

Kitchen & Knife Safety While Cooking Onions + Common Core Writing

Chef Laura Culbreth shows several very important skills in this Family Meal – how to use knives safely while teaching…

Chicken Sandwich with Roasted Potatoes + Common Core Reading & Writing

Chef Kasani James shows how to make an entire meal the whole family will enjoy. This Family Meal lesson place includes…

Sweet Potatoes with Chimichurri + Common Core Writing

Chef Maureen Neer shares her recipe for Sweet Potatoes with Chimichurri in this Family Meal video. Try her technique for…

Colorful Vegetable Quesadillas + Common Core Math

A colorful meal can also be a great math lesson for the whole family. Chef Beth Somers shows us how to make colorful…

Eggs Around the World + Common Core Writing

Pilot Light’s first Food Education Standard is “Food Connects Us to Each Other.” Food often reflects our likes and…

Cavatelli Pasta alla Pomodoro + Common Core Math

Chef Dan Snowden shows us how to make cavatelli pasta from scratch with pomodoro sauce for two people. In this Family Lesson…

Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese + Common Core Writing

A simple meal gets an update by Chef Michael Taxy with his Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese recipe and video. This…

Roasting a Chicken and Making Stock + Common Core Reading

Chef Daniel Weiland shows us how to perfectly roast a whole chicken and then make stock using the bones. The Family Meal…

Arroz con Leche + Common Core Writing

In this Family Meal Video, Chef Christopher del Cid shows us how to make his version of Arroz con Leche, and in the Family…

Sweet Potato-Chickpea Tagine + Common Core Reading

In this Family Meal video, Chef Heidi Coudal shows us how to create a nutritious, colorful, family-friendly meal of sweet…

Sandwich Bread + Common Core Reading & Writing

Sandwich bread is easier to make than you may think – and Chef Justin Large shows us how the whole family can get…

Fideos Secos + Common Core Math

Chef Jonathan Zaragoza shares with us his family recipe for Fideos Secos. Enjoy this recipe with your family and check out…

Monster Pasta + Common Core Reading

Chef Joshua Frontany’s four year old son named this pasta, Monster Pasta. It’s a garlic tomato beef bolognese with…

Mediterranean Fish and Seafood Stew + Common Core Writing

In this recipe for Mediterranean Fish and Seafood Stew with Crusty Bread by Chef Paul Kahan, seafood, vegetables, and spices…

Lemon Thyme Blueberry Pound Cake + Common Core Math

Sweet and savory flavors combine in this recipe and video for Lemon Thyme Blueberry Pound Cake! This Family Lesson includes…

How to Fillet and Cook Fish + Common Core Writing

Learn a new skill and cook something delicious! In this video, Chef Geef Fellows shows you how to fillet a whole fish and…

Shakshuka + Common Core Reading

Shakshuka is easy to make and is made in many parts of the world! Learn to make shakshuka with Chef Ben Fasman and learn…

Easy Chicken Enchiladas + Common Core Math

Chef Kristin Koury shows how to make chicken enchiladas with only 5 ingredients! This Family Lesson includes a Family Meal…

Focaccia + Common Core Writing

Did you know that writing and baking focaccia bread have things in common? You have to let them “rise!” Learn…

One Pot Chili + Common Core Writing

All you need is one large pot and a few ingredients to make this quick and easy recipe for One Pot Chili from Chef Cindy…

Homemade Butter + Common Core Math

Making your own butter is not only fun, but it is a great way to practice measuring and converting units of measure. This…

Cauliflower Soup + Common Core Reading

Roasted cauliflower becomes a tasty soup in this recipe and video by Chef Carla Norelli. This Family Lesson includes a…

Banana Muffins + Common Core Reading

In this Family Meal Video, Chef Kayla White shows how to make gluten free, sugar free muffins – perfect for breakfast…

Brussels Sprouts + Common Core Math

Roasted brussels sprouts are not only nutritious but also delicious when prepared like Chef Erika Sims in this Family Meal…

Pancakes + Common Core Reading

Learn how to make pancakes from scratch and read the children’s book, I Love Saturdays y Domingos, by Alma Flor Ada…

Flour Tortillas + Common Core Math

Enjoy homemade tortillas with a variety of toppings, and practice your math skills as you plan a party where you could serve…

Scrambled Eggs + Common Core Writing

Make a simple, but filling and delicious dish – scrambled eggs! This Family Lesson includes a Family Meal video and…

Scones

In this Family Meal Lesson, you will learn how to make scones – a delicious treat that is made with just a few…

Fresh Spring Salad topped with Baked Salmon

In this Family Meal Lesson, you will learn how to make a fresh spring salad topped with baked salmon. Families can…

Smoothies

In this Family Meal Lesson, you will learn how to make smoothies using fruits and vegetables you may have on hand. Below you…

Marcella Hazan’s Perfect Three-Ingredient Tomato Sauce

In this Family Meal Lesson, you will learn how to make Marcella Hazan’s Perfect Three-Ingredient Tomato Sauce. Below…

Seaweed Salad

In this Family Meal Lesson, you will learn about seaweed and why it is important. If you don’t have seaweed at home to…

Family Hummus Battle Royale

In this Family Meal lesson, families can make hummus and enjoy some friendly competition as they choose their own hummus…

Making Noodles Together!

In this Family Meal lesson, families can make pasta using just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt! Below you will…