Frozen yoghurt workshop steals the limelight

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Few things capture the exuberance of childhood quite like a cookery workshop filled with colour, laughter, and the promise of something delicious. The ongoing Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) served up just such an experience in its much-loved Cookery Corner, inviting children as young as five to roll up their sleeves for a session dedicated to making — and tasting — frozen yoghurt bark.

A staple of social media feeds and family kitchens alike, frozen yoghurt bark is enjoying a moment in the spotlight, celebrated for its versatility and appeal to all ages. At SCRF 2025, however, it was the youngest festivalgoers who stole the show, donning aprons and hairnets with the eager determination of seasoned chefs.

“Each of our recipes is carefully selected,” explained Noha AlKhoury, chef and instructor with Skilldeer, a long-standing workshop partner at SCRF. “In an age dominated by convenience and grab-and-go snacks, teaching children to create something healthy and delicious with their own hands fosters not just skills, but lifelong habits.”

The workshop was a choreography of curiosity and delight. Little hands reached for tubs of creamy yoghurt, before adding dashes of vanilla essence, golden honey, and a generous sprinkling of nuts. Some experimented with swirls and patterns using forks. Once mixed and decorated, their creations were whisked away to the freezer — though a pre-prepared batch meant no child had to wait long to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Safety and nutrition were central throughout and all ingredients arranged with careful attention to hygiene and dietary needs.

The 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival continues to cement its reputation as one of the region’s premier events for young people, bringing together more than 30 celebrated authors, illustrators, and voices from the world of children’s and young adult literature. This year’s 12-day festival is a vibrant tapestry of events, from theatrical performances and hands-on STEM workshops to culinary adventures and digital literacy courses.

Admission to SCRF is free, offering families a rare opportunity to explore, create, and discover together in an environment designed to nourish both mind and spirit.

For more information on upcoming workshops and events, visit www.scrf.ae.