How Mrs. Palmer Brings Heart and Flavor to Insight School of Washington’s High School Cooking Club

For Chrissy Palmer, food has always been more than a meal, for her it’s a memory, a story, and a way to bring people together. Growing up in a family that loved to fish, hunt, and cook from scratch, Mrs. Palmer spent countless hours in the kitchen with her grandma, mom, and aunt Sherry. Those early lessons included equal parts patience, creativity, and laughter and helped shape not only her love of cooking but her approach to teaching.

“My grandma used to laugh with me through every failed attempt,” Mrs. Palmer recalls. “Every mistake turned into a lesson and a memory.”

Now in her second year teaching at Insight School of Washington (ISWA), Mrs. Palmer serves as a Middle School Career Readiness and Exploration Instructor and the advisor of the High School Cooking Club. A former brick-and-mortar culinary teacher, she now brings that same passion and energy to students across Washington, many of whom are discovering the joy of cooking for the first time.

From Family Traditions to Global Inspiration

Mrs. Palmer’s love for food deepened through her travels to Iceland, Switzerland, Taiwan, France, and Italy, where she immersed herself in local flavors and traditions. From discovering her favorite taro boba tea in Taiwan to savoring handmade pasta in Italy, each experience reinforced her belief that food is one of the best ways to connect people and cultures.

That philosophy carries over into her virtual classroom. Whether she’s teaching food safety, cross-contamination prevention, or gluten-free cooking, Mrs. Palmer reminds students that food is both an art and a way to fuel their bodies and minds.

Building Confidence, One Recipe at a Time

When Mrs. Palmer first took over the High School Cooking Club, about 35 students signed up. This year, the club is nearing 60 active participants. The group meets weekly to explore new skills, plan events, and cook together virtually. The first few sessions this year focused on food safety certifications and kitchen basics, after a survey revealed that 75% of her students rated their cooking comfort level as beginner.

“We started with the basics as the kids only knew how to cook simple things like ramen, and mac and cheese,” Mrs. Palmer says. “Once students realize they can cook beyond those basics, that spark just takes off.”

The Cooking Club isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Students elect club officers, plan themed “Dough Month” sessions (like drop cookies and pour pancakes), and even coordinate withISWA’s art teacher, Miss Castro, for fun crossover events like cake decorating and “Is It Cake?” competitions.

A man and woman standing in front of a wood door with two younger boys.

Chrissy Palmer’s focus this year is on creating a virtual cookbook, featuring student recipes and stories, along with a Recipe of the Month to highlight creativity and growth. She’s also introducing guest chefs and cultural food features to show how cooking connects to global traditions, career paths, and community.

Farm Life and Family Roots

At home in Ellensburg, Washington, Mrs. Palmer and her family live on a small farm – a lifestyle that keeps them connected to nature, nutrition, and each other. Her kids help in the garden and kitchen, learning firsthand where their food comes from.

The family loves the mountains, outdoor adventures, and, of course, cooking together. Their go-to snack? Homemade energy balls, a quick, healthy treat that’s perfect for busy days.

Mrs. Palmer’s Favorite Energy Ball Recipe

Combine oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips; and for a healthy twist, add protein powder and chia seeds for extra nutrients and omegas!

Protein energy balls recipe:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup protein powder
1 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined. Roll into 1-inch balls (makes 20-24). Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Store in fridge up to 2 weeks

More Than a Club but Rather a Community of Creators

For Mrs. Palmer, the Cooking Club is about more than recipes. It’s about building life skills, friendships, and confidence. Her students come from different walks of life, including those with IEPs or special learning needs. The kitchen becomes a level playing field where everyone can succeed, express themselves, and shine.

“You see that little spark come out,” she says. “A lot of students have hidden talents, one even does the illustrations for our club’s cartoon backgrounds!”

Through fun, collaboration, and creativity, Mrs. Palmer helps students discover that cooking isn’t just something to do but rather it’s something to share.

“My goal is for students to realize that anyone can start learning to cook, no matter their skill level,” Mrs. Palmer says. “Cooking opens doors to careers, to creativity, and to confidence. It builds memories that last.

At Insight Washington, Mrs. Palmer’s kitchen may be virtual, but her lessons are deeply real. With each meeting, she reminds students that food connects us all and that success, like a great recipe, often begins with just one brave step into the kitchen.

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