Recipe Journal Sophia Kang, Doctoral Capstone Project Part 2
Blog 2: Recipe Journal
The recipe journal was created to help participants document their cooking experiences in a meaningful and structured way. More than just a record of recipes, it serves as a reflective activity that encourages self-awareness, independence, and continued engagement outside the classroom.
Each worksheet includes a self-evaluation section where participants can reflect on the level of difficulty of the recipe, the type of assistance needed, the tools used, and any new experiences or skills gained. This process promotes accountability and helps participants track their progress over time. Importantly, it also motivates them to continue cooking at home, not just during structured class sessions.
The journal also features space for parent and caregiver feedback, including a section to rate the level of support required under their supervision. This fosters ongoing family involvement, allowing caregivers to stay actively engaged in the participant’s learning journey.
Research consistently shows that family and caregiver involvement is essential to the long-term success and sustainability of cooking interventions—especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Cooking together not only reinforces skills, but also promotes community engagement, social interaction, and shared achievement.
In short, the recipe journal is more than a worksheet—it's a tool that supports growth, connection, and lifelong learning through the joy of cooking.
Hello! My name is Sophia Kang, and I’m an occupational therapy student at Touro University Nevada. For my doctoral capstone project, I had the privilege of collaborating with The Color-Coded Chef to explore the therapeutic potential of cooking. Food and cooking have always held a special place in my life—as powerful forms of communication, self-expression, and creativity. Cooking is a dynamic, multifaceted activity that engages the body, stimulates the mind, and nurtures emotional well-being. It offers opportunities for learning, growth, and self-discipline in a uniquely personal way.
My capstone project, Everyone Can Cook, is an occupation-based wellness and education program designed to empower individuals through accessible, adaptive culinary experiences. The goal is to transform the culinary landscape by providing inclusive, evidence-based strategies for meal preparation that foster confidence, independence, and meaningful engagement. The program also extends its impact through education and outreach—not only to participants but also to parents, caregivers, and the broader community.
