Students' healthy recipe book sells well

A 'Healthy Recipe Book' produced by Maria Regina Junior Lyceum has sold 900 copies just weeks after first being published.

The recipe book, was produced by students under the guidance of the Home Economics Department, and is part of the locally-funded Discover Enterprise Project (Malta Enterprise).

It features interesting and popular recipes, including traditional Maltese dishes that are in line with the national dietary guidelines. Before the recipes were chosen for inclusion, students with the help of teachers, tried them out at school, using different ingredients to obtain the best cooking outcome.

The resulting book containing recipes that are healthy, safe, colourful and appetising. It is also easy to follow and full of photographs taken by the students, one accompanying each recipe.

The students were also actively involved in the design, production and marketing of the recipe book. This aspect of the project also served to help students develop a number of key entrepreneurial and creative skills.

The recipe book forms part of the school's ongoing campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people and was inspired by the increasing awareness regarding obesity among many young people in Malta.

Maria Debono, the school's head teacher, said "The Home Economics Department and the students have done a great job. Not only have they come up with some great dishes but they've also learnt a lot about design, marketing and all that goes in to publishing a book. Of course, there has also been great support from parents who have played their part in ensuring the success of this project. Most importantly I hope the book helps our students, their families, and other young people to appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle."