ROCKLAND – Coconut milk, frozen raspberries, ginger, bananas and more filled the table at Rockland Recreation's Kids' Test Kitchen as students took turns pouring ingredients into a blender. 

 Wearing blue gloves and aprons, the students mashed bananas with their hands to add to the smoothie. 

"I thought today was going to be a less messy day," instructor Mary-Kate Fay said. 

On the third day of the four-day camp Wednesday, Fay guided the students through a recipe for a tropical mango and ginger smoothie.

The students sniffed and tasted their creation. Harper Lyman-Yelle, 9, of Hanover, decided that it was a bit too heavy on the pineapple juice and threw in some other ingredients to  adjust the flavor. 

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The students concocted different versions of the smoothie – leaving out the banana and adding extra squeezes of lime. The interactive program is meant to teach students kitchen skills, including measuring and cutting.

Fay said the cooking class is a chance for the students to try new foods. Earlier in the week, they made tofu pineapple curry and Faye said she was surprised that all the students were willing to eat it.

Lyman-Yelle said it was her first time  eating tofu, and she was excited to cook the recipe at home and tweak the ingredients more to her liking. 

Jeanne Blaney, director of Rockland Recreation, said the program, offered to students in grades 1 to 5, opens up the kitchen for children who might not have the chance to cook with their parents. 

"If it's going to inspire a young chef, so be it," Blaney said. 

Camilla, 8, of Rockland,  said she is going on vacation in New Hampshire this summer and is excited to re-create the recipes for everyone on the trip.

Each recipe features a healthy ingredient. Ginger was the star of the day's smoothie and Fay, a registered dietitian, talked to the students about  its anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Other recipes during the week included snap pea lo mein, the students' unanimous favorite, and a summer salad.

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Kids' Test Kitchen was founded by Emily Seward, a registered and licensed  dietitian who partners with recreation centers in the area to offer lessons. 

The camp will run again  Aug. 8 to 11. To register or for more information, visit rocklandma.myrec.com, or email rocklandrec@rockland-ma.gov.

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To reach Katherine Canniff, email kcanniff@patriotledger.com