The seeds of chefhood blossom from the very first dashes of salt and cinnamon that grace a child's suppertime lima beans. Today's Groupon encourages the culinary spirit in the youth of today, which are the former children of tomorrow: for $15, kids ages 3 to 18 get a 90-minute cooking class at Young Chefs Academy in Sugarland or Westchase (up to a $40 value).

Young Chefs Academy provides a fun, safe, and motivating environment for kids to become acquainted with the art of food and food presentation. Engaging chef instructors instill lessons of kitchen etiquette and safety in youngsters growing up in a world full of laser can openers and sharp pasta rakes, giving children a capable handle on their surroundings as they journey into the land of food. Classes in Sugarland and Houston educate a variety of age groups, with specially catered classes for kindercooks and junior chefs, and combine nutritional meals with basic food-prep skills that teach students how to correctly follow a recipe to edible fruition. Senior chefs are offered advanced classes that dig deeper into kitchen secrets and hone specific skills and techniques to expand the parameters of cooking creativity.

The lessons learned from early cuisine classes spark a valuable communion between a child and a stove. Imaginations stretch as little chefs contemplate the infinite possibilities that exist among ingredients, spices, and food presentations so astute, they beg to be stapled to the refrigerator door.

Age groups may vary slightly depending on the franchise; call to confirm. Parents may have to accompany very young children, depending on the franchise and the class.