I would suggest putting it in the pot with enough cold water to cover it, and break it up before cooking it. Then add the rest of the water and cook.
This is how a lot of Greek style chili recipes start, and it produces a very fine texture.
I've never had any formal cooking training, and I don't think you need it to learn basics. I've been cooking since I was a kid, and I've taught myself most of what I know. I recommend you start off buying this book:
Amazon.com: Cooking Basics for Dummies (For Dummies (Cooking)): Bryan Miller...
I would say what different pots and pans are used for. Skillets, saute pans, sauce pans, baking pans. You could have them try flipping food in a skillet using a cold pan and M&M's, then they could eat the candy!
It's no joke. Ice storms are a big problem for the middle of the U.S. I think in Germany most of the power lines are underground, but it's common for power lines to be on poles here. Ice freezes to the wires and they eventually snap from the weight. If the storm covers a large area it can take...
Deep frying is an option, but it will probably have a crust all around. Not a tough crust, but a crust nonetheless. That's also an awful lot of fat considering that you have cheese and sausage too. Do you have a deep fryer, or would you have to cook in a pot? If you have a deep fryer, then it's...
I'm so very sorry to hear this. I only knew him for a short time, but I'm still very sad. It's obvious that Dave's kindness has touched so many people.