Sharing the joy of cooking

Matti Daniels
Family and Consumer Sciences

Many people today have less time to prepare meals and fewer cooking skills. They may eat meals away from home and spend money on foods that are not nutritious. When meals are cooked at home, you have more control over your nutrition and food budget. If you are a good cook, consider sharing some of your talents to help others learn to cook. Volunteer opportunities to work with adults and children in cooking programs are increasing in many communities.

Some people just need ideas and recipes to get them started. Encourage everyone to serve plenty of fruits and vegetables for colorful, healthy meals. Helping someone change behaviors takes time and patience. You might plan to go grocery shopping together and share recipes and meal ideas. Teach them about the value of making a grocery list and looking for items on sale to keep a well-stocked pantry while saving money.

Cook together to teach basic cooking skills like making soups, salads and breads. Learning to make comfort foods like a great apple crisp or a pot of homemade potato soup is empowering for people who have not spent much time in a kitchen. Cooking together is a great family activity for grandparents, parents and children. With a little training and help, teenagers can learn to prepare family dinners.

Enjoy the benefits of volunteering in your community. You’ll get to know new people and learn new things yourself. One of the greatest joys of being an accomplished cook is being able to share your skills with someone else.

For more information, contact the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service at 549-1430; visit the office located at 4275 N. Highway 25W in Goldbug; or email DL_CES_WHITLEY@EMAIL.UKY.EDU.