The benefits of going to a cooking class
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Julia Child, famous author and American chef once said, “I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate."
Research has shown that people who cook dinner at home at least two times per week are more likely to eat a healthier diet than people who cook less often. Yet, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, Americans are cooking less often and now spend more money on food outside the home (e.g. restaurants, fast food) than food cooked at home. Cooking at home can be healthier and cheaper than dining out, but not everyone has the knowledge or confidence in the kitchen to cook more. So, if you would like to cook more, but find cooking shows daunting, try attending a cooking class in your community.
What can cooking classes offer you?
If you’re new to cooking, classes can help enhance your food preparation skills and help you feel more confident in the kitchen.
If you know your way around a kitchen but are tired of cooking the same things every week, classes offer a space to explore new ingredients and recipes. As a bonus, you may get to “try before you buy” when tasting recipes cooked in class.
Depending on the class, you could also get tips on food preservation, menu and budget planning, nutrition, portion control tips, and ingredient and nutrition label reading skills. You may even learn a few tips from fellow classmates.
Where to find a cooking class
First, look for a class that you will feel comfortable in. In other words, don’t start out with a gourmet chef class if you are looking for basic food skills and beginner cooking classes. Community cooking classes are often offered at libraries, community centers, online, and with your local Extension office.
Michigan State University Extension offers several cooking classes geared towards different audiences. Examples include Teen Cuisine and Cooking for One. All of them focus on easy ways to safely cook healthy recipes on a budget. Other programs like Cooking for Crowds are geared towards those who want to safely prepare food for larger groups, such as community events and food pantries.
To find a cooking class near you contact your local MSU Extension Community Nutrition Instructor or visit the Michigan State University Extension Events page.