Cooking Classes
Med Instead of Meds Cooking & Nutrition Series
The Mediterranean-style eating pattern has been shown to promote health and decrease risk of many chronic diseases. Med Instead of Meds was created by a group of nutrition and the health professionals from NC State University and NC Division of Public Health.
Med Instead of Meds is a six-session class series focused on eating healthy Mediterranean-style eating pattern (a.k.a. eating the Med Way). Classes focus on the 7 Simple Steps to eating the Med Way. Each session explores 1–2 simple steps, a mindfulness skill, and features Med Way recipes. Food demonstration and/or cooking instruction is included in each session.
For more information and Med Way recipes, visit the Med Instead of Meds site.
Cook Smart Eat Smart
Cook Smart Eat Smart is a 4-week cooking class designed to teach participants how to prepare simple, healthy and delicious food for you and your family through simplicity – simple healthy preparation techniques, simple ingredients and simple equipment. This class is meant for all-level cooks looking to learn more about healthier preparation techniques and topics that are good for the family and the wallet!
Home Food Preservation
Fresh foods are perishable because they contain a high percentage of water. The practice of canning preserves foods by removing the oxygen, destroying enzymes and preventing the growth of bacteria, yeasts and mold. It is important to follow proper canning practices to ensure that food is kept safe. Pressure canning is the only safe method for canning meat, poultry, seafood and low acid veggies.
Dehydrating also removes the moisture which prevents spoilage from microorganisms. The enzyme action is slowed down (though not stopped), which means that color, texture, and quality do not degrade as rapidly once food is dried.
A great beginner’s resource (or to brush up on your knowledge) is the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning. This guide is a trusted, go-to resource for making high-quality canned products safely. The guide is available online and in print.
Another great resource for tested recipes and research-based information is the National Center for Home Food Preservation. This is housed through the University of Georgia and they have a print resource called, “So Easy to Preserve“.
NC State Extension also offers information and resources related to home food preservation and other food safety tips on our food safety website.
