Cooking Class

The Extension Center in Lincolnton offers up all kinds of classes.

Last week, a cooking class was on the docket.

Anything related to gardening or clean eating is appealing,

and this class was no exception.

The bonus was that several of my Master Gardener friends

decided to take it at the same time,

so it was a social gathering as well.

Most of us grow herbs of some sort in our gardens,

so this class gave us the chance to learn how best to use or preserve them.

The handouts provided included information about harvesting,

drying and using the herbs we grow.

We were also given a half dozen recipes,

and we broke up into groups of two to create our concoctions.

Everything was provided for us,

including ingredients, tools and kitchen appliances.

All we had to do was follow the recipes and do a taste test!

Along with instruction about the food items we were using,

we learned more about knife skills and utilizing the proper equipment.

The main dish included a chicken recipe

with a side of mashed cauliflower and a green salad.

Two of our members produced a delicious dessert using lavender.

My partner and I were on soup duty.

Sweet potatoes were transformed into a luscious bisque.

The chicken cacciatore looked so colorful,

with all of the different veggies mixed in.

This one-pot wonder would be great over rice or polenta.

The mashed cauliflower is an alternative to mashed white potatoes,

with a few more health benefits, including fiber.

The bisque turned out quite well,

if I do say so myself.

This vegetarian dish is allergy-friendly

and will keep well frozen, if you don't eat it all up!

The lavender sugar cookies were delicate and crisp,

with a soft center.

The lavender added a subtle difference in flavor.

We learned, we cooked, we ate and chatted away.
What a wonderful way to spend an evening.
The Cooperative Extension Center is such an integral part of our community.
They offer classes, clubs, and so much more.
I'm honored to be able to partake of all of its offerings.

Want to find out more?

Lincoln County Cooperative Extension Center