Food is medicine, and the Samford Wellness Kitchen has just the right prescription.
The Wellness Kitchen, based in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in Samford University’s School of Public Health, is hosting a series of community cooking classes this fall, starting Sept. 29.
During these classes, participants learn from registered dietitians and chefs, garnering skills and knowledge that will help them prepare healthy and delicious meals.
“We believe that food is medicine, and there is nothing more powerful than sharing a good meal with those we love,” said Clara Darling, Samford Wellness Kitchen director and nutrition and dietetics instructor. “So, we offer these cooking classes to give members of our community the opportunity to learn and strengthen their culinary skills and nutrition knowledge. We offer hands-on cooking courses because we believe this is the most practical and enjoyable way to learn about food.”
All classes take place in the College of Health Science’s Food Production Labs, which were formerly the Southern Living magazine test kitchens. Participants also receive a notebook with all the recipes and nutrition information for reference — and, of course, home-cooking, since the recipes are not only intended to be healthy, but also delicious.
“Our classes are taught by registered dietitian chefs who specialize in making healthy foods delicious,” Darling said. “Each class includes professional instruction and hands-on preparation of three different recipes.”
In addition to instruction, each group has a volunteer in attendance to wash dishes and help answer questions along the way.
“How often do you get a chance to cook and not do all the cleaning?” Darling said. “To top it all off, each class ends with participants sitting down to enjoy their gourmet meal together. It’s a great investment, no matter your skill level.”
Even if one has no kitchen experience whatsoever, they’re welcome and encouraged to attend.
“We specialize in teaching all skill levels from beginner to advanced,” Darling said. “No matter where you are in your cooking journey, these classes are for you.”
Darling is particularly excited about this year’s course schedule, including Taste of Mexico (Sept. 29), Seasonal Cooking (Oct. 13) and Teen Cooking – Italian Cuisine (Nov. 10).
Space is limited to 16 participants per course.