Cooking class for teens coming in January

Nevada Parks and Recreation and the University of Missouri Extension are offering a free cooking class for teens after school.

Beginning Jan. 15 at 3:45 p.m. a group of teens will assemble in the kitchen at the Franklin P. Norman Community Center for a hands-on, healthy cooking class. Instructor Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist with the University of Missouri Extension Office, will motivate and inspire them to roll up their sleeves and create "delicious and nutritious recipes."

The students will participate in "Cooking Matters for Teens," a six-week program that connects health and nutrition and hands-on experience in the kitchen.

While many learn basic skills from their parents, it is important that teens learn how to prepare nutritious, healthy meals for themselves.

"In today's culture where fast food is a staple, we need to get information to youth" said Dana Redburn, Parks and Recreation director for the city of Nevada. "The more times we repeat the importance of nutrition, the more likely youth are going to continue using this information as they get older."

"Making nutritional choices are becoming harder and harder as people are cooking less and relying on the convenience of fast foods. Cooking is becoming a dying art as people who are out on their own lack the cooking skills their grandparents took for granted."

The class emphasizes healthy cooking techniques while adding flavors with spices. "We want to dispel the myth of, "if it tastes good, it must not be good for you" said Redburn.

Class size is limited so call the Community Center at 448-2740 to reserve your spot. Participants must commit to attending four of the six classes. Class runs from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m.