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Cooking Classes Focus On Healthy Eating, Saving Money

Written by Money Saver Suzanne McCarroll

DENVER (CBS4)- Share Our Strength Cooking Matters is teaching Coloradoans how to cook healthy meals on a budget. The program reaches out to low income families, offering ways to cook a nutritional dinner for four for less than ten dollars.

A $5 chicken is divided into ten pieces to be incorporated into a healthy recipe with fresh vegetables. One participant said she's taking the class so she can teach her children good eating habits.

"This class has given me tips on how to get healthy food into their regular food, things that they won't eat, spinach and things like that," said one woman while she cut vegetables.

All the aspiring cooks at the class are on tight family budgets, so the recipes are designed around saving money, too.

"Cheaper that's the name of the game. We're going to make our own spices so you don't have to buy expensive spices, we're going to make a yogurt dip." said Chef Penni Royster.

One student named Roderick admits to being skeptical about some of the items on the menu.

"The mango salsa was wonderful, I wouldn't have thought it would taste that good," said Roderick as he cut onions for the class project.

The class also learns about the nutrients in fresh, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.

An 82-year-old woman in the class said she was anxious to try new recipes, "I know I'm the oldest one in the class and I'm not too old to learn!"

At the end of the six class session, students will be able to cook for a family of four for less than $10 a meal.

Roderick said he's abandoning his old ways of eating.

"I like fried food, but I'm learning to bake, grill and steam," he said.

Cooking Matters Recipes

cookingmatters.org

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