pantry location: 1000 E. 11th st. Lawrence, KS 66046
pantry hours: tuesday & thursday 9am - 6pm | wednesday & friday 9am - 3pm
WHAT IS JUST COOK?
Just Cook is a casual, hands-on cooking class where participants learn to make delicious, low-cost meals. Classes are led by our Community Access Manager and are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, providing skills and confidence to cook nutritious meals on a budget.
WHO IS JUST COOK FOR?
Just Cook is open to all Douglas County residents looking to brush up on their cooking skills! All participants will get hands-on experience and will enjoy a full serving of the dish. Depending on the class, participants might also go home with a meal-kit, kitchen tools, and more.
UPCOMING CLASSES: MARCH 2025
The theme of our March 2025 classes and demonstrations is Leftover Lovin’, Spring Edition: a month-long celebration of transforming yesterday’s leftovers into fresh, vibrant meals. With the arrival of spring, we’ll explore how to take leftovers and turn them into exciting dishes that are as delicious as they are resourceful. In one class, we’ll show you how to take leftover rice and turn it into a flavorful fried rice, packed with spring veggies and protein. In another, we’ll reinvent roasted or steamed vegetables into a hearty, comforting shepherd’s pie, topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. Finally, we’ll take leftover mashed potatoes and teach you how to make crispy, golden boxty pancakes, perfect for any meal of the day. Join us this month as we embrace the season of renewal by minimizing waste and maximizing flavor—because leftovers don’t have to be boring!
Shepherd's Pie
Cooking Class
Tuesday, March 4th
6:00-7:00pm
Turn your leftover vegetables into a comforting classic that’s perfect for any season. In this class, we’ll teach you how to transform a variety of roasted or steamed vegetables into a hearty shepherd’s pie. You’ll learn the secrets to making a creamy, savory filling, topped with a smooth, velvety mashed potato crust. We’ll show you how to balance flavors, from the richness of the filling to the fluffy potatoes, creating a nourishing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. This is a perfect way to repurpose leftovers into a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Fried Rice
Cooking Class
Tuesday, March 11th
6:00-7:00pm
Say goodbye to bland leftovers and hello to a flavorful, vibrant meal! In this class, we’ll show you how to take leftover rice and transform it into a hearty, flavorful fried rice. Using simple ingredients like spring vegetables, soy sauce, and your favorite protein, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a crispy, savory dish with layers of texture and flavor. Learn the art of stir-frying to perfection and discover how a few fresh ingredients can elevate your leftover rice into a satisfying, delicious meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Taters. Boil em’. Mash em’. Stick em’ in a Stew. A series!
Cooking Class
Tuesday, March 18th
6:00-7:00pm
Take your leftover mashed potatoes to the next level with this delicious, crispy Irish classic, boxty! In this class, we’ll show you how to transform leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy boxty pancakes. With the addition of fresh spring herbs and simple ingredients, we’ll teach you the technique to get the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these savory pancakes are a great way to use up leftovers while enjoying a comforting, satisfying dish. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the versatility of mashed potatoes!