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: JANUARY 2025
The theme of our January 2025 classes and demonstrations is Nourish and Thrive: a month-long series of classes and workshops focused on healthy eating that does not promote dieting. We'll be working with nutrient dense ingredients and dishes that lend themselves to a sustainable fresh start to the year without the guilt of resolutions.
Salads That Don’t Suck: Greens, Beans, & Dressing Dreams
Cooking Class
Tuesday, January 7th
6-7:00pm
Say goodbye to bland, boring salads! In this class, we’ll show you how to transform your greens into a vibrant, flavorful meal. Learn how to make a delicious Kale Caesar Salad with a twist, plus master the art of homemade croutons. We’ll also teach you how to use Greek yogurt for creamy dressings, and the secret technique of massaging kale to make it tender and tasty. Discover the power of adding beans for a protein boost, and get the hang of basic dressing ratios to elevate your salads to the next level. Say hello to salads you actually want to eat!.
Nutritional Intelligence: Choosing Food & Recipes for Optimal Health
Workshop
Thursday, January 9th
3-4:30pm
Join our Community Access Manager for an insightful session on the fundamentals of nutrition. We'll explore key concepts like reading food labels and understanding macronutrients—ever wondered what they are and why they matter? This class will equip you with the essential knowledge to make informed choices that support your health and nutrition goals.
Beans Beans, the Musical Fruit
Cooking Class
Tuesday, January 14th
6-7:00pm
Join us for a fun and flavorful exploration of beans! In this class, we’ll teach you how to make Marcella’s Stewy White Beans, a comforting dish perfect for any weeknight. Discover the nutritional benefits of beans (they’re more than just a “musical fruit”) and learn why brining your beans is a game-changer for both flavor and texture. Get ready to embrace beans in a whole new way!
Meal Planning: You’ve Heard About It Enough, Let’s Do It (Without Crying)
Workshop
Thursday, January 16th
3-4:30pm
Tired of the stress and overwhelm that comes with meal planning? This hands-on, interactive workshop is designed to turn meal planning from a dreaded task into a simple, empowering experience. Whether you’re new to the concept or just need a better system, this class will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to create a week’s worth of meals without the hassle.
My Blueberries Can Beat Your Goji Berries In a Fight: Why Everyday Foods are the Real Superheroes
Workshop
Thursday, January 23rd
3-4:30pm
Superfoods are everywhere, but do they really live up to the hype? In this eye-opening workshop, we’ll dive into the truth behind the superfood trend and why the real nutritional heroes are often the simple, everyday foods sitting right in your pantry. Skip the exotic, expensive ingredients and discover how affordable, accessible options like blueberries, oats, and beans pack just as much of a punch for your health.
Taters. Boil em’. Mash em’. Stick em’ in a Stew. A series!
Cooking Class
Tuesday, January 28th
6-7:00pm
Potatoes: they’re humble, versatile, and essential in the kitchen. In this hands-on class, we'll explore the many ways to cook the potato—whether boiling, roasting, baking, or grilling. Learn about different types of potatoes like Russets, Yukon Golds, and Reds, and discover which varieties are best for specific dishes. We’ll cover essential cooking techniques, how to achieve crispy skins to creamy interiors, and discuss whether to peel your potatoes for flavor, texture, and nutrition. Plus, we'll teach you how to work with potato starch to get the perfect results every time!
Bone Broth 101: From Scratch to Soup
Workshop
Thursday, January 30th
3-4:30pm
Ready to unlock the magic of homemade bone broth? In this workshop, we’ll teach you how to make rich, flavorful bone broth from scratch using a whole chicken. Learn the basics of simmering bones to extract all the goodness, and discover how to use the resulting broth for soups, stews, or even sipping on its own. Plus, we’ll show you how to freeze the leftover meat for future meals, making this a cost-effective, time-saving way to stretch your ingredients and reduce food waste. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to create a nutrient-packed, homemade broth that will elevate your cooking all year long!