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: FEBRUARY 2025
The theme of our February 2025 classes and demonstrations is Scratch-Made, Wholesome Meals: a month-long celebration of the joy and satisfaction that comes from cooking with fresh, quality ingredients. Throughout the month, we'll focus on crafting hearty, from-scratch dishes that nourish both body and soul. Whether it’s creating comforting soups, delicate pastas, or vibrant salads, each class will emphasize the value of wholesome, home-cooked meals that are as fulfilling as they are delicious—no shortcuts, no guilt. Join us in embracing the art of cooking with intention and care, and discover how cooking from scratch can elevate your everyday meals.
Soup-er Comfort: Chicken & Dumplings from Scratch
Cooking Class
Tuesday, February 11th
6:00-7:00pm
Say goodbye to canned soup and hello to a rich, homemade classic! In this class, we’ll guide you through making a comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup from scratch. Learn how to create a deeply flavorful broth, tender chicken, and the secret to perfect, fluffy dumplings. We’ll show you techniques for layering flavors and creating a balanced, nourishing bowl that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. This is comfort food at its finest, without any of the shortcuts.
Salads That Don’t Suck: Greens, Beans, & Dressing Dreams
Cooking Class
Thursday, February 20th
6:00-7:00pm
Bland boring salads? We don't know her! 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!
Taters. Boil em’. Mash em’. Stick em’ in a Stew. A series!
Cooking Class
Tuesday, February 25th
6:00-7:00pm
Ready to take your pasta game to the next level? In this class, we’ll teach you the art of making soft, pillowy potato gnocchi from scratch. You’ll learn how to choose the right potatoes, how to properly mix and shape the dough, and the key steps for achieving perfect gnocchi every time. We’ll also share tips on creating delicious sauces to pair with your gnocchi, so you can enjoy this satisfying, made-from-scratch dish with confidence.