The population of Northern Kentucky continues to increase and with that increase more individuals from diverse backgrounds are calling the region home. Learning about different cultures and customs is important for area residents as they learn to live with others from around the world.

The Pendleton, Kenton and Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents offered a 3-part, cook-along-from-home series via Zoom focused on the countries and cultures of Germany, Ireland and Greece. Evening sessions were held one time a month and recorded for viewing for those unable to attend the live session. Supply lists and recipes were sent to registered participants prior to the session so they could purchase the needed items for the sessions. More than 100 adults from the general public registered to attend one or more of the sessions. Those attending learned about the foods being prepared, were introduced to food handling tips, and learned about the culture or country being featured.

An online evaluation was conducted two month after the end of the series to determine changes in behavior or knowledge used. Forty-two individuals completed the survey which revealed:

Overall, the six recipes made in the sessions were considered “easy” to prepare. Almost half (49 percent) have made one or more of the recipes again. Additionally, 47 percent of the respondents made recipes that were featured in the University of Kentucky Extension handouts provided.

98 percent indicated they learned about a culture or country they had not explored before

100 percent shared they would try other culturally diverse recipes

93 percent were inspired to cook other “from scratch” recipes

54 percent indicated they learned cutting and chopping techniques

59 percent shared they learned more about safe food handling including how to prepare items in advance to use later in a recipe

78 percent tried foods they had never tried before including German spätzle, Irish soda bread, and fennel

One individual shared they enjoyed learning, cooking and using new techniques in their own kitchens. They appreciated they were responsible for shopping and being prepared for the programs, then sharing the items prepared with their families who evaluated the products made for potential inclusion in future family meals.

The success of the online, cook along from home series was successful and another three-part series is planned for the future and will focus on three additional countries.