Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home-cooked meals.

To encourage more home-prepped meals, the Fleming County Extension Office hosted the workshop Savor the Flavor: Cooking with Oils and Vinegars at the local Senior Center in the county. The Savor the Flavorprogram focused on cooking oils and flavored vinegars. Extension developed it as a way to teach people how to make home-prepped meals that are flavorful and exciting. These common pantry staples are versatile, yet people commonly say they are unsure of the appropriate uses and applications for these items. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge about various types of cooking oils and vinegars and how to incorporate them into food preparation and cooking. 30 people participated in the workshop at the Fleming County Community Action Senior Program.

Of those surveyed, 50% indicated they better understood different types of cooking oils and flavored vinegars, respectively, and 5% said they increased their level of understanding regarding ways to incorporate cooking oils and/or vinegars into food preparation and cooking. Further, 5% expressed the intention to try a new type of cooking oil and/or flavored vinegar as a way to prepare or add flavor to foods, while 3% expressed the intention to incorporate more cooking oils and/or flavored vinegars into cooking to increase home-prepared meals. 

Participants loved the information regarding the similarities and differences between each oil and vinegars and how to incorporate them in different ways.