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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryFamily Cooking Program



Family Cooking Program

Author: Abbigale Gray

Planning Unit: Mason County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Plan of Work: Family and Consumer Sciences

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Family Cooking Series is a hands-on, educational program designed to bring families together through the joy of cooking. Hosted monthly at the Mason County Public Library, with me leading the program, from March to October, this program encourages parents and guardians to involve their children in meal preparation, fostering teamwork, skill development, and healthy family connections.

The inaugural session in March focused on making homemade sugar cookie dough and royal icing, providing families with an opportunity to learn fundamental baking techniques while working collaboratively in the kitchen. A total of nine participants, representing four families, attended the session. Each family engaged in the step-by-step process of creating homemade cookies, reinforcing essential kitchen skills such as measuring, mixing, and getting to bake at home for even more family time and decorating the cookies of course.

Looking ahead, the April session will introduce participants to omelet-making, incorporating eggs, vegetables, and proteins. This session will emphasize the importance of balanced meals while teaching techniques such as whisking, sautéing, and safely handling ingredients.

This program not only enhances culinary skills but also strengthens family bonds, builds confidence in young cooks, and promotes lifelong healthy eating habits. By allowing children to take an active role in the cooking process, the Family Cooking Series empowers families to make cooking a fun and educational experience. With upcoming sessions featuring a variety of recipes, this series will continue to inspire families to cook together, creating lasting memories and valuable life skills.






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