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 cooking skills and knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare homecooked meals. To encourage more home-prepared meals, the Carter County Extension Office presented the Savor the Flavor series to the East Carter High School Foods Class and a group of adults with in treatment for mental health conditions. The Savor the Flavor program focused on various cooking methods and flavoring techniques. Extension developed this program as a way to teach people how to make home-prepared meals that are flavorful and exciting. These methods are basic and easy to incorporate into home cooking. Yet people commonly say they are unsure or intimidated by cooking and don’t always know how to expand their skills in the kitchen to create flavorful meals. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge about cooking methods and ways to add flavor to food. The program is a five-part series that was taught monthly over a series of five months.

Thirty-seven people participated in the series of workshops. The program was offered to youth (some with special needs) as a partnership with the East Carter Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and Mountain Comprehensive Care Therapeutic Rehabilitation Program. The High School participants would make recipes that were included with each lesson as a part of their classroom lab.  

A follow-up evaluation was given to participants after the program. The follow-up was designed to measure behavior changes as a result of the program. The program was also evaluated by observations. Of those surveyed and observed, 100% indicated they have since incorporated oils and/or vinegar when preparing foods and use the information learned to prepare salad dressings and marinades at home, respectively. Another 100% reported they use herbs and spices to add flavor when cooking. About 80% acknowledged they incorporate the information learned in the program to prepare more meals at home. Further, 100% organized their kitchen tools and appliances for easy use.