Cooking classes are consistently in high demand in Mercer County, with many residents (youth and adults) looking for new recipes, basic kitchen skills, and fresh ways to prepare meals at home. At the same time, there’s growing curiosity around trying foods from different cultures, especially when presented in an approachable, beginner-friendly format. The Cooking the Globe series was created to meet both of these needs by combining hands-on cooking instruction with cultural exploration in a fun and supportive environment. 

Each 90-minute class focused on the cuisine of a different country, offering accessible recipes and cultural context. Participants prepared crepes in the French session, baked tortilla chips and churros in the Mexican session, and three styles of sushi in the Japanese session. In addition to cooking, attendees received take-home packets that included recipes, fun facts about the featured culture, and substitution ideas for replicating the meals at home. 

The class series served 16 total participants, consisting of both youth and adults. While the group was predominantly white (15 white, 1 mixed race), the program emphasized inclusion by eliminating financial barriers and providing a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. Many participants were beginner cooks or had limited exposure to international cuisine, making this program a valuable entry point for skill development and cultural appreciation. 

Our post test results showed that 100% of participants had growth in at least one of our four learning areas: kitchen confidence, cooking skills, openness to trying new foods, and knowledge of global cultures.