Success StoryHealthy Cast Iron Cooking



Healthy Cast Iron Cooking

Author: Lynnette Allen

Planning Unit: Breckinridge County CES

Major Program: Food Preparation

Plan of Work: Improving community wellness through nutrition, physical activity and safety

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Research shows that family traditions along will healthy life style choices are important in an individual’s resiliency. Tradition creates a since of belonging while cooking at home encourages healthier lifestyle choices.   The Homemaker lesson Healthy Cast Iron Cooking combines these two important elements.  Ninety-one participants completed a learning session of selection, care and use of cast iron cookware.   The problem of rust and how to season or re-season cast iron was reviewed to encourage participants to utilize cookware they may not currently being using.  Also, the benefits of cooking with cast iron were reviewed with the MyPlate information and participants are reminded that a well-seasoned skillet can be used to create low fat recipes and time saving one-pot meals.  A delicious low-fat artichoke dip recipe was demonstrated and sampled to reinforce the benefits of cooking with cast iron.  Post surveys reported that 90% of the participants had a better understanding of how cast-iron cooking could be a part of a healthy diet.   Eighty-eight percent of the participants reported they are more likely to cook with cast iron after completing the class and 74% reported they were better prepared to lead the lesson with their homemaker clubs.  Several participants shared stories of inheriting their great-grandmothers iron skillets and the family recipes that have been passed down through the generations.  Others shared they were going to pull-out their cast iron skillet and start cooking with them again.  The homemaker lesson Healthy Cast Iron Cooking stirred up old memories and family traditions while encouraging healthy cooking for today’s families.  






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