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-prepared meals, the Grayson County Extension Office hosted a virtual workshop Savor the Flavor: Cooking with Oils and Vinegars. The Savor the Flavor program focused on cooking oils and flavored vinegars. Extension developed it as a way to teach people how to make home-prepared 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. 43 people participated in the workshop and were all members of the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Association. 

Of those surveyed, 100% indicated they better understood different types of cooking oils and flavored vinegars, respectively, and 98% stated they increased their level of understanding regarding ways to incorporate cooking oils and/or vinegars into food preparation and cooking. Further, 95% 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 86% expressed the intention to incorporate more cooking oils and/or flavored vinegars into cooking to increase home-prepared meals. 

A few of the most significant things participants reported learning from this virtual program include (quoted directly from participants): 

-    I had no idea coconut oil was high in calories and saturated fat.

-    Always interested in healthy eating. This info especially. Tables 1 and 2 [in the publications] are helpful. I will leave them to pull out when I cook.

-    Check out the health benefits of oils.

-    I have always used olive oil and vinegars and will increase their use.