Community & Support Recipes and Weekly Recap

Fall 2026

Week of September 14

What a great start to our fall Community and Support through Cooking session! Our first class was all about getting to know one another and creating a welcoming kitchen environment. We spent some time learning about our classmates while working together to prepare a colorful and flavorful Cowboy Caviar—a fresh, healthy mixture of beans and vegetables that was a delicious addition to our lunch/snack boxes.

Along with the Cowboy Caviar, each participant created a well-rounded snack box with a creamy yogurt based fruit dip, apples, grapes, chips, and a cheese stick. This first class gave everyone an opportunity to practice kitchen skills such as chopping, measuring, mixing, and assembling, while also encouraging teamwork. It was a fun beginning to the session, and we look forward to continuing to build cooking skills, confidence, and friendships!

Week of September 21

Week two brought Asian flavors to the kitchen as we prepared a refreshing Cucumber Asian Salad and Easy Ramen. Participants practiced slicing and chopping fresh ingredients, and measuring spices and wet ingredients by  following a visual recipe.

This week also gave us the opportunity to practice microwave safety and skills as we used the microwave to heat water for our ramen. Participants learned how the microwave can be a helpful tool for preparing a simple meal while practicing safe handling of hot food and dishes. 

After we finished cooking, we were able to enjoy the meal while discussing what they liked about these recipes.

Week of September 28

Week three brought some delicious fall flavors to the kitchen! We made Great Pumpkin Chili and Corn Muffins, giving participants the opportunity to practice a variety of important cooking skills while working together.

This week, we focused on stove safety, including learning how to safely use the stovetop, handle hot pots and pans, and work carefully around heat. We also continued building our chopping and measuring skills, practicing following directions and completing each step of the recipes.

After all our hard work in the kitchen, we enjoyed our warm and comforting meal together. It was another great week of building confidence, practicing skills, and enjoying the fun of cooking.

  • Week 3 Recipes:

  • Extension Practice ideas for home this week:

    • Practice good hand washing techniques

    • Practice washing fruits and vegetables 

    • Practice using measuring spoons for cooking

    • Practice measuring in a liquid measuring cup

    • Practice chopping vegetables

    • Practice placing pots on the stove correctly

    • Practice stirring with your “chicken wing up”

Week of October 5

Week four brought more flavors of fall into the kitchen! We began class with a fun apple tasting, giving participants the opportunity to try different varieties and compare their flavors, textures, and preferences.

Next, we put our apples to use by making delicious Apple Muffins. We introduced oven safety to some participants while reviewing important oven skills with others. We practiced using the oven safely and continued developing our grating and measuring skills while following the recipes step by step.

While our muffins were baking, we prepared a Spiced Oat Smoothie, giving us the perfect opportunity to practice more measuring and blending skills.

It was another fun and flavorful week of learning, practicing, and enjoying the results of our hard work together!

Week of October 12

Week five was all about creating a delicious breakfast favorite! Each participant made their own Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich, choosing to cook their bacon on the griddle or in the microwave, prepare their own scrambled eggs, and toast an English muffin or bread. Everyone had the opportunity to take an active role in preparing their meal while practicing important kitchen skills.

This week, we reviewed stovetop safety, toaster safety, and the safe use of griddles and microwaves. Participants practiced preparing food using different kitchen appliances, following directions, and completing each step of the visual recipe. Having the opportunity to make their own breakfast sandwich was a great way to build confidence and reinforce the skills needed to prepare simple meals.

After all of our cooking was complete, we enjoyed our breakfast creations together! It was another wonderful week of learning and practicing our growing skills in the kitchen.