Culinary classes aim to help with healthy living

INA, Ill. – Four culinary-themed classes offered through Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division will prepare attendees for a healthy diet this fall. Interested participants can enroll today for these classes, scheduled in September and October.

First up this month is Ready, Set, Sushi – a class designed to introduce sushi lovers to the basics of making their own healthy dinner in the comfort of their home. RLC Chef Jeff Fairbanks will cover terminology, equipment needed, basic techniques, sanitation, and safety concerns. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and no special equipment is needed. The class costs $20, plus a $15 supply fee to the instructor, and meets from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 in the Student Center, Room 120, on the Ina campus

Next in September is Healthy Eating for All Ages, which will help participants discern what is in a healthy diet. Instructor Marty Wells will review some ways to eat a balanced diet while maintaining or losing weight. The class costs $10 and will meet from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 in the Historic Schoolhouse on the Ina campus.

In October, participants can join a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Fairbanks to learn How to Grow and Prepare Fall Vegetables. Topics of discussion will include how to harvest, identify, and prepare fall vegetables; how to grow vegetables in gardens or raised beds; and how to prepare herbs on fall vegetables. The class will end with an interactive demonstration on how to prepare dishes using fresh vegetables. The class costs $15 and will meet from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 in the Student Center, Room 103, on the Ina campus.

Later in the month, Instructor Marty Wells is back to help participants Make Sense of Nutritional Labels. This informational class will help attendees find out how the nutrition label can help them make healthier food choices. The class costs $10 and will meet from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 in the Historic Schoolhouse on the Ina campus.

To learn more about or to register for any of these classes, call RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714. Pre-registration may be required, and can be done in person, via phone call, or by emailing