Every Thursday this spring, CU-Boulder students can learn the basics of cooking for free. On Jan. 14, the chicken parmesan recipe had everyone drooling.
"I have no idea how to make anything," said Ellis LaGrone, a junior who is studying mechanical engineering. "I'm here to make my mom proud."
Participants learned how to coat a chicken breast in an egg wash and seasoned bread crumbs, layer on the marinara and parmesan, and garnish the finished product with fresh basil.
After summer internship in rural Wyoming, Ryan Woodward, a junior studying chemical engineering, realized he could benefit from some cooking skills.
"I ate a lot of jalapeno and peanut butter sandwiches," he said. "I figured I better learn how to cook before I'm on my own again."
Now in its sixth semester, Ralphie's Cooking Basics is open to all CU-Boulder students.
"We have students from every demographic—undergrad, grad, domestic and international—take the class," said Ben Williams, coordinator for student involvement. "This gives them a cool way to interact in ways you don't always see on campus."
Some of the most popular dishes include homemade soft pretzels, stuffed peppers and chocolate truffles. All materials are included, and the goal is to make food items that students can easily replicate in their kitchens at home. Limited to fifteen participants, every student who attends has a hands-on experience.
"It's a unique program because it's small," said Kendall Lundquist, student event planner with the Center for Student Involvement. "As a student myself, I've met a bunch of really cool people."
The best part? The students get to enjoy their delicious creations at the end.
Ralphie's Cooking Basics runs from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Alferd Packer Grill. Sign-ups are day-of on a first come, first served basis, starting at 4:45 p.m., in front of Baby Doe's in the UMC.
Upcoming Menu Items:
- Jan. 28 - Stir fry
- Feb. 4 - Superbowl appetizers
- Feb. 11 - Heart-shaped cookies
- Feb. 18 - Carbonara
For more information, visit Ralphie's Cooking Basics on the Center for Student Involvement website.
