Published: Jan. 22, 2016
CU-Boulderstudents learning the basics of cooking

Every Thursdaythis spring, CU-Boulderstudents can learn the basics of cookingfor free.On Jan. 14, thechicken parmesan recipe had everyone drooling.

"I have no idea how to make anything," said EllisLaGrone, a junior who is studying mechanical engineering. "I'm here to make my mom proud."

Participants learned how tocoat a chicken breast in an egg wash andseasonedbread crumbs, layer on the marinara and parmesan, and garnish the finished product with fresh basil.

Aftersummer internshipin rural Wyoming,Ryan Woodward, a juniorstudying chemical engineering, realized he could benefit fromsome 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'sCooking Basicsis open to all CU-Boulder students.

"We have studentsfrom every demographic—undergrad, grad, domestic and international—takethe 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 themost popular dishesinclude homemade soft pretzels, stuffed peppers and chocolate truffles.All materialsare included,andthegoalisto 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,"saidKendall 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 toenjoy their delicious creations at the end.

Ralphie'sCooking Basicsruns from 5 to 6 p.m. in theAlferdPacker Grill.Sign-upsare 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, visiton the Center for Student Involvement website.