It is time to set aside your textbooks and slip into your kitchen aprons, or perhaps grab a trusty spatula, because today is National Cooking Day! Celebrated on September 25, this unique holiday is a unifacial way to honor all cooks and chefs. While it is typically a day to appreciate those who feed us, why not also make it a day to cook for yourself? Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or someone who’s just learning how to boil water, this is your moment to stir, sauté, and savor your own creations.
While cooking may be about the food, it can also be about community. At the University of North Dakota, those values are cooked right on campus. One place that stands out is the Culinary Corner, a vibrant space where students can take cooking classes and learn new skills at the Wellness Center. Among those classes is a program called Kitchen Basics, a fun, recurring event that gives students a chance to learn new recipes, packed full of nutrients. It is a fun class that gives you the opportunity to learn nutritious recipes while exploring the different methods of cooking. Students who go can get practical lessons in cooking and are introduced to food alternatives, providing insights into the nutritional benefits of the ingredients they use. What’s more, students leave each class not only with a delicious snack but also with a newfound recipe to try at home or in the dorms. Another class would be Better Baking; this class tends to be a more in-depth hour-long class where you join in on the baking process. Learning new ways to turn any sweet treat into a healthier alternative.
UND even gives a flair of competition over at Wilkerson once a year with the lighthearted Chopped cooking competition. Teams of three or more compete in a three-day challenge to see who can whip up the most impressive dish under pressure. This competition gives you a fun outlet to bond with friends and even shows off your cooking skills and style.
Recognizing that cooking and providing food for oneself can be challenging, UND is committed to supporting its students through various initiatives, one such program being the Food for Thought Pantry in the Memorial Union. This pantry is open to all students who need a little extra help. The pantry operates as a compassionate, judgment-free zone, emphasizing support and understanding for all students who reach out for help.
National Cooking Day is more than a day to honor all cooks and chefs, but a day to remind us that cooking is for everyone. UND offers numerous opportunities for students to learn, grow, and enjoy the art of cooking, making it a perfect day to roll up your sleeve and get in the kitchen.
Zoe Booth is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
