Students learn healthy cooking techniques
10/1/2009
By Laura Podgornik
Staff Writer
Executive Chef Patrick Moore demonstrates how to make a healthy stir fry.
“Excuse me! Can I get everyone’s attention!” shouts Executive Chef Patrick Moore to the bustling UWS cafeteria at 12 PM on a Wednesday. “I’d like to welcome everyone to lunch!” He goes on to explain that he will be doing a demonstration on healthy cooking and that everyone is welcome to watch as he cooks a nutritious stir fry. Students pass by the table full of ingredients and gaze inquisitively.
Moore and dietician Sherie Nelson are part of A’viands, the company that has catered to the UWS cafeteria the past three semesters. The pair put together the exhibition as part of their Choices for Life campaign, which promotes healthy eating. The demonstration Wednesday was the second done on campus and Nelson says they hope to continue to offer the free demonstrations monthly, a total of six times before the end of the school year.
“Patrick does an awesome job of demonstrating,” says Nelson. “It’s a fun way to demonstrate how students can make healthier choices,” she continues. “Being a college student myself, I know they’re always busy,” adds Moore. “We’re looking to teach them what we’re doing but also the methodology. That way they can cook a variety of meals while still maintaining a healthy foundation,” he concludes.
Nelson kicks off the demo with a number of healthy suggestions. “We’ll be using vermicelli today but I recommend whole grain alternatives. Brown rice goes great with this recipe,” she states. The demo incorporates the recipe given out to all guests, step by step instructions, and even a small sample of the meal at the end.
The recipe is made up of items that can be found at any local grocery store. During the demonstration, Moore continually offers helpful everyday cooking tips. “I like to remind people to eat with their eyes. As you can see here, I’ve balanced the colors of the vegetables I’m using,” says Moore as he holds up the plate to the audience.
Although Nelson says the faculty has shown the most interest in the demos, students were clearly showing interest as Moore explained the steps. Student Allie Lapacinski watched the demonstration and deemed it both “neat and amazing.” “I can’t wait to try it,” she added.
According to Nelson, the turnout Wednesday doubled that of last year’s demonstration and she hopes the next will be even larger.
Moore and dietician Sherie Nelson are part of A’viands, the company that has catered to the UWS cafeteria the past three semesters. The pair put together the exhibition as part of their Choices for Life campaign, which promotes healthy eating. The demonstration Wednesday was the second done on campus and Nelson says they hope to continue to offer the free demonstrations monthly, a total of six times before the end of the school year.
“Patrick does an awesome job of demonstrating,” says Nelson. “It’s a fun way to demonstrate how students can make healthier choices,” she continues. “Being a college student myself, I know they’re always busy,” adds Moore. “We’re looking to teach them what we’re doing but also the methodology. That way they can cook a variety of meals while still maintaining a healthy foundation,” he concludes.
Nelson kicks off the demo with a number of healthy suggestions. “We’ll be using vermicelli today but I recommend whole grain alternatives. Brown rice goes great with this recipe,” she states. The demo incorporates the recipe given out to all guests, step by step instructions, and even a small sample of the meal at the end.
The recipe is made up of items that can be found at any local grocery store. During the demonstration, Moore continually offers helpful everyday cooking tips. “I like to remind people to eat with their eyes. As you can see here, I’ve balanced the colors of the vegetables I’m using,” says Moore as he holds up the plate to the audience.
Although Nelson says the faculty has shown the most interest in the demos, students were clearly showing interest as Moore explained the steps. Student Allie Lapacinski watched the demonstration and deemed it both “neat and amazing.” “I can’t wait to try it,” she added.
According to Nelson, the turnout Wednesday doubled that of last year’s demonstration and she hopes the next will be even larger.
