Free Cooking Class Unlocks Meal Time Potential

McCook Neb. - A familiar scene unfolds in countless kitchens: you stare into the pantry, a collection of everyday items staring back, and wonder, "What's for dinner?" For Marine Corps veteran Noelle Hinz, this question became particularly poignant when she first received her WIC benefits. "How do you use 30 ounces of tuna and three huge containers of baby cereal?" she recalls asking herself, faced with an abundance of unfamiliar ingredients.

This challenge resonated deeply with Kaye T. Bieck, the director of the Family Resource Center. She'd faced similar dilemmas in her own kitchen, creatively transforming oatmeal baby cereal into chewy cookies that her twin daughters adored.

Now, Hinz and Bieck are teaming up to share their wisdom in "Cooking With WIC," a free, hands-on workshop designed to demystify cooking with pantry staples. While specifically tailored for WIC recipients, the class offers valuable skills for anyone looking to create nutritious and delicious meals on a budget.

What You'll Discover

The workshop will dive into practical techniques, turning seemingly simple ingredients into family-friendly favorites. You'll learn:

* Foundational Sauce: Master the art of the roux, a simple base that can be transformed into a silky béchamel, then effortlessly adapted into crowd-pleasing queso, hearty sausage gravy, or classic mac-and-cheese.

* Sweet-Potato Apple Muffins: Discover a clever trick for incorporating baby-food purée into a tender, breakfast treat.

* Black-Bean Taquitos: Learn how to turn canned or cooked-from-dry beans into a crispy, satisfying main dish that's sure to be a hit.

"Trying new recipes is scary when a flop means throwing food away," Hinz explains, highlighting the real-world benefit of the class. "This class lets you practice first and take extras home."

A Community Effort

This invaluable initiative has come to life thanks to strong community support. A generous grant from the McCook Community Foundation, coupled with donated pots, pans, and groceries, has fully stocked the kitchen. To ensure personalized instruction and ample "stove time" for every participant, class sizes will remain small.

Bieck emphasizes that "Cooking skills matter no matter what ingredients you have." Both she and Hinz are passionate about dismantling the stigma often associated with public assistance. They know firsthand how crucial WIC was during their own challenging times, especially given the high cost of infant formula.

Looking ahead, Bieck and Hinz are optimistic about the program's future. "If folks like this session, we’ll keep going—maybe freezer meals or basic sewing next," Bieck shares, envisioning a growing series of workshops that empower the community with essential life skills and build confidence in the kitchen.

Reserve Your Seat

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your pantry and your cooking! The "Cooking With WIC" class will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Family Resource Center, located at 526 W. B St., McCook.

Space is limited, and walk-ins cannot be guaranteed. Call 308-345-2609 to sign up and secure your spot!