Twenty students got a learning experience outside of the classroom when a campus chef and nutritionist hosted a free cooking and nutrition class last month in Hammond.

Aladdin, the company that operates PNW food services, hosted its first cooking class to show students a simple and healthy recipe, and teach them about nutrition and eating healthy. It was led by Dietician Kaylie Brand, and Rick Smith, executive chef at PNW.

“We wanted to bring nutrition and wellness to life and help students with healthier choices,” said Brand. 

She said the class aimed to overcome nutrition misinformation often found on social media. 

“It’s our job to make sure that we’re providing that true science factor on what’s good and what is healthy for your body,” she said.

The class taught students how to make Southwest Rolls using a tortilla and simple ingredients with some healthy alternatives, like Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing or sour cream.

“Just because it is healthy does not mean it does not mean that it doesn’t have flavor,” said Smith.

Students who participated were able to take home a cutting board and cutting gloves, along with new information, like knowing that cooking chicken to 165 degrees Fahrenheit is essential to kill bacteria and rinsing canned beans can reduce the sodium content by 40%.

Participants enjoyed the experience.

“I learned how to cut properly with the knife,” said Yareli Hernandez, a senior in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Alex Bell, a sophomore in Organization Leadership and Supervision, found that thinking outside the box could lead to tasty meals. 

“I learned how you can take stuff that I wouldn’t really think of, like cilantro, and add it to something for an accented flavor,” he said.

Smith said he hopes students learned the value of a nutritious meal, something he said he had not done when he was in school.

 “I lacked the patience to prepare a good meal,” he said. “I realized that patience and preparation for a good meal really pays off in the end.”