Cooking 101: Cookies a sweet treat

Wednesday, Nov. 16 is the date for this year's Cooking 101, a cooking class which is a collaborative program between Area 30 Career Center culinary students, the Purdue Extension Service, Putnam County Hospital and members of the Putnam County Extension Homemakers.

This will be the fifth year that the groups have cooperated to put on a cooking class for the public, which includes demonstrations by both high school students, staff and talented local cooks.

Each year the program focuses on a specific food category. Past programs have focused on soup, cakes, bread and candy. This year's program will focus on cookies, just in time to provide tips and ideas for holiday baking.

In addition to presentations by Area 30 culinary arts students, demonstrations will also be given by Extension Homemaker members Betty Henson and Jennifer Romalia. Two-time Indianapolis Star Cookie Contest winner Stephanie Hurt will share some of her favorite cookie making tips.

Registered dietician Sharon Black from the Putnam County Hospital will provide information on ways to make cookies healthier as well as how to use alternative ingredients to change recipes for those with special dietary needs, including gluten-free and lower carb alternatives.

The program is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.. in the Community Auditorium at the Area 30 Career Center (across from Greencastle Walmart). The cost for the program is $3.

Reservations to attend should be made by calling the Putnam County Office of the Purdue Extension Service at 653-8411 by noon on Monday, Nov. 14. Due to limited parking, those attended are encouraged to carpool if they can.

On Monday, Nov. 7, the Extension Office began operating from our new location in the lower level of the PNC Bank Building at 12 Central Square in Greencastle. To visit our new office, come to the entrance on the Columbia St. side of the building, which is located between College and Vine streets.

The classroom/meet-ing room is located just inside the door under the green awning. To reach our main office, go straight ahead down the hall following the signs to our office. We invite you to stop in and see us as we continue to unpack and settle in to the new space. Our phone number remains the same (653-8411) so don't hesitate to call if you have questions on finding us or about any programs or activities.

Upcoming events

Nov. 11 -- Office Closed for Veteran's Day

Nov. 16 -- Cooking 101 "COOKIES" at Area 30 Career Center --Cost $3; RSVP w/ Extension office required.

Nov. 29 -- Extension Annual Meeting, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.