By Toi Degree

Rowan Cooperative Extension

As the year comes to an end, I am trying to clear all my waiting lists and keep my promise to offer two very popular workshops.

Back by popular demand, the Crockpot Freezer Meals Workshop will be offered again on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rowan County Center. This workshop will be hands-on and allow participants to prepare four meals on site to take home with them.

Crockpot freezer meals have become extremely popular and are great for busy mothers to be able to prepare home cooked meals for their families during the week. Preparing the meals in advance just requires planning and setting aside about an hour over the weekend to put meals together. Once meals are prepared and frozen, the only decision to make during the week is which meal you will have for dinner, thawing overnight, and putting in the slow cooker the next day for cooking.

Crockpot freezer meals have been referred to as game-changers for many reasons. Those who choose to attend will learn all of the insider tips on how to get started, how to make these meals from start to finish, tips to make things a bit easier, buying in bulk, will take home four meals for later, and receive recipes to make more meals. These meals can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

If you are interested in attending this workshop, the cost is $15, and payment is due at registration. Participants will need to come by, pay the workshop fee, and pick up a grocery list of items needed for the workshop. Registration deadline is Sept. 24. On the day of the workshop, bring items that you purchased, kitchen utensils and a cooler for transport home.

Also, join me on Oct. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the Instant Pot Workshop. The Instant Pot is the number one selling brand on Amazon.com with one of the highest overall customer ratings.  The Instant Pot was developed to meet the needs of consumers who lead very active and busy lives, yet desire to live healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyles.

Participants will learn about the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker. It can serve as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté/searing pan, steamer, and warming pot all in one convenient small electric appliance. If you are interested in attending this session, you may sign up until Oct. 15. Space is limited, and registration is required.  The cost of this session is $10. If you call ahead to reserve a spot, please do your very best to attend.

Participants will receive a sampling of food, recipes, and other educational materials.  The classes will be held at Rowan County Agricultural Center, located at 2727 Old Concord Road. There is a limit of 20 people per session.

For more information, you may call Toi N. Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension (704-216-8970) or email toi_degree@ncsu.edu