Food for Thought is coming to Upwell Methodist Church this autumn, with weekly sessions aimed at anyone who would like a little more confidence in the kitchen.
And you certainly don't need to be an accomplished cook to join in.
The programme, run by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, is open to all ages and abilities, with a professional chef on hand to demonstrate recipes and share practical ideas for making tasty, healthy meals without spending a fortune.
There is also the opportunity to sample what's been cooked, exchange ideas and pick up useful tips that can be taken home and put into practice.
But, as those who have attended previous Food for Thought sessions have discovered, cooking is only part of it.
The sessions are designed to be relaxed and sociable, giving people an opportunity to get out of the house, meet others from their community and learn together.
Councillor Jo Rust, the council's cabinet member for people and communities, said: “Food for Thought is about much more than cooking. It gives people the confidence to prepare healthy, affordable meals while bringing residents together in a friendly and supportive environment.
“We are delighted to bring the programme to Upwell, making it easier for people across the surrounding villages to take part.
“Previous participants have told us they not only enjoyed learning new recipes and practical money-saving tips, but also valued the friendships and social connections they made along the way. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning participants to the sessions.”
Something different on the menu each week
The first session takes place on Wednesday, September 23, with a focus on breakfast, before moving on to lunches the following week and dinners on October 7.
Other weeks will look at snacks, batch cooking and how to make better use of dried and tinned foods, all useful skills when trying to keep the weekly food bill under control.
As autumn moves towards winter, the programme will tackle seasonal savings, dietary alternatives, inexpensive desserts and homemade "fakeaway" meals.
December brings low-calorie cooking before the final session on December 9 turns its attention to festive savings, which could prove particularly timely as Christmas approaches.
There is no charge to take part, no need to book and the sessions are child-friendly.
So whether you're someone who can confidently produce Sunday lunch for a dozen people or you're still slightly suspicious of anything more complicated than beans on toast, the door is open.
And if you come away with a new favourite meal, a few ways of saving money and some new people to say hello to, that's probably a pretty successful morning.
Food for Thought runs every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11.30am at Upwell Methodist Church, from September 23 until December 9.
For more information, residents can call 01553 616200, option 1, or email asklily@west-norfolk.gov.uk
Image supplied by KLWNBC
