Most of us are looking to enjoy healthy meals on our college budgets. In addition, with so much conflicting health and nutrition information all over the web, it’s important that we, as students, have access to qualified professionals who can talk us through healthy eating and answer questions.
Vandalizing the Kitchen is the answer to both of these callings. Vandalizing the Kitchen, or VTK, is a free cooking demonstration held monthly by the campus dietitian, Mindy Rice, MS, RDN, LD.
In VTK classes, there is a focus on creating recipes that meet the dietary needs of students (Vegetarian or vegan? Check! Gluten-free? Check! Omnivore? Check!), while being affordable and accessible with our lifestyles. In these classes, you will receive a recipe card detailing what you’ll need to make every delicious dish and have the opportunity to try a little bit of everything once the demonstration comes to a close.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in the cooking, allowing them to hone their skills in the kitchen. In addition, while they have the attention of a highly qualified dietetics professional, students are encouraged to ask questions about anything and everything pertaining to food and wellness.
Vandalizing the Kitchen happens monthly, and it’s a great thing to attend with friends before or after a gym session or when you want some free, freshly-cooked and nutritious food on a weekday night. If you’re taking Personal Fitness, attending a VTK class can give you fitness credit!
Beyond the direct interaction with the campus dietitian and dietetic interns, those who come to Vandalizing the Kitchen have the opportunity to answer trivia questions relating to the ingredients being used in the recipes that day to earn a variety of free items throughout the class. Beyond that, you leave with recipe cards, samples of all the dishes and a plethora of new nutrition knowledge.
Every class has a unique focus. One past class was centered around quick breakfasts to “Kick-Start Your Morning” featuring mini mushroom quiches, no-bake granola bars and make-ahead breakfast burritos. Another was “Meals on the Go,” focused on providing students with healthy dishes that fit with their busy lifestyles.
Coming up Nov. 7, in the Student Recreation Building Classroom (located in the hallway leading to the East entrance), is a class where all dishes use “5 Ingredients or Less.” Dishes will include a veggie burrito bowl, garlic green beans, and a cheesy rice skillet. Coming up the following month, on Dec. 7, is “Spice it Up.” Mindy will lead the class and demonstrate how to make perfectly seasoned chicken and roasted vegetables, lentil tacos and creamy garlic and herb dip. This is the perfect opportunity to learn some new dishes before you head home for the holidays.
Vandalizing the Kitchen is a tremendous opportunity to learn some new recipes and skills, gain nutrition knowledge directly from a qualified dietitian and enjoy some delicious dishes. If you’ve ever wanted to become a better home-chef, get answers to nutrition questions or simply smelled a tasty smell as you walked out of the gym, Vandalizing the Kitchen is the place for you.
For more information about Vandalizing the Kitchen, as well as free health events and resources on campus, check out https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/vandal-health-education.