In time for Valentine’s, a free cooking class for two

Valentine’s Day often offers an excuse to abdicate any progress made on New Year’s resolutions designed around healthier eating.

If you’re still resolved 41 days after New Year’s, no need to quit now! And if you haven’t made it this far, well why not make a Valentine’s Day resolution?

The Charles R. Drew Wellness Center is offering a free Heart Healthy Cooking for Two class.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn how to cook healthier meals that are both affordable and delicious,” saidShireese M. Bell, public relations manager for the City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Ashley Raasch, a registered dietitian from DHEC’s Office of Public Health Nutrition, will show participants how to cook healthier meals in a fun, interactive class.

“As a ‘Let’s Move!’ city, we are always looking for ways to help families get or stay active and incorporate healthy meals into their daily lives,” Bell said. “This free cooking class is a great way for participants to learn how to prepare healthy meals, from the affordable ingredients to the meal preparation.”

It’s a cooking demonstration where class members will help prepare and sample a fun, healthy dish perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day – and for just regular meals the rest of the year.

The hour-long class begins at 5:30 p.m. at Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way.

Space is limited. Reserve a spot online at

https://www.columbiasc.net/drew-wellness or call 803-545-3200.

Lezlie Patterson, Special to The State

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 11:05 AM with the headline "In time for Valentine’s, a free cooking class for two."