Adaptive cooking class teaches culinary skills and safety

DENVER -- The saying goes that “too many cooks spoil the broth.”

But in the cooking class offered through Denver Parks & Recreations adaptive recreation program, more cooks means more help and more food.

Each of the cooks in this class has some kind of ability.  More importantly, they also have the ability and desire to cook.

“I want to become a chef,” said student Betty Kadovitz.

“I do it for to keep my emotions in check,” Lillian Chazin told Denver7. “If you’re angry or sad or something like that, you cook.”

“They come and they learn how to cook and some basic safety skills,” instructor Jessica Garramone explained.  “There’s knife safety and oven safety. On a class basis they learn how to cook, how to read the ingredients and how to convert the recipes.”

But there is more than just learning a few recipes at stake.

“If they live independently they can cook on their own,” Dani Depas said, adding that she likes to see how the cooks develop new skills over time. “Toward the end you can look back and see the progress that they have made and it’s really fun.”

Having fun, spending time with friends and enjoying good food is what this class is all about, although the students have a few suggestions.

“I have a suggestion for them, we should do international cooking,” Lillian added near the end of class. “Like maybe Indian or something like Chinese.” 

The Denver Parks & Recreations adaptive recreation program also offers fitness and cultural programs. Visit their website for more information.