Hillary McMichael unveils "Taste of Cultures" four-week cooking and culture class in Orange County

Hillary McMichael, a family and consumer science agent with UF/IFAS Extension — Orange County, introduced a new four-week program called "Taste of Cultures," saying it will teach local residents the histories, recipes and kitchen techniques of several global food traditions.

"So we have a brand new family consumer sciences program that we're gonna be offering called Taste of Cultures," McMichael said, describing a curriculum that covers foods and cultural history from the Caribbean, Africa, East Asia and South Asia. She said the class pairs cultural context with hands-on instruction.

McMichael outlined the practical skills participants will learn, including cutting techniques, mincing and chopping distinctions, and use of implements such as a mortar and pestle. "Mincing is very, very small, fine pieces, and then chopping are gonna be larger chunks," she said, adding that technique affects a recipe's flavor and intent.

In-class cooking will include sample dishes McMichael named as examples: Jamaican jerk chicken wraps and okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake. She said participants will also study spice varieties, their culinary roles and potential health effects. "Different spices can help to reduce the risk of certain chronic disease and cancer," McMichael said; she also said students will create and take home personalized spice blends.

The course will be offered in person at the UF/IFAS Extension — Orange County office and virtually, with evening sessions available to accommodate people who work during the day. McMichael framed the program as both educational and practical, saying the aim is to empower participants to reproduce recipes at home and share what they learn with family.

The segment closed with the host encouraging listeners to consider enrolling. For more details on registration, McMichael said the extension office will provide sign-up information and that the virtual option is intended to broaden access.