Cooking Lessons, Laughs On The Menu At Local Monthly Class

Ten months ago, Meg McKenzie could not cook.

The mother of three young boys and radio personality admittedly was lost in the kitchen.

"My claim to fame was that I couldn't cook. Everyone knows I couldn't cook," said McKenzie, who is half of the Murphy & Meg morning duo on Oldies 95.7 FM.

So the station teamed up with Taste of Home outlet store at the Reiman Visitor Center in Greendale to hold a monthly Meg's Classy Cooking Club. The hour-long cooking class held in a test kitchen is open to the public.

"I've learned an incredible amount of knowledge in the kitchen," McKenzie said after Saturday's cooking class. "There are things that I make now that I would have never attempted."

During the class, Meg and culinary experts typically prepare and explain quick and simple recipes ranging from appetizers to entrees. A large mirror is set up above them so the crowd can see them at work.

Mostaccioli Bake and Chocolate Cannoli Cake were prepared in front of about 65 people who attended the class.

"We call it a club because it feels like we are all learning together. I think most people in the audience can cook a heck of a lot better than I can," McKenzie said.

The class is informal with a lot of joking and laughter. McKenzie and her sidekick Michelle Goggins, Program Director at Taste of Home Cooking School, partake a lighthearted banter back and forth.

"Why can't you tease egg whites? Because they can't take a yoke," Goggins said as the crowded gasped. 

Joy Lindvall and her 4-year-old daughter sat in back during the class and enjoyed samples of cooking class fare. 

"She likes it. We actually take a cooking class together," said Lindvall, who attended the class once before. 

Carol Kau works as a nurse on third shift. When she goes home in the morning, she listens to McKenzie on the air.

"It was wonderful," said Kau, who was selected to join McKenzie and Goggins on stage and helped them make the Mostaccioli Bake."It just sounded like a fun thing to do." 

Door prizes consisted of cook books and kitchen utensils and were handed out throughout the class.

The next cooking class will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12. Classes are from 10 to 11 a.m. and are free.