Think you “can’t” cook? No more excuses!

Ever heard the saying “Can’t means won’t,” fellow foodies? The principle applies to all aspects of life, including kitchen activities.

The show on TV wasn’t “Yan CAN’T Cook,” with host Martin Yan picking up the phone calling for takeout Chinese food. That mental image is just as dull when you call for takeout meals night after night.  Just like Yan, YOU can cook, too!

And if you have a Whole Foods Market near you, you’ve just run out of “I can’t cook” excuses. From Fresno to Omaha to Princeton, Whole Foods offers culinary classes that are free and open to the public. Courtesy of Arlington, Va., Store Chef Michael Kiss, check out the following descriptions for his Tuesday cooking classes in May. Each class starts at 7:00 p.m. and runs 30-50 minutes. There is no registration required. Come by early as seating is limited.

May 11 – Whole Grain Salads 101
We all know that we need to incorporate more whole grains into our diets, although in practice it can be overwhelming and frustrating. Chef Kiss will showcase light and flavorful vegetarian salads, great for summer entertaining at patio dinners and picnics!

May 18 – 29 ½-Minute Meals
Fast-paced city life makes it hard to eat well…or does it? Chef Kiss shows the secrets to a healthy meal that can be made in a flash! No pre-chopped ingredients, magic ovens or camera tricks. Learn to cook Baja Salmon with Stewed Avocado and Tomato and Sunshine Quinoa.

May 25 – Cook Like a Chef
Ever wonder how a chef looks at food, how they pick it, combine it, make it taste amazing? This week Chef Kiss will to break apart the concept of pesto. This classic Italian staple is one of his favorites.

Check with your local Whole Foods to see if there are cooking classes, tastings or demonstrations to attend. Are other retailers in your area offering similar classes?