Chef holds Winter Cooking Classes in Des Plaines

The Des Plaines Park District recently hosted the first of three Winter Cooking Classes with chef Ron Wells focused on healthy eating for the new year.

He prepared a roasted veggie melt sandwich with eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, red onions, and red and yellow bell peppers on grilled French bread all for under 300 calories.

“I love food and I love to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and spices,” said Wells, chef for the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Des Plaines.

His tips for keeping the meal healthy are to “stay away from salt; use spices such as oregano, thyme and garlic to boost the flavors in the foods; and use unsalted butter in moderation.”

For dessert, chef Wells prepared an apple cobbler crumble with Granny Smith apples, raisins, walnuts, quick oats, and brown and white sugar.

“My recipes are designed to be customized to your family’s taste,” said Wells. “You can substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts, and mix and match your apples.”

“I like to use fresh fruits and vegetable in my meals,” said Wells. “The more colorful the dish, the healthier it is bound to be. Whether I am cooking at work or for my family, I also avoid processed and canned foods that are high in sodium nitrates.”

“Chef Ron’s style of teaching is very relaxed,” said Karyn Roth, recreation supervisor. “He is eager to share his vast knowledge with the class and he loves to take questions.”

Wells has more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen. He has recently published “A Taste of Ron’s Down Home Cooking,” with more than 40 of his appetizer, main dish and dessert recipes.

Wells’ cooking style is classic American cuisine, with a personal twist derived from his Memphis roots. “My love of cooking comes from my mother, Maudie,” he said.

Classes take place in the kitchen at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. on Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. Classes are open to novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.

The schedule for winter includes Joyful Chinese: a selection of fresh and flavorful dishes in celebration of the Chinese New Year, on Feb. 20; and Fish and Seafood: a Mediterranean twist on simple seafood dishes designed to spice up the Lenten season, on March 20. Registration is required. Recipes are posted on the Des Plaines Park District website, dpparks.org after the class. For more information, call (847) 391-5700 and visit tasteofrons.com.