Healthy Eating at Any Age Starts in the Kitchen

Eating well is one of the most powerful ways to support healthy aging. According to AARP, nutritious, balanced meals can help older adults maintain muscle strength, support brain health, manage chronic conditions, and stay active and independent longer. The focus isn’t on restriction—it’s on enjoying real, flavorful foods that fuel your body and fit your lifestyle.

To help make healthy eating simple and enjoyable, AARP Illinois is hosting a series of hands‑on cooking demonstrations in Peoria. These sessions highlight fresh ingredients, smart techniques, and delicious recipes you can recreate at home.

Dogwood Hall ICC Culinary, North (Peoria) Campus, 5407 N. University St., Peoria IL 61635

Summer Grilling Demo with Chefs , August 14 

SESSION 1 (10:00–11:30 AM): Elotes Salad; Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa
SESSION 2 (11:45 AM–1:00 PM): Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Sauce and Boozy Chantilly Cream; Grilled Mocktails and Cocktails
Register: https://events.aarp.org/SummerGrilling

 

Brunch’ n Lunch Favs! Cooking Demonstration, September 18, 2026

SESSION 1 (10:00–11:30 AM): Sun-Dried Tomato & Scallion Egg Bites; Yummy Vegan Almond Cake

SESSION 2 (11:45 AM–1:00 PM): Best Rotisserie Chicken & Rice Soup; Mochi Waffles w/ Bananas Foster

Register: https://events.aarp.org/BrunchnLunch

 

German Cuisine Cooking Demonstration, Friday, October 16, 2026

SESSION 1 (10:00–11:30 AM): Bratwurst, Apple-Caraway Sauerkraut, German Potato Salad, Spiced Warm Apple Cider
SESSION 2 (11:45 AM–1:00 PM): Bier Cheese Soup, Bee Sting Cake
Register: https://events.aarp.org/GermanCuisine

 

Brunch Bests Cooking Demonstration, Friday, November 6, 2026

SESSION 1 (10:00–11:30 AM):  Ham & Mushroom Mini Quiches, Yogurt Parfaits w/ Homemade Granola, Kombucha Cocktail
SESSION 2 (11:45 AM–1:00 PM): Dutch Baby Pancakes w/ Lemon Curd & Blueberry Topping, Rosti (Swiss Cheesy Hash Browns), Vanilla Bean Coffee Fizz
Register: https://events.aarp.org/BrunchBests1106

 

Holiday Cooking Demonstration, Friday, December 4, 2026

SESSION 1 (10:00–11:30 AM): Hasselback Potato Gratin, Garlic-Herb Butter Rolls
SESSION 2 (11:45 AM–1:00 PM):  Kolaczkis and Panettone Cookies
Register: https://events.aarp.org/HolidayCooking