Cooking Lessons at the Colton Public Library by Andrew Perez - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Cooking Lessons at the Colton Public Library

By Andrew Perez, Community Writer
July 23, 2014 at 12:57pm. Views: 89

Do you like to cook and want to learn from a professional chef? If you do, you are in luck as the Colton Public Library has teamed up with Chef Alonso Alonso to create an informative and entertaining cooking demonstration that is free of charge and suitable for all ages. The most recent cooking demonstration was “Savory Sides” held on July 9 at the Colton Public Library. Alonso demonstrated how to make a simple macaroni and cheese sauce from scratch. He went over different ways to prepare twice-baked potatoes and created a variety of gratin dishes. Alonso explained that “gratin” is a culinary term for any oven-baked dish on which a golden brown crust of breadcrumbs, cheese and creamy sauce is formed. He said that if you have made a casserole in the past, you have made a gratin dish. Alonso shined as he lit up the room and inspired inquiries as he completed each dish. It was a small-scale version of the Emeril Lagasse show that originally aired on the Food Network. Alonso entertained and informed those in attendance about each recipe, and at the end, everybody got a chance to try each dish. “It started off kind of small, you know, the classes, and gosh they have really grown," said Library Board Trustee Pauline Lopez. "It's great and whatever he makes we get to eat." Library Supervisor Edward Pedroza, spoke of the history of this event. “When we originally decided to create something like this, it was geared toward our adult literacy program and that is a confidential one on one tutoring for adults who want to better their basic reading and writing skills. During the initial interview, we asked them what was the reason they came in to receive this help. A lot of times its different things like 'my child’s homework is getting increasingly hard for me to help them' or 'my husband was just diagnosed as a diabetic and he has to follow a specific menu and I have limited reading skills.'” Pedroza mentioned that it started off very informative; they broke down recipes and gave out handouts on healthy cooking. After the community got a handle on the recipes, one of the community members jokingly asked if they would show them how to make the recipes they learned. Pedroza, Alonso and the library staff have created an educational and interactive cooking demonstration that is great for the novice and the experienced. The program includes nine demonstrations a year. The “Summer Sweets” workshop will be held on Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. No registration is needed and walk-ins are welcome.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 867

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 510

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 188

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 565

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 463

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 570

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 310

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 462

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 523

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 636

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 505

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 564

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->