“It freezes very well, so when you make it, you can put it in the freezer and it will keep,” she told the group.

The meal and lesson were all part of a new cooking class Mason organized. “The Lone Whisk” cooking class focuses on cooking and for seniors who are living alone.

Mason said the idea for the class grew out of discussions with Boulder Creek’s Family Council.

“Some of our demographics and needs had changed,” she said.

Photo by Deb Gau Jan Mason went over ingredients for a beef and vegetable soup that can be made in a slow cooker.

For example, members might have had a spouse who did most of their cooking who moved into assisted living.

“Being at home alone, it was hard on them,” Mason said.

“The Lone Whisk” group will discuss a lot of different topics and skills to help seniors living alone, Mason said. Topics would include different cooking methods, cutting back on food waste, what foods are safe to freeze, and more.

“This class is about you, and meeting your needs,” Mason told Thursday’s class.

Mason talked to the group about how not eating well, or eating in front of the TV, can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. She encouraged class members to use real plates and silverware, set a colorful table, and try new things in the kitchen.

“Even if we make a mistake and it’s a flop, we can have fun doing it,” Mason said.

For the first “Lone Whisk” class, Mason shared her mother’s soup recipe, explaining the different seasonings and ingredients that went into it. The recipe used ingredients like frozen mixed vegetables and canned diced potatoes, which helped make it easier to prepare, Mason said. She said class members could also add their own seasonings, as they preferred.

“Like garlic?” said Ron Dieken.

“You can add anything you want, to taste,” Mason said.

People attending the class said they enjoyed some of the tips Mason shared.

“I liked the potatoes. I didn’t know they made diced canned potatoes,” Jean Knott said.

The diced potatoes wouldn’t get as soft in a soup as sliced potatoes.

Another class member said she found Mason’s handout suggesting different pairings of seasonings and foods useful.

“I always had a hard time with seasonings, and knowing what to put them with,” she said.

Mason said the first “Lone Whisk” class had about 16 people sign up, although there were a few who ended up not being able to attend. She planned to hold the class on the third Thursday of each month.

Mason said seniors who are interested in taking the class can contact her at 507-929-1234. Due to available space, seats are limited.