Pro cooking classesAmy Pontius, chef at Garden of the Gods Gourmet, 2528 W. Cucharras St., will be offering a series of hands-on cooking classes from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 471-2799. Here’s the lineup:• The Core Basics, four sessions, $150.Jan. 19: Know Your KnifeJan. 26: Quick SaucesFeb. 2 BraisingFeb. 9: Pasta• Feb. 16: Hot Smoking, $60• Feb. 23: Mixology and Tasting, $75• The Spring Series, four sessions, $150.March 2: Starters that Set the ToneMarch 9: Salad MelangeMarch 16: Groovy GrainsMarch 23: Bread Encore

Food stamp helpTaste of Life Natural Market & Prepared Meals, 15910 Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument, offers SNAP (food stamp program). Use your EBT card to make purchases at the store.

No-meat dietVisit 21DayKickstart.org to sign up for a free online 21-Day Vegan Kickstart diet plan. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is teaming up with actress Alicia Silverstone, basketball star John Salley, and one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite chefs to launch the diet Jan. 1. You’ll receive daily e-mails with recipes and cooking tips, as well as a 21-day meal plan and an interactive vegan-restaurant guide.

Weekend delight“Salute to Escoffier” will be Jan. 29-31 at The Broadmoor. This elegant weekend affair is an annual tribute to Auguste Escoffier, the man who is credited with raising the status of chefs as professionals.It kicks off with a welcoming reception, where wine flows and appetizers abound. Highlights the next day include cooking demonstrations, a wine luncheon and an interactive cocktail class.That evening, the Grand Buffet offers five courses, in honor of the lavish cuisine that Escoffier made famous, and features more than 100 dishes. French wines and champagnes will be served.A two-night package, which includes lodging, starts at $449 per person, based on double occupancy. The package includes weekend events except the lunch Jan. 30, which costs $60 per person (and includes tax and tip).The Grand Buffet tickets can be bought separately for $180 per person.For information and reservations, see broadmoor.com or call 577-5733.

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