The Community Cookbook: Women's Recipe Exchange Series

The Community Cookbook: Women's Recipe Exchange Series

Join us on the first Friday of each month for a relaxed, welcoming recipe exchange for women in the Omaha community. Each gathering features a fresh monthly theme, from budget-friendly weeknight meals, "girl dinners," healthy meal prep, restaurant "dupe," and more!

~See below for all dates and themes. ~

Bring a favorite recipe that fits the month’s theme, upload a photo or document of it when you register, and leave with new ideas to try at home. We’ll share a small recipe sample, share practical and healthy food tips, and enjoy easy conversation around food, wellness, and community.

Your registration is free. By registering, you may also choose to have your recipe included in a women's community wellness cookbook, which will be created after the series. A portion of cookbook proceeds will support local women’s organizations.

Details
When: First Friday of every month; stop in anytime from 6:00–7:00 PM
Series begins: October 2, 2026
Where: 17110 Marcy St., Meeting Room
Entry Fee: FREE! We ask that you kindly come prepared with a recipe matching the monthly theme. Whether it's one of your staples, or one you have saved but haven't tried yet!

Please upload a photo or document of the recipe during registration or bring at least 10-20 paper copies to the exchange.

Whether you love to cook, need fresh meal ideas, or simply want to meet other women in the community, come pull up a chair at our community cookbook and recipe exchange.

Hosted by Taylor Carrick, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Perinatal Fitness Specialist, and in partnership with Maternal Wellness Center of Nebraska.

Event Schedule & Themes:

October 2nd - Quick, Easy, & Budget Friendly

• National Health Literacy Month
• Educational Focus: Making healthy cooking accessible by learning how to read labels quickly and simplify weeknight prep.

November 6th - Carb-Balanced & Blood Sugar Friendly

• Diabetes Awareness Month (examples: high protein, high fiber, carb-balanced)
• Educational Focus: Low-glycemic meals, pairing complex carbs with protein/fat, and lighter takes on holiday comfort dishes.

December 4th - Healthy Holidays: Stress-Free Cooking & Self Care

• Educational Focus: Reducing kitchen overwhelm during peak season with make-ahead dishes, lighter comfort classics, and zero-stress entertaining.

January 1st - (no meeting) Happy New Year!

February 5th - Plant-Based/ Fiber-Rich

• National Heart Health Month
• Educational Focus: Soluble fiber, legumes, and whole grains that naturally manage cholesterol and support long-term cardiovascular health.

March 5th - “Girl Dinners”

• National Women’s History Month
• Girl dinners, but make them balanced. Snack plates, hitting protein with ease, etc.
• Educational Focus: Upgrading snack plates, grazing boards, and effortless personal meals to easily hit daily protein and micronutrient targets.

April 2nd - Fresh & Flex: Seasonal Produce

• Educational Focus: Shopping in-season, supporting local crops
• Community gardening tips

May 7th - “Set it & Forget It” - Low Stress One-Pot & Crockpot Meals

• Mental Health Awareness Month
• Educational Focus: Reducing mental load through minimal-cleanup meals, plus mood-supporting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium.

June 4th - At-Home “Dupes” - Healthy Takes on Restaurant Classics

• Educational Focus: Recreating takeaway favorites at home with nutritious ingredients and lower sodium/sugar.

July 2nd - The Summer Cookout & Chill

• Educational Focus: Grilling lean proteins, antioxidant-rich marinades, nutrient-dense summer sides, staying hydrated.

August 6th - Back-to-School Meal Prep for Busy Families

• Educational Angle: Allergy-friendly lunches (nut-free/gluten-free options), immune-supporting foods (zinc, vitamin C), and quick morning assembly.

September 3rd - Community Celebration

• Healthy/ fun desserts and votes for future gatherings/events