February is the season for pink and red, for chocolate and flowers and for romantic dinners, which is where Ohio University Catering will step in to help this Valentine’s Day.

Anyone is welcome to join Mary Jane Jones, cooking extraordinaire and associate director of Baker University Center Catering, Wed., Feb. 12 at noon in the Baker University Center Ballroom B for a lesson on creating the perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner for that special someone.

Attendees will spend an hour enjoying lunch, demonstrations and recipes. While the menu is not yet available, Jones hinted that she has some ideas. “I think we’re going to do some chocolate strawberries,” she said.

Most often, the individuals who attend Jones’ Culinary Classics are people in the area with families who want to learn how to cook something quick and special as soon as they get off of work. “We have fun… some people absolutely never miss them,” Jones said.

Jones started working for OU Catering 25 years ago, and originally her lessons took place every month. However, Baker business caught up with her and her personal lessons have slowed down, she said. Last week alone, the Catering office serviced 55 different events.

“God forbid I get sick,” Jones said. Hours and hours of preparation will go into the lesson. “It’s not like walking into your kitchen,” she said. Without easy access to sinks, an oven or a fridge, “we have to take absolutely everything for every recipe.”

Thankfully, Jones is not alone in the hard work and preparation. Many ingredients may be tossed around the Catering office, but communication and trust are essential. “We’re all a team. We have to work together or else [events] won’t go,” said Eve Wharton, OU Catering manager and helping hand to Jones.

“I might drive the bus, but there are a lot of people on it,” Jones said.

Jones emphasized that this special lesson is open to anyone and that she would love to see more students at the lessons. “Our students that wait and serve beverages love it,” she said.

Jones added that she would love to do more classes geared specifically for students living both off-campus and in the dorms. “I think it’d be neat to do one with [microwavable foods],” she said.

The Valentine’s dinner lesson and demonstration is not the only way OU Catering is helping out the lovesick this month. For three years they have been selling cookies and balloons, and that tradition will continue this year. Orders will be taken through Feb. 12 by 4 p.m.

The upcoming lesson costs $12 per person, and reservations are required. In order to make a reservation, contact the OU Catering office by Feb. 8 at (740) 593-4035.

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