If a new kitchen appliance was among those Christmas presents this year, it's time to get those out and use them rather than collecting dust in some corner of your house and home.

Nutrition Educator at the University of Illinois Extension, Caitlin Mellendorf says appliances like pressure cookers and air fryers are very trendy right now. The pressure cookers are very handy, especially ones that can be left alone once you put your food in them.

The air fryer is basically a small convection oven. According to Mellendorf, this offers the consumer the benefits of fried foods without the unhealthy oils they're cooked in.

The Extension is partnering with 4-H for a virtual class to offer youngsters how to use pressure cookers. Mellendorf indicates this week begins a 6-week pressure cooker informational classes. 

Mellendorf offers a food blog on the Extension website, go.illinois.edu/dmp. Her focus recently has been the versatility of cabbage and using it as we get deeper into the winter months. 

For further general health and nutrition information, you can visit that website as well.