Chef Mark Elliott, of Elliott's on Linden in Pinehurst, recently contributed a two-hour demonstration, "The Value of Home Cooking from Scratch," to nearly 40 members of the Wives of Warriors organization.

"I wanted to share food that I make for my family and show them how easy, nutritious and budget-friendly it can be," says Elliott about his concept for the demonstration.

Elliott provided easy instructions for cutting a whole chicken into pieces for frying, baking or stock. He created two one-pot dishes, including chicken curry and chicken cacciatore, and made a flavorful chicken stock that served as the base for three types of soup - all from two whole chickens.

"When you see how easy it is to do this - and how satisfying the food tastes - it really is time to move away from the pre-prepared foods so many of us buy as a convenience that have become extra expenses to our weekly food budget," says Debbie Brown, a founding member of the group. "We are so appreciative of chef Elliott's commitment to the military families in our community."

The Wives of Warriors organization is a Christian-based military support group that meets monthly and is sponsored by Trinity Christian Fellowship, an interdenominational church in Pinehurst.

The group provides an opportunity to reach and support all military families in the community, even though many are not members of Trinity Christian Fellowship.

Trinity Christian Fellowship provides childcare during the monthly support group meetings and on Mother's Night Out.

For more information about the Wives of Warriors, contact Debbie Brown at debbiebrown @trinitycf.net, or call (910) 215-5775.