Mediterranean Pantry Cooking Class

Quick, flavorful, nourishing foods

[caption id="attachment_1920" align="alignright" width="360"] Mediterranean Pantry Veggies from Borough Market, London[/caption] Ever look for answers with the refrigerator door held open? Instead, tweak your pantry to yield a dozen quick and flavorful meals and appetizers.

Advantages of Pantry Cooking?

Less time spent on grocery lists, shopping and decision making. Learn how an easily stocked Mediterranean pantry cooking yields ingredients for quick, satisfying, nutrient-rich foods.

Taste. Sip. Cook. Enjoy.

• Culinary demo while you enjoy Mediterranean appetizers and a specially-paired wine
• Take-home guide to the Mediterranean pantry with nutritional tips for every eating style
• Participate in food prep and taste the results

Tasty Takeaways

• Appetizers for last-minute entertaining
• 4 ingredient medleys for 12 bean or pasta dishes
• Flavorful flatbread dough five minutes & 6 quick, nutritious toppings
• Mediterranean pantry condiment & spice tips

Eating Well Tips:

• Flavorful fats
• Omega-3 flavor bombs
• Fiber-rich pantry foods

Sign-up

• Class limited to 6 people
• Course cost includes a dinner equivalent of tastings: $65 (ask about the buddy or duo class rate)
• Kitchen location: South Scottsdale (details available upon registration)
• For more information or to register: Email via: contact link here

Vinegar For Flavorful Health & Food

Ever done vinegar shots? Added it to tea? Are these of use in helping with metabolism or weight management? Are there downsides? Vinegar is a powerful culinary tool in your kitchen pantry. In this scheduled Facebook Live video, we'll explore these questions about vinegar and health and some practical vinegar tips on cooking techniques to boost flavors and improve food textures. I conduct complete vinegar workshops on such topics including:

• Vinegar’s effect on food texture, colors and salt perception
• Fermented vs non-fermented and flavored vinegars
• Why we like sour foods & making foods "pop"
• Storing vinegar and culinary tips for heating it
• How vinegar in the diet affects metabolism, weight and blood sugars
• A guided and comparative tasting (“vinegar shots!”)
• Demonstration of how vinegar boosts flavors in savory & sweet foods
• Making your own vinaigrette to take home
• New recipes that highlight vinegar options

Today's Dietitian Symposium: Tasting Tools to Improve Diet Diversity & Food Appreciation

The power of taste in food selection is well known, but flavor, texture and taste sensory mechanisms that influence eating behaviors are more mysterious. Tasting skills to identify taste versus flavor qualities and recognize the role of texture in flavor perception (chemesthesis), are rarely taught in nutrition or culinary programs. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the synergy between these sensory experiences and how to help people enjoy more nutrient-rich foods and more mindful eating. During the session, we will use taste literacy tools and experience different sensory taste mechanisms to consider how tasting habits versus taste physiology can impact health and food enjoyment. Various taste literacy tools such as taste perception assessments, flavor lexicons and mindful tasting practices raise awareness of food choice motivations, establish new connections to diverse, nutritious foods and improve food appreciation. These tools also have implications for recipe development and modifying meals for different sensory needs. Register and Link for more info at Today's Dietitian Symposium 2019

Yes, it’s not even June, but in the desert, we do summer fast and hard—99 degrees by April 19? Check that box cause we’re tough but cross our fingers that the A/C spirits stay on our side. In this cooking session, we’ll play with two grains that are high fiber, nutrient-rich and linked to a healthy metabolism and satisfying, high-satiety meals. Carbs have a place in a healthy diet and grains can be quick to prepare and be an ever-ready pantry item. We’ll also pair grains with beans such as black beans or adzuki beans—the best sources of uber-healthy fiber if you ask me, but most people aren’t getting enough beans in their diet. I’ll share tips for cooking grains and the differences between whole, pearled and instant grain options. I’ll simplify ways to toss together veggie, beans and grains in flavorful ways that work for mains and sides either as warm meals, cool lunches or picnic meals. This class will include a couple simple recipes, but will rely more on instinct and technique—in other words, cooking more like yourself and more like a chef! 😊 Date & Sign-up

• Sunday 5/5 from 3:30-6pm / Class limited to 8 people
• Course cost: $55 per person. Buddy rate: for two new students or a previous student bringing a new student $48 per person. (these are discounted rates for people who get my emails).
• For more information or to register: Email via: https://thetasteworkshop.com/contact/

We're exploring new flavors and cultures in this group cooking Party celebrating Persian dishes through "My Global Table: Iran" from Food and Nutrition Magazine. The recipes and inspiration in the article here: Food & Nutrition Magazine: My Global Table: Iran I had the honor of connecting with Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN (@foroutania on Instagram), is a National Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in creating a version Tangy Lime Beef stew inspired by Gormeh Sabzi. Other Registered Dietitians Ginger Hultin at @champagnenutrition and Elizabeth Shaw @shawsimpleswaps created the lovely recipes found here: Persian inspired crispy rice and Persian inspired herb frittata  

We'll explore Southwest flavors with a focus on veggies. We'll make homemade tacos with fresh masa, a tortilla press and a griddle and fill add veggies that tend towards meaty textures and flavors. [caption id="attachment_25972" align="alignright" width="424"] Inspiration from these delish dishes by Chef Robson at Gallo Blanco[/caption] These fillings do double duty--you can use them to create savory side dishes and even main dishes—so, they aren’t taco specific. Since it’s a Friday night and we’ll have a party vibe, there will be a regional-Mexican cocktail and appetizer nibble. I’ll share some of my quick tips for making veggies more savory (something kids and adults love equally). We’ll also chat about “meat-swaps”, or how to reduce “meats”, without missing them. This class will include a couple simple recipes, but will rely more on instinct and technique—in other words, cooking more like yourself and more like a chef! 😊 Date & Sign-up

• Friday, April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Class limited to 6-8 people
• Course cost: $64 per person. Buddy rate: for two new students or a previous student bringing a new student $56 per person.
• For more information or to register: Email via: Contact for classes

Falling in Love with Vegetables: Culinary and Tasting Techniques to Fully Enjoy Veggies

Participation sign-up is through Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center

Dietitian & LR Facilitator Chrissy Barth

Maintaining Physical and Mental Health on and off the Platform

Chrissy Barth will offer you real-life strategies for improving physical and mental performance by showing you how to have more energy while reducing the health risks associated with the demands of being an entrepreneur and professional speaker. You’ll walk away with your own Wheel of Life Plan for 2019, discover the gut-brain connection and how it impacts your overall health and performance, and receive travel tips and strategies for optimal health including nutrition-on-the-go, mindfulness-based practices, and tools to manage jet lag and getting a good night’s sleep virtually anywhere. Michele Redmond will showcase her culinary talents to accommodate a variety of eating preferences. Dishes will include some ingredients mentioned during Chrissy’s talk.

Seating is limited. Registration and payment required by Monday, Jan. 21; no refunds. Register or email Gwen@nsa-arizona.org or call (480) 968-7443

National Cheese Lover's Tasting & Lunch!

Take a break from the daily rind on January 20! National Cheese Lover's day is a gouda reason to celebrate. I'm sure you won't dis a brie that cheese is worthy of a party. We'll taste traditional and modern artisan American cheeses and compare and contrast aged and fresh cheeses. We'll have some winter veggie dishes plus home made baguettes. Why do I love cheese so much? Here's a few reasons: Paris Cheese Time Here's one of my favorite cheesy dishes: Boursin and Yogurt Artichoke Gratin  

Veggie "Pasta" Cooking Class

Veggies as "Pasta" & Twists on Veggie-infused Pasta

We'll explore how to create "pasta" dishes primarily from veggies as well as pasta's that are veggie infused like bean pastas. Play with "Zoodle" options (spiralized vegetables) and different ways to substitute vegetables for pasta-like ingredients. We'll also use more nutrient-dense pastas that incorporate high-fiber veggie noodles.

 Tasty Takeaways & Nutrition Tips

• Zoodles (Zucchini noodles) with quick, savory sauces
• How to keep the texture of zoodles for dense, savory meals
• Explore how to make the most of low-carb pastas such as bean pastas
• Get great ideas for veggie-dense pastas

Sign-up

• Class limited to 6 people (unless a group private event is scheduled)
• Course cost includes: $65 (ask about the buddy rate or duo-class rate)
• Kitchen location: South Scottsdale (details available upon registration)
• For more information or to register: Connect here

 

Celebrating Syrian cuisine through "My Global Table: Syria" from Food and Nutrition Magazine. Recipes and inspiration in the article here: https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/my-global-table-syria/

Celebrating Vietnamese cuisine through "My Global Table: Vietnam" from Food and Nutrition Magazine. Recipes and inspiration in the article here: https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/my-global-table-vietnam/

Take a Healthy Halftime: Breathe, Fuel Up and Relax

Excerpt from Keynote for Arizona Program Advisory Training

Chickpeas whether whole or ground are amazing ingredients!

It’s hard to get enough flavorful fiber in the diet, but chickpeas, a popular Mediterranean staple provide a variety of spices, textures and preparation options. Add chickpea flour to your cooking plan for easy and traditional gluten-free crackers, tarts and flatbreads (see my take on chickpea cauliflower "pizza"). In the class, we will explore the diverse range of chickpea flour uses such as Southern French socca (tart) a simple and delicious, go-to meal for many French occasions. We'll also play with other ways to use this bean and its flour in common savory and even gluten-free dessert options.

Sign-up

• Class limited to 6 people (unless arranged for a private group class)
• Course cost includes: $65 (ask about the buddy rate or duo-class rate)
• Kitchen location: South Scottsdale (details available upon registration)
• For more information or to register: Connect here

 

Mediterranean Pantry Cooking Class

Quick, flavorful, nourishing foods

[caption id="attachment_1920" align="alignright" width="360"] Mediterranean Pantry Veggies from Borough Market, London[/caption] Ever look for answers with the refrigerator door held open? Instead, tweak your pantry to yield a dozen quick and flavorful meals and appetizers.

Advantages of Pantry Cooking?

Less time spent on grocery lists, shopping and decision making. Learn how an easily stocked Mediterranean pantry cooking yields ingredients for quick, satisfying, nutrient-rich foods.

Taste. Sip. Cook. Enjoy.

• Culinary demo while you enjoy Mediterranean appetizers and a specially-paired wine
• Take-home guide to the Mediterranean pantry with nutritional tips for every eating style
• Participate in food prep and taste the results

Tasty Takeaways

• Appetizers for last-minute entertaining
• 4 ingredient medleys for 12 bean or pasta dishes
• Flavorful flatbread dough five minutes & 6 quick, nutritious toppings
• Mediterranean pantry condiment & spice tips

Eating Well Tips:

• Flavorful fats
• Omega-3 flavor bombs
• Fiber-rich pantry foods

Sign-up

• Class limited to 6 people
• Course cost includes a dinner equivalent of tastings: $65 (ask about the buddy or duo class rate)
• Kitchen location: South Scottsdale (details available upon registration)
• For more information or to register: Email via: contact link here

Vinegar For Flavorful Health & Food

Ever done vinegar shots? Added it to tea? Are these of use in helping with metabolism or weight management? Are there downsides? Vinegar is a powerful culinary tool in your kitchen pantry. In this scheduled Facebook Live video, we'll explore these questions about vinegar and health and some practical vinegar tips on cooking techniques to boost flavors and improve food textures. I conduct complete vinegar workshops on such topics including:

• Vinegar’s effect on food texture, colors and salt perception
• Fermented vs non-fermented and flavored vinegars
• Why we like sour foods & making foods "pop"
• Storing vinegar and culinary tips for heating it
• How vinegar in the diet affects metabolism, weight and blood sugars
• A guided and comparative tasting (“vinegar shots!”)
• Demonstration of how vinegar boosts flavors in savory & sweet foods
• Making your own vinaigrette to take home
• New recipes that highlight vinegar options

Today's Dietitian Symposium: Tasting Tools to Improve Diet Diversity & Food Appreciation

The power of taste in food selection is well known, but flavor, texture and taste sensory mechanisms that influence eating behaviors are more mysterious. Tasting skills to identify taste versus flavor qualities and recognize the role of texture in flavor perception (chemesthesis), are rarely taught in nutrition or culinary programs. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the synergy between these sensory experiences and how to help people enjoy more nutrient-rich foods and more mindful eating. During the session, we will use taste literacy tools and experience different sensory taste mechanisms to consider how tasting habits versus taste physiology can impact health and food enjoyment. Various taste literacy tools such as taste perception assessments, flavor lexicons and mindful tasting practices raise awareness of food choice motivations, establish new connections to diverse, nutritious foods and improve food appreciation. These tools also have implications for recipe development and modifying meals for different sensory needs. Register and Link for more info at Today's Dietitian Symposium 2019

Yes, it’s not even June, but in the desert, we do summer fast and hard—99 degrees by April 19? Check that box cause we’re tough but cross our fingers that the A/C spirits stay on our side. In this cooking session, we’ll play with two grains that are high fiber, nutrient-rich and linked to a healthy metabolism and satisfying, high-satiety meals. Carbs have a place in a healthy diet and grains can be quick to prepare and be an ever-ready pantry item. We’ll also pair grains with beans such as black beans or adzuki beans—the best sources of uber-healthy fiber if you ask me, but most people aren’t getting enough beans in their diet. I’ll share tips for cooking grains and the differences between whole, pearled and instant grain options. I’ll simplify ways to toss together veggie, beans and grains in flavorful ways that work for mains and sides either as warm meals, cool lunches or picnic meals. This class will include a couple simple recipes, but will rely more on instinct and technique—in other words, cooking more like yourself and more like a chef! 😊 Date & Sign-up

• Sunday 5/5 from 3:30-6pm / Class limited to 8 people
• Course cost: $55 per person. Buddy rate: for two new students or a previous student bringing a new student $48 per person. (these are discounted rates for people who get my emails).
• For more information or to register: Email via: https://thetasteworkshop.com/contact/

We're exploring new flavors and cultures in this group cooking Party celebrating Persian dishes through "My Global Table: Iran" from Food and Nutrition Magazine. The recipes and inspiration in the article here: Food & Nutrition Magazine: My Global Table: Iran I had the honor of connecting with Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN (@foroutania on Instagram), is a National Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in creating a version Tangy Lime Beef stew inspired by Gormeh Sabzi. Other Registered Dietitians Ginger Hultin at @champagnenutrition and Elizabeth Shaw @shawsimpleswaps created the lovely recipes found here: Persian inspired crispy rice and Persian inspired herb frittata  

We'll explore Southwest flavors with a focus on veggies. We'll make homemade tacos with fresh masa, a tortilla press and a griddle and fill add veggies that tend towards meaty textures and flavors. [caption id="attachment_25972" align="alignright" width="424"] Inspiration from these delish dishes by Chef Robson at Gallo Blanco[/caption] These fillings do double duty--you can use them to create savory side dishes and even main dishes—so, they aren’t taco specific. Since it’s a Friday night and we’ll have a party vibe, there will be a regional-Mexican cocktail and appetizer nibble. I’ll share some of my quick tips for making veggies more savory (something kids and adults love equally). We’ll also chat about “meat-swaps”, or how to reduce “meats”, without missing them. This class will include a couple simple recipes, but will rely more on instinct and technique—in other words, cooking more like yourself and more like a chef! 😊 Date & Sign-up

• Friday, April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Class limited to 6-8 people
• Course cost: $64 per person. Buddy rate: for two new students or a previous student bringing a new student $56 per person.
• For more information or to register: Email via: Contact for classes

Falling in Love with Vegetables: Culinary and Tasting Techniques to Fully Enjoy Veggies

Participation sign-up is through Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center

Dietitian & LR Facilitator Chrissy Barth

Maintaining Physical and Mental Health on and off the Platform

Chrissy Barth will offer you real-life strategies for improving physical and mental performance by showing you how to have more energy while reducing the health risks associated with the demands of being an entrepreneur and professional speaker. You’ll walk away with your own Wheel of Life Plan for 2019, discover the gut-brain connection and how it impacts your overall health and performance, and receive travel tips and strategies for optimal health including nutrition-on-the-go, mindfulness-based practices, and tools to manage jet lag and getting a good night’s sleep virtually anywhere. Michele Redmond will showcase her culinary talents to accommodate a variety of eating preferences. Dishes will include some ingredients mentioned during Chrissy’s talk.

Seating is limited. Registration and payment required by Monday, Jan. 21; no refunds. Register or email Gwen@nsa-arizona.org or call (480) 968-7443

National Cheese Lover's Tasting & Lunch!

Take a break from the daily rind on January 20! National Cheese Lover's day is a gouda reason to celebrate. I'm sure you won't dis a brie that cheese is worthy of a party. We'll taste traditional and modern artisan American cheeses and compare and contrast aged and fresh cheeses. We'll have some winter veggie dishes plus home made baguettes. Why do I love cheese so much? Here's a few reasons: Paris Cheese Time Here's one of my favorite cheesy dishes: Boursin and Yogurt Artichoke Gratin  

Veggie "Pasta" Cooking Class

Veggies as "Pasta" & Twists on Veggie-infused Pasta

We'll explore how to create "pasta" dishes primarily from veggies as well as pasta's that are veggie infused like bean pastas. Play with "Zoodle" options (spiralized vegetables) and different ways to substitute vegetables for pasta-like ingredients. We'll also use more nutrient-dense pastas that incorporate high-fiber veggie noodles.

 Tasty Takeaways & Nutrition Tips

• Zoodles (Zucchini noodles) with quick, savory sauces
• How to keep the texture of zoodles for dense, savory meals
• Explore how to make the most of low-carb pastas such as bean pastas
• Get great ideas for veggie-dense pastas

Sign-up

• Class limited to 6 people (unless a group private event is scheduled)
• Course cost includes: $65 (ask about the buddy rate or duo-class rate)
• Kitchen location: South Scottsdale (details available upon registration)
• For more information or to register: Connect here

 

Celebrating Syrian cuisine through "My Global Table: Syria" from Food and Nutrition Magazine. Recipes and inspiration in the article here: https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/my-global-table-syria/

Celebrating Vietnamese cuisine through "My Global Table: Vietnam" from Food and Nutrition Magazine. Recipes and inspiration in the article here: https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/my-global-table-vietnam/

Take a Healthy Halftime: Breathe, Fuel Up and Relax

Excerpt from Keynote for Arizona Program Advisory Training

Chickpeas whether whole or ground are amazing ingredients!

It’s hard to get enough flavorful fiber in the diet, but chickpeas, a popular Mediterranean staple provide a variety of spices, textures and preparation options. Add chickpea flour to your cooking plan for easy and traditional gluten-free crackers, tarts and flatbreads (see my take on chickpea cauliflower "pizza"). In the class, we will explore the diverse range of chickpea flour uses such as Southern French socca (tart) a simple and delicious, go-to meal for many French occasions. We'll also play with other ways to use this bean and its flour in common savory and even gluten-free dessert options.

Sign-up

• Class limited to 6 people (unless arranged for a private group class)
• Course cost includes: $65 (ask about the buddy rate or duo-class rate)
• Kitchen location: South Scottsdale (details available upon registration)
• For more information or to register: Connect here