September Classes
Fast, Fun, Gluten-Free
Wednesday · September 10 · 7-9 PM
taught by JoAnn Farb
When you go gluten-free, it can open a whole new world of culinary excitement. These recipes were chosen with kids and teens in mind. As many as 1 in 3 Americans is gluten sensitive and the average person suffers for nearly a dozen years before learning that just by eliminating gluten they can feel so much better. If you are already gluten-free - you will appreciate these recipes - they have broad appeal and most can be made quickly if a hoard of hungry teens suddenly descend on your kitchen. We will make Chocolate Chip Flax Cookies; Black Olive Penguins; Mini Pizzas; Chick Pea "Tuna" Salad; and Nachos. Yum!
$15 per person, $13 for co-op members & seniors
Sugar, Sugar - Natural Strategies for Blood Sugar Regulation
Monday · September 15 · 7-9 PM
taught by Amber Belt, ND
As of 2005, over 20 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes and that number is rising. If you or someone you love has diabetes or any condition related to blood sugar regulation, this is the class for you. We will discuss the basics regarding what goes on in the body when it cannot control blood sugar. Then we will address strategies for regulating blood sugar including food and diet, which are the most important players in blood sugar control. We will also briefly talk about herbs and specific nutrients that can help support normal blood sugars.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & seniors
Delicious Vietnamese Cuisine
Tuesday · September 16 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Join Nancy Stark as she once again takes us on an international culinary adventure. This time we're scheduled to enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
We'll start with Nuoc Cham - an Indispensable Table Sauce; then Vietnamese Herb and Salad Plate; Crispy Shrimp and Sweet Potato Cakes; Grilled Pork Balls; and Thin Rice Noodles with Sauteed Beef. All served up with Nancy's customary enthusiasm and passion for ethnic food.
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Fabulous Pies & Tarts
Wednesday · September 17 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
Here is a nuts and bolts class where you'll learn great techniques for making fabulous pies and tarts. It all starts with the crust and Paige will show you how to make three different kinds of crusts, plus some basic components of pies and tarts like crumb topping, pastry cream, and frangipane. Of course, you'll get to taste the results when you sample Paige's Apple Crostata; Double Crust Plum Pie; Pear and Frangipan Tart; and a Patisserie-style Fresh Fruit Tart. We'll put on the tea and coffee.
$18 per person, $15 for co-op members & seniors
Tofu Basics 2
Thursday · September 18 · 7-9 PM
taught by Nancy O'Connor, Nutrition Educator
If you missed our Tofu Basics class, or if you came and want even more ideas, then join us for another fun beginner tofu cooking class. Nancy will demonstrate and the class will sample Tofu Sloppy Joe, Tofu Spaghetti Balls, Spicy Fried Tofu, Gabey Steaks with Miso Gravy and (even though it's not tofu) Tempeh Reubens. Guaranteed fun and safe - you needn't be afraid of tofu! Each class participant will receive a complimentary pound of locally made Central Soyfoods tofu to take home and enjoy!
$15 per person, $13 for co-op members & seniors
Herbs Treat Candida, Yeast & Fungal Problems
Saturday · September 20 · 2-4 PM
taught by Ocoee Miller
Almost everyone at some time develops a yeast or fungal infection. Candida infection is widespread. Athlete's foot, thrush, vaginal yeast infections, ringworm. Fungal infections can appear anywhere from your toes to your ears and sinuses, and anyplace in between. Our modern toxic world has made all of us more susceptible to this kind of infection. Some fungal infections can be deadly if neglected. Teaching from personal experience Ocoee will explain how her family uses herbs to deal with this collection of health threats.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & seniors
Spanish Tapas - Delicious Little Bites
Tuesday · September 23 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
We're headed off to Spain with Chef Paige to enjoy an evening of wonderful little dishes. When you put together a collection of these small appetizers you have a delicious meal, best shared with a group of friends and Spanish wine. Paige will prepare and you'll sample Garlicky Shrimp, Meatballs in Saffron Sauce, Tortilla Espanola - potato omelet, Romesco Sauce - Catalan pepper sauce. We expect a crowd!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
So Easy to Preserve
Thursday · September 25 · 7-9 PM
taught by Mary Ellen Barnes
Nothing is more enjoyable during the cold winter months than the taste of summer freshness. Join Mary Ellen for a journey through the how-to's of food preservation. Starting with the basics of water bath canning, pressure canning and dehydrating, this class will bring you up to date on the latest USDA guidelines for the safe preservation of garden produce. Mary Ellen will also demonstrate the ease of canning apples. The class will examine jars of home preserved foods and enjoy sampling different sweet spreads.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & seniors
Enticing Ethiopian Cuisine
Tuesday · September 30 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
No chance we'll get bored with Chef Nancy in the kitchen. Get ready for the smells and spices of enticing Ethiopian cuisine, as Nancy begins our journey with wonderful Berbere Spice Mix and Ethiopian Spiced Butter. Next you'll savor Doro Wot (Spiced Chicken Stew) and Collard Greens with Cheese. For a traditional touch Nancy will make and you'll get to sample Injera Flatbread.
Guaranteed to be another fun flight to a far away land.
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
