wilted Arugula Salad w/ Spiced Chick Peas & Artichoke Hearts

This wilted arugula salad is simple to prepare, and thanks to the Life Chef Dessert Rose spice blend, has big flavor that will make everyone happy. If you attended the July "What's Cooking?" Class at Sevananda Natural Foods Market, or the National Black Arts Festival July 15-18, you may have had a sample of this sensational salad. If not, check out the video version here:




Spiced Chickpeas & Artichoke Hearts with Arugula

1 medium onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp Life Chef Dessert Rose spice blend
- OR -
combination of cumin, thyme, black pepper, parsley and garlic powder.
1 bag of baby arugula
8 oz feta cheese
juice of 1 lemon

Saute onions and garlic in 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat. Add bell pepper, artichokes, and chickpeas.

Stir in spice blend and continue to heat until the bell peppers just start to wilt.

Arrange arugula in a serving bowl or platter. Pour chickpea mixture over the arugula.

Sprinkle the feta cheese and lemon juice over the salad, toss, and serve immediately.

Recipe Round Up - Summer 2009

What an amazing summer! It's been incredible seeing you all at the Green Market at Piedmont Park, FREE monthly healthy cooking classes at Saint Philip AME Church, the National Black Arts Festival demos, lots of on-the-job lunch and learns and the Art of Healthy Cooking classes presented by Kaiser Permanente, KIDS CAN COOK sessions at the Atlanta Fulton County Public Library, as well as the monthly the "What's Cooking?" class at Sevananda Natural Foods Market... and more! I've barely had time to wash dishes, much less blog, but I've promised the recipes all summer long, and now here they finally are. Thanks for being patient, and please let me know how they turn out for you.

Yours in health and good taste,
Asata, your Life Chef

WATERMELON JALAPENO SALAD WITH LIME VINAIGRETTE

3 jalapenos, seeded and diced
juice from 3 limes
1 bunch cilantro
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
1 bag mixed lettuces
6-8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
salt and pepper

In a large bowl combine jalapenos, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and salt and pepper. Stir will. Toss in the watermelon and salad greens. Top with feta cheese and serve.

WARM BLACK EYED PEA SALAD WITH ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE

1 white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
1 16 oz bag frozen black eyed peas
1/3 each red, yellow and green bell peppers, diced
2 links andouille sausage, small cubes
2 jalepenos, seeded and diced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne
2 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves
juice from one lemon
2 Tbs fresh parsley leaves
salt and pepper

Saute onion and garlic in a large pot until tender, add frozen black eyed peas, bay leaf and enough water to cover by two inches. Season with salt and pepper. Bring peas to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain and discard bay leaves.

In a large pan, saute sausage with bell peppers and jalepeno. Add cumin and cayenne. Stir in the cooked beans. Prior to serving stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley.

PEACH AND TOMATO SALAD WITH BASIL
Click here for the recipe

BLACK BEANS WITH CHORIZO SAUSAGE
Click here for the recipe

GRILLED PINEAPPLE/MANGO SALSA

1 pineapple, peeled and sliced
2 mangos, peeled and sliced
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 large vine ripened tomatoes, diced
1 jalepeno, seeded and diced
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
juice from 2 limes
salt and pepper

Toss pineapple and mango slices with balsamic vinegar and cook on grill or griddle 3 minutes on each side. Set aside to cool, then cut into medium dice.

Combine the tomatoes, jalepeno, scallions and cilantro with the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss in the grilled fruit, chill and stir prior to serving with grilled meats, fish or tortilla chips.

ASIAN NOODLE SALAD
Click here for recipe

MEDITERRANEAN BLACK RICE SALAD
Click here for the recipe

CANTELOUPE & HONEY DEW SALAD
Click here for the recipe

FRUIT PIZZA



1 multigrain pre-cooked pizza crust
1 8 oz pkg whipped cream cheese (plain or flavored)
an assortment of fruits, sliced into bite sized pieces
Honey or agave nectar

Spread cream cheese onto the top of the pizza crust.
Arrange the fruit in a creative pattern with no spaces in between.
Drizzle lightly with honey or agave nectar.
Slice like a pizza and enjoy!

KIDS CAN COOK FIESTA CHIPS


VERY BERRY SODAS
(image by torani italian sodas)

Fill a tall glass 2/3 full with ice cubes.
Pour half full with club soda or sparkling mineral water.
Top off with an all-natural dark berry juice blend such as cran-blueberry.
Stir and enjoy the refreshing burst of antioxidants and flavor!

Sensational Summer Salads

These are the recipes from the dishes prepared during the chef demo at the Green Market at Piedmont Park, presented by Kaiser Permanente.


Melon and Feta Salad

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
juice from 2 limes
1/2 cantaloupe melon
1/2 honeydew melon
1/2 pint strawberries, halved
1 bunch cilantro
6 oz crumbled feta cheese


In a large bowl, combine onion, lime juice, salt and pepper and allow to marinate. Meanwhile seed, peel and dice the melons into bite sized pieces. Add melons, cilantro to the marinated onions and toss well. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.

*************************

Chilled Udon Noodle salad, Gingered Shiitakes and Green Onions

1 pkg dried udon noodles
1 red bell pepper
2 pints shiitake mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
2” piece of ginger, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3-5 scallions, whites and greens separated
2 Tbsp dark sesame oil
1-2 Tbsp miso tamari or soy sauce
2 handfulls of cilantro, roughly chopped

Cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Rinse with cold water, drain and toss with 1 Tbsp of the dark sesame oil. Set aside.

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet and sauté mushrooms with scallion whites, garlic and ginger. Add remaining sesame oil and miso tamari (or soy sauce). Cook until all of the liquid is absorbed.

Toss bell pepper and mushroom mixture into the noodles and garnish with sliced scallion greens and cilantro. Refrigerate or serve immediately. If refrigerated, check seasonings prior to serving, and moisten with a little more sesame oil and/or soy sauce as needed.

*************************

Grilled Pineapple & Mango Pico de Gallo
1 pineapple, peeled and sliced
2 mangos, peeled and sliced
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 large vine ripened tomatoes, diced
1 jalepeno, seeded and diced
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
juice from 2 limes
salt and pepper

Toss pineapple and mango slices with balsamic vinegar and cook on grill or griddle 3 minutes on each side. Set aside to cool, then cut into medium dice.

Combine the tomatoes, jalepeno, scallions and cilantro with the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss in the grilled fruit, chill and stir prior to serving with grilled meats, fish or tortilla chips.

Cancer Awareness Day & Build Your Own Trailmix Bar

Sunday March 29 was Cancer Awareness Day at Saint Philip AME Church. At the request of Dr. Hogan, I pulled together a Build Your Own Trailmix Bar with fresh fruit boats sponsored by Sevananda Natural Foods. Here's a glimpse...

February Classes and Events

Wednesday February 4, 2009
"Natural Foods 101: Natural Food Products and Policies"
Noon – 2 p.m.
Sevananda Natural Foods Market
Free staff training -OR- $10 for members, $12 for non-members
From 10 a.m. to noon we'll explore some of the all-natural goodness carried at Sevananda and explain the product policies that have made this co-op more than a store, but the center of a consciously living community for over 30 years!

Wednesday February 11th
“Romantic Dinner for Two”
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Atlanta Fulton Public Library, Central Library
Part of the Humana Wellness Zone Program
Learn how to utilize whole foods and healthy ingredients to make a delicious AND nutritious dinner for your special valentine.

Saturday February 14, 2009
"Heart Health from Whole Grains"
10 a.m. – noon
Sevananda Natural Foods Market
$10 for members, $12 for non-members
The School of Common Health at Sevananda Natural Foods Market continues this year's series in February with the theme with "Health & Fitness" I will show you to prepare dishes featuring whole grains, which have been reported to support a healthy cardio vascular system by lowering cholesterol. For more information contact Sevananda at 404-681-2831.

Monday February 16, 2009
In Store Cooking Demo
Noon – 2 p.m.
Sevananda Natural Foods Market
Free
Stop by Sevananda during this two hour demonstration to learn more about exciting products available at Sevananda that will help you support your personal wellness plan. In-store demonstrations will reflect the wellness theme of Sevananda's School of Common Health to nourish your body, mind and spirit. For more information call Sevananda at 404-681-2831.

Whole Wheat Linguine, Artichoke Hearts, Feta and Pine Nuts

This dish was a big hit at the Saturday Academy class, "Whole Foods for a Healthy Diet" at the Hillcrest Church of Christ. Thanks to everyone who attended, and especially to Mrs. Carol Hunter for inviting me to come to the church. You guys asked tons of great questions and were a lot of fun.

I can imagine how yummy this pasta would be with the addition of shrimp, clams or even leftover chicken. Links to the other recipes from the class are below. photo: www.myrecipes.com

Whole Wheat Linguine, Artichoke Hearts, Feta and Pine Nuts

8 oz package whole wheat linguine (I used Delverde pasta from the DeKalb Farmer's Mkt)
extra virgin olive oil
8 oz jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 small red bell pepper, julienned
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 medium sized onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup raw pine nuts
juice from 1/2 lemon
freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse to stop the cooking process, toss with extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
Meanwhile, saute onion and garlic over medium-high heat until tender. Add the bell pepper and artichoke hearts cooking until bell pepper becomes crisp tender.
Toss in the pasta and heat through.
Remove from heat and stir in the parsley, lemon juice and season with black pepper.
Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with feta cheese and pine nuts.



During the class we also made Vegan Smoky Beans which were also very popular and lend incredible versatility as leftovers. Sesame Broccoli and Chai Tea Steamed Mushrooms also rounded out the class.

Upcoming Events...

Saturday January 17, 2009
“Whole Foods for a Healthy Diet”
10:30 a.m. – noon
Hillcrest Church of Christ
Free (pre-registration required)
Learn how to incorporate life-affirming whole foods such as leafy greens, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables into your every day diet with these simple, yet delicious recipes using the best of nature’s harvest.
This free class is part of the 2009 Saturday Academy at the Hillcrest Church of Christ located at 1939 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. Pre-registration is required. For more information call the church at 404-289-4573 or email chunter@hillcresstcoc.net.

Monday January 19, 2009
In Store Cooking Demo
Noon – 2 p.m.
Sevananda Natural Foods Market
Free
Stop by Sevananda during this two hour demonstration to learn more about exciting products available at Sevananda that will help you support your personal wellness plan. In store demonstrations will reflect the wellness theme of Sevananda’s School of Common Health to nourish your body, mind and spirit. For more information call Sevananda at 404-681-2831.

New from Life Chef

Check out these upcoming classes and events!

NF102: Food as Medicine Class Sat. Oct. 4

The Natural Foods Series continues at Sevananda Natural Foods Co-Op on Saturday Oct. 4 with Natural Foods 102: Food as Medicine. Join me, your Life Chef Asata Reid, and learn more about the healthful properties of food as we discuss some of the latest findings in science and medicine that support a natural foods diet. Taste for yourself how good "medicine" can be!

For this class we'll be focusing on "Good Fats" that are derived from plants. What are "good fats"? What vegetables and oils are high in good fats? What YUMMY preparations can we enjoy in moderation that feature these good fats? Come taste for yourself!

This class is from 10 a.m. to noon, at Sevananda Natural Foods Co-Op. As a service to the community service, this staff training class has opened to the public for $10. Please pay at customer service and proceed downstairs to the classroom. For more information call (404) 681-2831.

*********************************************
Women's Wellness Workshop Sat. Oct. 11

Womens' Wellness Workshop
Saturday October 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
$20/person
This cooking demonstration and wellness workshop discusses various illnesses affecting women at all stages of life. Learn how certain foods, herbs and spices can positively affect your mood and fight illness and the side affects of disease. In addition to taste-testing different foods, you will walk away with screening information and resources to assist you with identifying and managing disease and illness. The presenters for this workshop are Staycee Benjamin-Stone, a preventive care specialist; and Asata Reid
from Life Chef.

Please register online at www.aymfitness.com or call 678-749-7777 by Friday Oct. 3.

AYM Fitness and Dance Studios is located at 4051 Stone Mountain Hwy, Suite G101B in Lilburn, GA 30047 in the Publix Shopping Plaza at the intersection of Hwy 78 & Killian Hill Road. For more info call 770.921.5424.

*********************************************
Healthy-ween at Saint Philip AME Sat. Oct. 18

Do the sugary sweets of Trick or Treating scare you? Take the fear out of Fall Festivals with the nutritious and delicious treats that kids will love to make AND eat. Children and parents will enjoy making these spooky snacks with wholesome ingredients:
* Spaghetti and Meat-Eye-Balls
* Buggy Cider
* PB&Jack-o-lantern
* Fruity Mummy Eyes
* Cheese Fingers
* Ghost Toast

The Healthy-ween class will take place Oct. 18, form 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call Life Chef Asata Reid at 404-513-6468


*********************************************

Healthy Holidays at the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Thurs. Oct. 16

Join Life Chef and the Post-Polio Support Group as they open their doors to one and all on the beautiful campus of the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation on Thursday Oct. 16 for a delicious Healthy Holidays class.

This wonderful class will be filled with the nostalgic aromas of holidays of the past. We'll enjoy healthfully recreated traditional dishes with less fat, salt and refined ingredients. The Post-Polio Support Group has generously invited the community and folks managing long-term or chronic conditions to benefit from this wellness knowledge for a healthy and happy holiday season.

This Healthy Holidays class will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the old hospital, 3rd floor on the campus of the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, in Warm Springs Georgia. For more information, call Life Chef Asata Reid at 404-513-6468.

*********************************************

Corporate Calendar

Do you work here (or know someone who does)? If so, be sure to check out a Life Chef Demonstration coming your way soon!

10-6 Pepsico-Quaker Oats (S. Atl.)
10-8 Ikon (Macon)
10-15 Verizon (Alpharetta)
10-17 Verizon (Alpharetta)
10-23 Henry Co. Govt (McDonough)
11-4 Heidelburg USA (Kennesaw)
11-5 Coca Cola (Atl.)
11-20 Verizon (Alpharetta)

*********************************************
Class Review

Our Shop & Cook class with Saint Philip AME at the East Lake Publix on Sept. 27 was a great success. While this class didn't focus on cooking as much as shopping we still shopped and planned for three healthy meals, as well as the rest of our shopping list, and found new territory inside of the grocery store complete with great time-saving ingredients and healthy alternatives. We then prepared two complete meals (one to eat and one to refrigerate or freeze) in 25 minutes! A great class, all in all.
Testimonials include:

"I learned a lot. This will save a lot of time."
"I'll definitely be using this list to organize my shopping."
"I saw ingredients I've never seen before. I've just been walking right by them!"

Thanks to the Publix for letting us peruse their shelves, thanks to The Champion newspaper for coming out to cover this community event, and thanks to everyone who attended the class for making it such a great success.

Life Chef Update with Recipes

Hey Y’all! I’ve been a busy girl, so I have a lot of recipes to share with you. Click on the embedded links to see any full recipe. I’ve also put a link in for the first ever Life Chef Video, and at the end I have a list of upcoming Life Chef Classes. If you’d like to have a Life Chef presentation at your church, office or next group meeting please give me a buzz.

Let’s start at the last Natural Foods class held at Sevananda Natural Foods Co-op. There we taste-tested all natural sweeteners like fruit juice concentrate and agave nectar. We also sampled some organic dark and milk chocolates. Finally we simple some milk alternatives: hemp, almond and rice to see first hand what the differences were. The recipe that stole the show was Miso Soba Noodles with Gingered Shiitakes and Nappa Cabbage Slaw. Yum!

Then I had the pleasure of participating in the 4th Annual Wellness Fair at Saint Philip AME Church where we focused on a great lunch and snack time optionin "That's a Wrap!" Wraps travel well, can be made in advance, are an easy and sophisticated choice for older kids to make themselves for school lunches, and are even a great use for leftovers! Adults and kids alike thoroughly enjoyed the Salmon BLT wraps and super-quick and easy Pizza Wraps. The fruit and nut laden Peanut butter, Banana and Honey wraps and the Strawberry Kiwi wraps were a tasty and healthy addition. The turkey and cheese sandwich got a face lift with the Roasted Turkey and Smoked Gouda wrap that also benefited from an easy roasted red pepper mayo. There's another yummy wrap option and a great way to reinvent tuna in the Mediterranean Tuna Wrap.

I returned to Saint Philip for the 25th Annual Health Ministry Annual Breakfast where I prepared a light repast with my sous chef Mr. Patterson. The star of the morning, besides the scholarship awardees and the past and present members of the Health Ministry, was a spinach laden quiche that was so easy to make. I’m putting the Spinach Quiche recipe up because so many people asked about and because it really was just that easy. Loaded with spinach and roasted red peppers, this quiche is relatively light on the eggs, for those watching their cholesterol – maybe 3 eggs per pie crust – however you may substitute 3 egg whites and one whole egg, or even use Egg Beaters instead of whole eggs.

The good folks at Piedmont National Corp. and Henry County were my next two stops during the week as I conducted Healthy Cooking classes as part of Kaiser Permanente’s Worksite Wellness program. Here I made yummy Chicken Salad with Mango and Apple, as well as a Warm Bulgur Salad with Vegetables. Finally I presented a super-quick method for cooking greens and green vegetables: a steam-sauté method finished with the Mediterranean flavors of lemon, olive oil and pine nuts. In one case I used a gorgeous curly savoy cabbage, and the next time I prepared tender Summer Turnips with Pine Nuts and Lemon.

Finally, I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to check out and comment on the first ever Life Chef Video. There will be more to come, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward it to anyone you could think of who would enjoy learning how to prepare healthy and delicious meals (that are easy to make and economical too!).

UPCOMING LIFE CHEF EVENTS
August 21 "Healthy Desserts" @ Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation
September 6 "Natural Foods 101" @ Sevananda Natural Foods Coop
October 4 "NF 102: Food as Medicine" @ Sevananda Natural Foods Coop
October 16 "Healthy Holidays" @ Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation
October 18 "Shop & Cook: Meal Planning and More" @ Saint Philip AME Church
November 4 "Healthy Cooking" @ Heidelberg USA for Kaiser Permanente
November 15 "Vegetarian Holiday Favorites" @ Sevananda Natural Foods Coop

Life Chef Video

Hey look over there on the left side! What's that? It's a new Life Chef video! How exciting is that? Somebody call the Food Network!

Please take the time to click on the image and check out my first ever video featuring the ever-popular Life Chef recipe of Curry Chickpeas with Kale (or spinach or turnips, or whatever green you like). The recipe is at the end and don't forget to read the credits. The kids and M were my crew! Awesome.

I have a ton of recipes to post from the 4th Annual Wellness Fair at Saint Philip AME Church where I was also honored during the 25th Annual Awards Breakfast by the Health Ministry. So those recipes along with the recipes from our cooking demo at Piedmont National Corp yesterday will be up by the end of the week.

We're shooting new Life Chef vids as we speak, so stay tuned!

Even more blueberries!

Check out the Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette that dressed a wonderful Crunchy Blueberry Salad at the last Natural Foods 101 Class! This link will take you to EatLocalAmerica.coop where Localvores do their darnedest to support locally produced foodstuffs, like our Georgia grown blueberries.

The next class, Food as Medicine, will be held at Sevananda on July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. The class is free for Sevananda employees, and the first THREE members to sign up. It's $10 for everyone else.

If you can't make that class, I'll be focusing on Gorgeous Summer Produce, locally grown, to produce healthful and delicious dishes at the next Life Chef class held at Saint Philip AME Church on July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This class is $15 per person, or $5 for seniors.

Natrual Foods 101 Class this Saturday

NEXT LIFE CHEF CLASS...
This Saturday, June 29, learn the ins and outs of natural foods and one of Atlanta’s oldest Natural Food Co-Ops, Sevananda.

Life Chef, Asata Reid will guide you through Natural Foods 101 where you learn about the community and social priciples of Sevananda which has been cooperatively owned since 1974. The class will also familiarize you with some of the amazing organic, local and fairtrade products that the store carries.

The class will be held in the Education Room from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information call Sevananda at 404-681-2831

*******************************************************
WHAT'D I MISS?


THANK YOU to everyone who came out to my Chef Demo at the Green Market at Piedmont Park, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Was that fun or what? Now I hope some of you went straight home and lit your grills, or at least stopped and picked up some fresh produce for those salads. Yum!
If you're looking for the recipes, just click over to the left the month of June. Let me know how those turn out for you!

*******************************************************
COMING UP...
On Saturday, July 5th -- Don't miss the grand opening of Aerobics, Yoga & More Fitness and Dance Studios owned by fitness guru Althea Lawton-Thompson of Altheatized and Lifeline Fitness Consulting.

During this day-long celebration Life Chef Asata Reid will host two food demos focusing on building energy. Have a mid-morning powerboosting snack and then stick around to grab so healthy lunch-on-the go ideas around noon. Fitness, dance and exersize demonstrations will take place all day long to give you a full spectrum of life-enhancing classes and services that AYM Fitness and Dance Studios have to offer.

AYM Fitness and Dance Studios is located at 4051 Stone Mountain Hwy, Suite G101B in Lilburn, GA 30047 in the Publix Shopping Plaza at the intersection of Hwy 78 & Killian Hill Road. For more info call 770.921.5424.

Also worthy of note is that YOUTH will find a plethora of activities during the AYM Youth Summer Camps! If you want to keep your kids active and entertained check out this blurb and sign them up today!

AYM summer camps are small group learning sessions held in our brand new air-conditioned fitness anddance studios. Healthy lunches from Subway will be provided each day in addition to bottled water (excluding Art Camp). Camp leaders are college-educated professionals with experience teaching in each area. Your childwill be mentally and physically stimulated and challenged while making new friends at AYM Summer Camp. Register early – only 18 slots exist for each camp.

KidFit Camp: The creators of the Johns Hopkins’ Hospital Youth Obesity fitness program have designed a5-day fun fitness camp for children aged 8-12. Activities include team drills, Wii fitness games, boxing andsports games. This program focuses on improving muscle control and strength, weight management,flexibility, balance and body image.

Dance Camp: Get ready for a fun-filled week of dance! Daily sessions include one-hour classes in Jazz,Hip-Hop, Creative Movement and Stomp. Participants will learn technique as well as a performance to showfamily and friends on the Friday of each week of camp.

Art Camp: This 5-day camp has a different theme for each day. Children will create ARTifacts fromrecyclable items like foil, aluminum cans and glass on Trash-to-Treasure day. The excitement of pirates onthe high seas will come true when kids make treasure chests for their handcrafted jewelry on Treasure Islandday. Other days include Sew No More and Animals, Animals, Animals. Your child will have something new andunique to bring home every day. You’re welcome to view the Art Exhibit on the last day of camp

Upcoming Classes & Events

With Summer nearly upon us, I have lots of classes coming up and I wanted to make sure you guys had a chance to mark your calendars. I'll post detailed information as each event approaches, but here's a quick look at what Life Chef will have to offer in the weeks/months to come. I hope to see you soon!

JUNE
7 Father’s Day Menu @ Saint Philip AME Church (10a.m. – Noon)
14 FUNFEST with The Children’s Wellness Network @ The Frazer Center (Noon – 6 p.m.)
21 Thrill of the Grill at the Green Market @ Piedmont Park (10 a.m. – Noon)
28 Natural Foods Basics @ Sevananda Natural Foods Coop (10 a.m. – Noon)

JULY
5 Morning Snacks and Lunch on the Go @ AYM Fitness & Dance Studios (10a.m -noon.)
10 Inflammation & Pain Management @ Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute (Private Class)
12 Food as Medicine @ Sevananda (10 a.m. – Noon)
19 Sun-Sational Summer Produce @ Saint Philip AME Church (10 a.m. to Noon)

AUGUST
2 Natural Food for Connoisseurs @ Sevananda Natural Food Coop (10 a.m. – Noon)
9 Kids Can Cook & Wellness Fair @ Saint Philip AME Church (Time TBA)

SEPTEMBER
6 Shop & Cook: Meal Planning @ Saint Philip AME Church (10 a.m. – Noon)

Green Market at Piedmont Park

Here's a FREE event that (weather permitting) will be fantastic!

The Green Market at Piedmont Park, presented by Kaiser Permanente and the AJC, takes place every Saturday from May through December. On June 21st, yours truly will be leading a chef's demo from 10 a.m. to noon.

Green Market 2008
Spread out along the dogwood-lined streets of Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, Green Market is an open-air farmer’s market featuring locally grown produce, artisan cheeses, fresh cut flowers and natural merchandise. With its come as you are, laid-back attitude, Green Market encourages sustainable communities in the most basic way -- by providing shoppers with direct access to local farmers and merchants. It’s as simple as that.

Times: Green Market is held every Saturday morning from May 3 until Dec. 13, 9:00am to 1:00pm.
Directions: Located along the 12th Street entrance to Piedmont Park.
Contact: Email market@piedmontpark.org or call
404.876.4024 ext. 23.

This class will be an opportunity for those of you who missed the Father's Day class at Saint Philip AME Church to experience "the thrill of the grill" with quick marinades and spice rubs, fat free side dishes and unique and healthful salads that come together in mere minutes. I'll see you there!

East Atlanta Village Farmer's Market

Hey gang! I know this is kind of last minute, but...

If you get a chance, come out to the East Atlanta Village Farmer's Market today. I'll be representing Sevananda Natural Foods Co-op with chef demos blending the fresh, Georgia grown produce of the market with some simple condiments from the Co-op. I'm pretty sure I'll be featuring some late-spring strawberries and some young and tender arugula and mizuna for a great summer salad... and rumor has is Mary Heart will have some of her goat cheese from Conley, GA.

The EAV Famers Market is located in the Ace Hardware parking lot on Glenwood.

For details go here. I'll be there from 5-7 p.m. See you there!

Kids Can Cook: Mother's Day Class Success!

Thanks to my young chefs: Cam, Malik, Shay and the two young ladies who joined us to cook for their moms during the Life Chef KIDS CAN COOK class. You guys did a fantastic job and I hope you make some wonderful meals for mom next week on Mothers Day, so that she can enjoy her day ... and don't forget to clean as you go!

The young chefs prepared a healthful breakfast, lunch and dinner and even made an old favorite snack healthier as an elegant dessert for mom.

Here's the menu:

Multigrain toaster waffles with honey-glazed bananas and almonds
Individual turkey bacon and spinach quiches with swiss cheese
Crunchy baked chicken tenders with broiled cheesy-tomatoes and oven-crisped sweet potato fries
Baked tilapia pakets with Asian vegetable medley and brown rice
Chocolate or Vanilla Pudding and Berry Parfait

I'll make sure the recipes all get uploaded with links in the next couple of days!

Be sure to check out our next Life Chef Class at Saint Philip AME on June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.
We'll be returning to the theme Food as Medicine in honor of Men's Health Awareness Month and of course, Fathers Day. The menu will include food items that science and medicine have confirmed or are researching to prevent or reverse some of the most common ailemnts afflicting Americans today: diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer. The class is $10 per person, $5 for seniors (over 55). And as always the food promises to be delicious! See you then!

Chicks in the City Returns to Oakhurst

This Save the Date is from the Oakhurst Community Garden Project. They offer some of the coolest classes on home gardening and farming, right here in the heart of the city.

The next Chicks in the City Class has been scheduled for May 3rd from 10-noon. Please let me know if you want me to hold a spot for you, but please hold off on paying at this time. We may be tying this class into an afternoon chicken coop tour and a special price may be available for both. More details to follow...
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Executive Director
(678) 642-4977

Unfortunately I think I'm booked that date, but if not I'll definitely try to attend this class because I would LOVE to have my own laying hens and my own hand-built coop! That's one of my big goals for 2008! See "A Few Words About Eggs" from December.