Just Foodies

Foodie Gadgets That Work - Apple Peeler/Corer

Apple season is in full swing. I like to use apples in many fall dishes, but I don't enjoy coring and peeling the apples.  A friend offered to let me try her apple peeler/corer gadget that she bought through Pampered Chef.  

She said it was easy to use. I was skeptical, however this gadget was easy to set up, use and clean.  A full bag of apples were peeled, sliced and cored in a matter of minutes.  I was surprised at the result, this apple peeler/corer worked very well.  The apple slices were uniform and ready to use and the unit was easy to clean. If you use a lot of apples, it maybe worth investing in an apple peeler, corer. The only downside was the sticky apple juice that dripped all over the counter. 

Foodie Gadgets That Work - Apple Peeler/Corer

Cooking Classes in Battle Creek MI

There are several recreational cooking classes available in the Lifelong Learning Department at Kellogg Community College's (KCC) Regional Manufacturing & Technology Center. 

Fall 2009 selections include:

• Korean Beef Stir Fry using marinated beef, this dish is also called Bulgogi.  The class is available Oct 28 evening.

• Eat to Live: Anti-Aging Power Foods class is scheduled for the evening of Oct 27. Participants will discuss the science of healthy eating choices. 

Registration is available on-line or by phone (269) 965 4134. 

Another option for fun craft classes with a unique dining experience in the Battle Creek & Marshall Area are programs at the  Southern Exposure Herb Farm. 

Enjoy!

Read my latest update on Southern Exposure Herb Farm

The Cancer Project Nutrition and Cooking Classes

This summer I took several cooking classes with a friend at the Cancer Center in Kalamazoo MI.  These classes are part of a nation wide project to share information about how diet can influence cancer.  While a strict vegan diet (No meat, fish or dairy products) is advocated by the cancer project, there really were lessons about healthy eating for everyone in these classes.

Our Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Classes for Cancer Prevention and Survival were taught by Jill Ovnik. The series of four classes were well attended.  The audience included a broad range of age groups, people with cancer and people that support people with cancer and folks trying to prevent cancer from touching their family. The recipes provided were fun to make and tasty.   A great cookbook is also available for ~$20.00 and the Cancer Prevention project web site has lots of vegan recipes listed.

Each cooking class consisted of a short video presentation reviewing medical information related to healthy diets.  The video was about 20 minutes long. The cooking demonstration was about 30 minutes longand then it was time to enjoy the delicious food.  

Our instructor, Jill was an effective spokeperson for the effect of diet on your health. Jill shared her background during the class and how she made the change to a vegan diet and lifestyle.   

Jill's Vegan-gal  website has lots of interesting information. Be sure to try Jill's Chick Pea Smash Salad recipe, it is outstanding! 

Minestrone Genovese - Ann Arbor Cooking Class - Italian Soup Class

This week I made Minestrone - Genovese or "big soup". A recipe for Italian soup that I learned from Francesca Giarraffa, the Italian cooking class instructor at WCC in Ann Arbor.  The Genovese version of Minestrone has less tomatoes and no pasta, the recipe is similar to tuscan bean soups with cabbage and potatoes.

The addition of pesto to each soup bowl provides exceptional flavor to this soup.  I plan to try adding pesto to other soups to accent the italian flavors. 

The next Italian soup class is being held on Oct 26 at Whole Foods in Ann Arbor. 

Sign up at WCC Lifelong Learning Program.