Cooking Classes

The complex I live in has some great perks. Right now I'm in a 6-week nutritional cooking class that is provided at no cost to the residents. The class is taught by two nutritionists and includes a live demonstration and samples for all. The instructors also provide valuable information on various topics; heart health, foods to reduce high blood pressure, storing fresh herbs, etc. I love it because they usually give us all a shopping bag containing all the ingredients of whatever is being demonstrated that day. Life is good and very good! All the recipes are good but so far my two favorites are "Couscous" and a "Simple Pasta Toss".

Simple Pasta Toss - (Serves 4)

• 1-1/2 cups of water
• 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, about 1 cup (without oil)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped (I use pre-chopped in the jar)
• 3 cups hot cooked whole wheat pasta (about 6 oz uncooked ridged, spiral pasta)
• 1/2 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach, torn
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is better)
• Salt & pepper to taste (I use Trader Joe's 21 Seasonings) instead

Pour boiling water over the sun-dried tomatoes, and let sit for 20-30 minutes, until soft. Drain & chop tomatoes. Combine tomatoes, oil, seasoning, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the drained pasta and spinach and toss gently until all the spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with cheese and toss gently before serving. 

I served this dish last Friday night to some friends and put the Parmesan cheese in a little bowl in case some didn't want it.

This recipe is easy to vary. You can use arugula instead of spinach or artichoke hearts for the tomatoes. You can also add chopped fresh veggies to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking and toss them along with everything else. I haven't tried it but I can imagine you could add chopped chicken or maybe even baby shrimp.

Couscous - Couscous is native to northern Africa where it is commonly served with meat or vegetable stew. It's a great substitute for rice. You can find it at many grocery stores, usually in the pasta aisle. In my area, you can find it at Trader Joe's, QFC and Safeway. Check any major grocery store in your area. 

Its easy to prepare: In a sauce pan add:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 cup of water

Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add 1 cup dry couscous and stir thoroughly. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

I have added cooked chicken and vegetable to it and have also eaten it alone as a side dish with a piece of broiled salmon. You can really be creative with couscous. The handout we received suggested stuffing peppers with it, adding grilled vegetables, or even dried fruit and nuts for a sweet and crunchy lunch. 

Bon Appetite,

Jacqueline