Last week I was able to add a new Kansas City Adventure to my list of accomplishments. My friend Jen Trusty & I attended a cooking class at The Culinary Center of Kansas City.
We took a class in their “Heart Healthy” series – Heart Healthy Meals in a Flash. For those that know me, I’m pretty good at following recipes, but don’t especially like to cook. (hello, who wants to cook for one?!). We had a BLAST & learned so much!
Rachel Ciordas was our amazing teacher! Not only did she give us instructions on the foods we were making, she educated us along the way. Here are just a few of the things I learned:
– Grass fed beef is higher in omega 3 & lower in calories than grain fed beef
– Look for wild salmon. Sometimes it’s better to buy frozen (in KC) since we aren’t close to the ocean
– Fennel (never had it before!) – is good for digestion, has a sweet flavor and you should cut against the “strings”
– Leeks are in the onion family (another food I’d never had used before)
– Instead of using salt (or to reduce the amount you use), add something acidic
– Salt is to enhance flavor (I found this interesting, I hardly ever use salt!)
– Cumin is very good for you
– Frozen veggies are better than canned veggies. Avoid canned whenever possible. If you must buy canned, look for something without BPA added & get no-salt added
In addition to all this great information, we made an entire meal!!!
Salmon in Pappillote (Salmon in baked paper)
This was our hand-on activity! We got into groups and worked together to cut up the ingredients (including Fennel & Leeks) & put together our meal.
Next up was Pasta with Asparagus, Peas & Arugula. You’ll be surprised to hear that I was the “assistant” on this prep. 😉
We used goat cheese to melt into a light creamy sauce. Again, another yummy & easy meal!
Next up was probably my favorite food of the night, Quinoa with Corn, Black Beans & Jalapenos. It was amazing!! I’m pretty sure everyone had my table went back for a second helping of this!
Dessert was Crazy Strawberry Pazzo with Mascarpone. I am sad I forgot to snap a picture of this! It included strawberries, balsamic vinegar, biscottis & mascarpone cheese (you could also use cool whip).
Jen & I had an amazing time! I would highly recommend taking a class at The Culinary Center….and Rachel was a fun & informative teacher!!
If you are interested in any of the recipes, please let me know! I’d be more than happy to share them with you! (jodi@jodidanziger.com)