Healthy Cooking 101: Vegetables

I love teaching cooking classes. It's the best of both worlds: I am able to share my weight loss story and knowledge about healthful eating/cooking. When I speak to a group there's a certain rush, but when I speak to a group and cook -- a whole 'nother level. Yesterday's class was an enthusiastic group of 25 folks seeking ways to prepare vegetables. We had a great exchange of ideas and dialogue among us.  The energy in the room was electric.We had a grand time as I showed them how to whip up:

• Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
• Roasted Carrots with Thyme
• Sautéed Broccolini
• Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic                                                                                                                                              

As if the classroom experience wasn't rewarding enough. I came home to find this email from a lady who took my class for the first time. She also purchased a copy of "Bringing Cooking Back." Seriously, I love what I do!

"Sunday January 8 - went to my first cooking class by Chrisetta today. Amazing - I went and bought collard greens and Brussels Sprouts for first time in my life after class and getting her cook book. Wonders never cease - a true inspiration for me. Perfect timing - this is MY year to get ME healthy!!!! Love the energy you exude." ~ Patty

When you love what you do it is not work. I did not work yesterday.

Healthy Cooking 101: Roasted Vegetables

Yesterday's Healthy Cooking 101 class featuring Roasted Vegetables was my best class to date. Not because there was 27 folks there (surely that helped), but because there was a special warmth in the room.

Two ovens roaring, filled with four different vegetables (Brussel sprouts, Cauliflower, Roma tomatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes), and the eagerness, oh the eagerness of the participants. They all were hungry. Not just hungry for food, but hungry for knowledge. From the questions that they asked of me, I got the feeling they were tired of the same ol' same. They seemed to be there looking for ways to cook food at home, vegetables even. Ha. Maybe, just maybe, they're tired of .99 Value Menus. Tired of being lured in by convenience. Tired of letting their busy schedules be the reason they cave into the convenience. Perhaps, I'm reading way too much into this, but I tell you those enthusiastic faces made me a little emotional. It was AWESOME, I tell you, AWESOME.

Photos: 2011 © Cari Hachmann

Healthy Cooking 101 is back!

Don't you wanna come?

Funny how things just work themselves out. The universe has opened the doors for me in so many ways lately. Thank you. Thank you. Those who have been following me for a while, remember my healthy cooking classes last summer? Well, I really hadn't considered teaching the classes anymore. I figured my life had taken a different course. Recently, one of my class participant/friend even asked me about hosting another class. I politely told her no.

Then, the other day, I was talking with a lady about furthering my career in public speaking. She was offering me tips and pointers, suggesting that I join Toastmasters International. She went on to tell me about a Laughing Yoga class she teaches at my favorite grocery store, Chuck's Produce & Street Market. I thought hmm...maybe I could speak there. Long story, short I contacted the marketing department at Chuck's and instead of  speaking I've been given the opportunity to host Healthy Cooking 101 classes at my favorite store in their beautiful, spacious kitchen. Yes, Healthy Cooking 101 is back!

My first two classes in September will feature lettuce wraps. I will talk about the versatility and ease of preparing them and YOU get to sample all the goodness. There is NO charge for the classes. Yeah, that's right NO charge. Just make sure you sign up at the front desk.

Asian Lettuce Wraps from my class last summer

Monday, September 12th from 6 - 7 pm
Asian Inspired Lettuce Wraps

Friday, September 16th from 6 - 7 pm Mediterranean Inspired Lettuce Wraps


The classes are free and open to the community. Please help me make my debut at Chuck's one to remember!  Click here to see the schedule and details Chuck's Produce & Street Market.

Chuck's Produce and Street Market
13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98684