Week 3: Learn to Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box w/Chrisetta Mosley

Tonight marked my third session with the group at Fruit Valley Elementary School. The first two weeks of the program we've been covering the basics -- how to plan and grocery SHOP. This session we started with a brief introduction on Beans & Whole Grains and then the fun part COOKing and EATing.

On the menu: 

Hummus served with crudités
Fruit Seed Wheat Berry Bowl
Brown Bag Popcorn with Honey Butter

The ladies enjoyed all the recipes. And music to my ears: They said they could and would make the recipes at home.  I love what I do!

Next week: Fresh Produce -- Fruits & Vegetables.

Outside of the Box: Cookin' with teens

Wow. Just when I think it can't get any better it does. Last night, I hosted a cooking demo for teens at the Cascade Park Community Library.

The youth and teens are our future. And, I'm proud and honored to help them make better, informed food decisions. I tell you -- it's the most AWESOME feeling, to look around the room at young enthusiastic faces and see their bulbs shining brighter and brighter as I introduce ingredients and talk techniques. My message is simple: Any and everything that is in a box or package can be made at home using fresh, whole ingredients.

To drive home the point, I whipped up a few healthy favorites -- Blueberry Banana Kale Smoothies, Cashew Whole Food Energy Bars, and two types of Brown Bag Popcorn (Parmesan and Honey Butter).

They were amazed at how easy these goods were to make.  When I asked them the burning question at the end of our time together..."Can you do this?" They all eagerly answered "Yes." Will you do this? Again they answered "Yes." Music to my ears.

Thanks again for having me, Linda Landi,Teen Librarian and Teresa Torres, Branch Librarian. And to the teens that came out thanks for a delicious fun time! Happy Shopping, Cooking, and Eating!