Cooking classes at the Santa Monica Farmers' Market
Even if people know why they should eat fresh fruits and vegetables, they may not know how to buy and cook them, says dietitian Suzanne Bogert. So she is offering classes on Saturday mornings at the Santa Monica Farmers Market in Virginia Park.
The classes are focused on the low-income residents who live around the market, says Bogert, and they use in-season, low-cost ingredients.
"And at the end of our hard work, we eat," Bogert says.
The Network for a Healthy California, a federally funded program that encourages healthful eating and physical activity among low-income communities, is a sponsor of the classes, along with the Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
The class being held on Halloween morning is already full and no wonder. Josie Le Balch, chef owner of the restaurant Josie in Santa Monica, will be the guest chef. Le Balch was at the Wednesday Santa Monica market this week buying produce, and says she might cook short ribs for the class, using beef from a market vendor.
On Nov. 21, the class will be "Sunday Dinner Makeovers." And on Dec. 19, the theme is "Gifts From the Kitchen," including trail mix, breads and vinegars. Bogert says she hopes to start a new series in January.
The classes are free, but limited to 20 people and pre-registration is required. For information, call (310) 458-8712, Ext. 2.
-- Mary MacVean
Photo: Josie Le Balch in her restaurant. Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times
What a great idea! What better place to learn how cook all those vegetables?
Posted by: Christina Watson | October 09, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Very cool! I just sent this to my friends who love to cook. Hope the class isn't filled up already.
Posted by: Natalie DeJohn | October 09, 2009 at 01:37 PM