Do you or a loved one have a family history of heart disease?  Did you know certain foods can lower your risk of heart disease or help to manage it, while other foods may increase your risk?  Making heart healthy changes to your daily meal plan does not have to be hard or boring. Oftentimes adding in sources of healthy fats, whole grains and high fiber fruits and vegetables can boost flavor and decrease your risk for chronic disease.  Join Registered Dietitian, Marissa Chiapperino, to learn tips for preparing heart-healthy meals. This 3-part cook-along series will cover basic heart healthy nutrition information as well as recipes to make 3 different meals including dessert!

Potato pancakes with smoked salmon and creme fraiche Poached eggs with bacon salad Granola with yogurt and honey Weekend brunch is certainly trendy but it’s even better at home! Crispy potato pancakes are pan fried to a perfect golden brown. They are topped with smoked salmon and creamy creme fraiche. Beautifully poached eggs served with bacon lardons and frisée is a traditional French salad that is a definite crowd pleaser. Homemade granola will then top creamy yogurt with a drizzle of honey. Instructor Chef Tracy Carter.

Cooking without recipes ~ Learning how to understand flavors, ingredients, and techniques to release yourself from the tyranny of shopping lists. This class will go through Knife Cuts, How to Shop, Basic Cooking Techniques, and Understanding Flavor & Dish Construction.

Grilled peach salad Shrimp and grits Corn bread with honey butter Grilling peaches bring out their natural sweetness. For this perfect late summer salad, we will add peppery arugula, and a citrus vinaigrette. Slow cooked cheesy grits are topped with plump and spicy shrimp. Warm corn bread is drizzled with a delicious honey butter for a comforting finale. Instructor Chef Tracy Carter

Canning, Freezing & Pickling products grown straight from the garden. Instructor Chef Lauren Kendzierski

Falafel with tahini sauce Tabouli salad Roasted strawberry sundae Freshly fried falafel and paired with a creamy tahini is always a major vegetarian hit! Bright and lemony tabouli salad is packed with fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes. Strawberries roasted with warm spices to bring out their natural sweetness are used top with cold creamy ice cream for an interesting contrast. Instructor Chef Tracy Carter.

This class will help you understand the produce available seasonally in Western Massachusetts, What to look for when you are shopping, grilling tips with lots of colorful products. Instructor Chef Lauren Kendzierski