A virtual cooking class titled “Whole Grains for Everyday” will take place on September 9, 2023, from 19:00 to 20:15 (UTC) via Zoom, hosted by the Groton Public Library. This program aims to teach participants how to easily incorporate whole grains into their daily meals, featuring dishes such as Farro Bowls and Fall Harvest Quinoa. The session promises to provide essential techniques for maximizing flavor while using healthy ingredients.
The class will be led by Christine Van Bloem, a cooking instructor with a commitment to heart-healthy culinary practices. After experiencing a heart attack in 2020, Van Bloem shifted her focus towards teaching others how to prepare nutritious meals without sacrificing taste. She emphasizes making lighter adjustments, saying, “Instead of using a stick of butter, I’ll use a touch. Instead of a cup of cream, just a tablespoon or two.” This approach aims to balance health and flavor, making wholesome cooking accessible for everyone.
Van Bloem, now an empty nester, has adapted her cooking style to suit a smaller household and enjoys sharing this journey with participants. Her experience also includes training in culinary nutrition at The American College of Culinary Medicine, where she focused on the Mediterranean diet and its implications for menopause. She completed her capstone project and passed the exam in 2024, further enhancing her expertise in healthier cooking.
Participants in the upcoming class can expect not only practical cooking skills but also an engaging online experience. Van Bloem expressed her enthusiasm for virtual teaching, stating, “Online classes are so much more fun than I ever anticipated. It’s such an incredible way to make a connection with students around the country and even help impact their dinner table. Isn’t that great?”
This program is made possible through support from the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust and collaboration with several local libraries. It will be recorded, allowing all registrants to receive a link to the video within 48 hours of the event.
To participate in the “Whole Grains for Everyday” class, individuals can register by visiting the Groton Public Library’s website at gpl.org. For further information about Christine Van Bloem and her culinary initiatives, please visit EmptyNestKitchen.com.
