Eight of us participated in the UCSD Moores Cancer Center Healing Foods Kitchen class.  The course topic was "Mood Foods" and Susan, the main chef, talked about how various types of food can affect your mood and energy level.  Did you know that Boron affects eye-hand coordination?  Or that the smell of lemons can induce the feeling of alertness?  Did you know that Seratonin regulates mood and reduces irritability?

The menu:
Beet, Chickpea and Almond dip with Jicama
Carrot with Toasted Almond Soup
Spicy Asian-Style Pasta Salad
Scallops in Orange/Ginger Sauce with Raspberries and Mint
Roasted Chicken Breast with Salsa/Dijon Marinade
Orange-Infused Roasted Green Beans and Red Peppers
Poached Pears with Chocolate-Pear Sauce
Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies (gluten free)

Susan and her helpers did all the cooking and we got  to enjoy all the food!  Yes, all of it!  I have the recipes if anyone would like a copy. 

This cooking program is so amazing.  The goal is to teach people about healthy cooking and eating habits which will hopefully prevent cancer.  Susan runs the program as a volunteer.  The Healthy Foods Kitchen does one fundraiser a year and the funds are matched.  They do not get additional funding from the Moores Cancer Center.  The fundraiser, a Mad Hatter Tea Party, will be occurring in May so I will keep everyone posted.  You can visit the website for additional information and class schedule.  Some of the Gals already signed up for more classes.  They are free and well worth two hours of your time.  I would recommend these courses to anyone who is interested in learning how to combine interesting healthy ingredients to make a healthy meal.

http://health.ucsd.edu/cancer/prevention/healthyeating/classdates.htm

Thanks to Sharon for introducing us to the Healthy Foods Kitchen.

Your gal,
Jules