Local Cooking Instructor Offers Heart-Healthy Recipes Online

A virtual cooking class aimed at promoting heart-healthy meals will be hosted by the Groton Public Library on September 9, 2023. Titled “Whole Grains for Everyday,” the program will run from 19:00 to 20:15 (UTC) via Zoom, allowing participants to learn how to incorporate whole grains into their daily diets.

Participants will explore recipes such as Farro Bowls and Fall Harvest Quinoa, gaining insights on maximizing flavor while maintaining nutritional value. The class will be led by Christine Van Bloem, a seasoned cooking instructor who has shifted her focus toward healthier cooking approaches following her recovery from a heart attack in 2020.

With a background as the owner of a traditional cooking school, Van Bloem now emphasizes lighter, heart-friendly modifications in her culinary teachings. She highlights the importance of flavor in healthy cooking, stating, “Instead of using a stick of butter, I’ll use a touch. Instead of a cup of cream, just a tablespoon or two.” Her philosophy centers on achieving a balance between healthful ingredients and delicious meals.

Adapting to New Cooking Styles

As an empty nester, Van Bloem has adapted her cooking to suit a smaller household and is eager to share her journey with others. She has furthered her culinary knowledge by training in culinary nutrition at the American College of Culinary Medicine. In her capstone project, she explored the Mediterranean diet and its effects during menopause, successfully passing the exam in 2024.

Van Bloem expressed her enthusiasm for the online format, saying, “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?”

The program is supported in part by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust and is presented in collaboration with several regional libraries. For those unable to attend live, the class will be recorded, and all registrants will receive a link to the video within 48 hours after the session.

To register for the “Whole Grains for Everyday” program, interested individuals can visit the Groton Public Library’s official website at gpl.org. For more information about Christine Van Bloem and her culinary endeavors, visit EmptyNestKitchen.com.

This initiative not only promotes healthy eating habits but also fosters a sense of community among participants, allowing them to learn and grow together in their culinary journeys.