This week we’ve got something a little different to share for our #MondayMeals post. We at Seven Valleys Health Coalition have been partnering with FoodFeasible and Soil and Water to create cooking classes that teach participants how to use healthy, fresh, and unusual vegetables. We had our first session at the Riverview Apartments where participants came together to have fun, socialize, and cook three incredible beet-based dishes.

The next class will be held on September 10th from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in the kitchen at The Grange. This is located at 100 Grange Pl. in Cortland, NY. Check details below for information on age restrictions, reserving a place at the table, and the benefits of these tasty dishes!

Beets are filled with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that are essential to a healthy diet. Beets are low in calories, help to maintain a healthy blood pressure, and can improve digestive health. They may also improve brain health and help reduce the risk of cancer.

Olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, fight inflammation, and promote heart health. Olive oil may also lower the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples are an excellent source of nutrients as they are rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, and B6. They are also great sources of manganese, fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and polyphenols. This means that apples are excellent for heart health, can lower the risk of diabetes, lower blood pressure, and are good for your bones. Apples also contain compounds that help to fight asthma!

Carrots are well-known for their nutritional value and are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other plant compounds. Carrots may reduce the risk of cancer, lower cholesterol, and are good for eye health.

Balsamic vinegar is great for healthy digestion, helps to lower cholesterol, improves blood circulation, and is good for healthy skin. It is also diabetes-friendly and can help avoid blood sugar spikes.

Food produced locally is more nutritious. This is because food contains the most nutrients around the time it is harvested. The longer food spends traveling, the less nutrition it contains. Less time traveling also means less exposure to harmful chemicals and less production of greenhouse gasses. What a tasteful way to decrease our carbon footprint!

Find ingredients for these wonderful recipes and more at Anderson’s Farm Market, The Local Food Market, or through a CSA share at Main Street Farms. Also be sure to stop by the Cortland and Homer Farmers Markets and Shared Roots Farm to see what nutritious and delicious foods are available this season.

If you liked these recipes or are interested in attending future classes, please contact us at rosalie@sevenvalleyshealth.org or call the office number listed below. We do ask that you please call to pre-register, as there is limited room in each class. If there are spots left, walk-ins are welcome. We also ask that participants are aged 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

#MondayMeals: If You Can't Beet 'Em, Join 'Em!