By Laura Stec
E-mail Laura Stec
About this blog: I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for many years. From eating disorder to east coast culinary school, food has been my passion, profession & nemesis. I've been a sugar addict, a 17-year vegetarian, a food and en...
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About this blog: I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for many years. From eating disorder to east coast culinary school, food has been my passion, profession & nemesis. I've been a sugar addict, a 17-year vegetarian, a food and environment pioneer, macrobiotic, Master Cleanser, ayurvedic, and officially-designated health-nut or party-girl (depending on the year). Professionally, I've worn many industry hats including: line cook, corporate chef, Food Coach, caterer, product developer, restaurant reviewer, culinary school teacher, corporate wellness educator, food co-op clerk, author, and even Cirque-du-Soleil lead popcorn concessioner! For years I managed an outdoor kitchen, deep in the bear-infested woods of Tahoe, and also for hospitals (the most unhealthy kitchen I ever worked in?), Singapore high-rises, mule-pack trips, Canadian catholic rectories, and more events than I could ever recall. Yet I still keep discovering. Actually, I adapt everyday by new lessons learned from teachers, customers and students. However there is one food truth I now hold sacrosanct: Eaters are motivated by pleasure. So no matter what we discuss here - recipes or restaurants, food politics or pairings, local events, food as art, or even as God, I will always come from a high-vibe, party perspective. Oh I do still long to change the world with great tasting food, but know in my heart, "If it ain't fun, it don't get done!" So - wanna come to the Food Party? By the way - it's a potluck.
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A Taste of Whole Foods
I got a chance to taste-test some new Whole Foods holidays fare and so can you. Coming to a store near you, all Whole Foods Markets host holiday tasting events, where you can sample traditional favorites and new flavors for your holiday feast. I don't know what they'll do this year, but usually they serve up a pretty plate of tasty treats, so stop by for a taste if you are in the area and looking for fun :)
November 11th & 12th 12 - 4 PM
December 2nd & 3rd 12 - 4 PM
Dec. 9th & 10th 12 - 4 PM
Some of my favorites include...
smoked salmon cups
Twice Baked Sweet Potato with Bacon Maple Crisp Topping
Pork Crown Roast
Turkey stuffing Ranch Bites
Institute of Urban Homesteading
The
Institute of Urban Homesteading offers interesting classes this month, which take place in the private homes and gardens of the instructors, (how cool is that?) or at other community homestead sites. Most classes in Oakland or Berkeley. Can you say Food Party! holiday gift for 2018?
Friday, November 10 12-4pm Introduction to Natural Beekeeping
Friday, November 10, 7-9:30pm Homestead Holiday Gift Making Party
Sunday, November 12, 10am-2pm Fermentation: The Works!
Sunday, November 12, 5-8:30pm Gather: Holiday Cooking for Holiday Parties
Saturday, November 18, 11am-2pm Backyard Mushroom Cultivation Made Easy