Widely spanning from North Africa through Asia… each country in the Middle East has its own unique flavor, spices and ingredients. Coriander, turmeric, saffron, garlic, cinnamon, cardamon for starters. We’ll also explore sumac, Aleppo pepper, mint, cumin, Ras el Hanout and Za’atar to enhance our Middle Eastern inspired cuisine.

About Alexa:

I am a later in life Chef, emerging from a long professional corporate career. I had the opportunity to pursue education and training in culinary arts after a company I was employed with shut down with terminal layoffs! My culinary training and exploration lead to an amazing internship along the Amalfi Coast, specifically the city of Positano at a family-owned restaurant with amazing chefs. I learned to use minimal  ingredients to most brilliantly elevate and highlight the flavors of the dishes. My training was backed by the philosophy of a no-waste kitchen. Eating directly from the earth and sea was also a wonderful experience for dining and learning while in Italy. I am naturally an educator and helper – this is my focus in life and with that I want everyone to learn and understand the importance of Making Vegetables the Star of your Plate.

 Through short-video or 60-90 min cooking presentations and demonstrations, I lessen the learning curve and apprehension for people who don’t consider themselves chefs, yet are seeking healthy ways to bring vegetables into their diet successfully. Focusing on a whole food, minimally processed diet is most beneficial to our health and our well being (mentally and physically), which is a large driver behind my work and my approach. As a chef, artist and entrepreneur, I utilize my talents, skills and knowledge to create a quality of life for my family, pay our bills and eat great food.

 Fulfilling that short list of pleasures and privileges is me embodying our mantra, mission and affirmation to “Eat Off Art.”

This presentation is part of the GPL Plant-Powered Group. For more information on the group, visit https://gpl.org/adults/interest-groups.

Made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

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