March Classes
Herbs to Help Reduce Insomnia
Saturday · March 1 · 2-4 PM
taught by Ocoee Miller
The United States is a nation of sleep deprived people. Few people actually
get sufficient sleep. Some people can't get their bodies to relax; others
can't make their hush. We have herbs that effectively treat all aspects of
insomnia. If you aren't getting enough quality sleep you are missing the
best of life. This class will teach you how to use herbs to fix that. We'll
provide recipes as well as highlight some of the exceptional products on the
Merc shelves. As usual, Ocoee will be teaching from personal experience. Her
personal sleep remedies are among the most popular items in her family
herbal collection. Come learn how to make your sleep delicious. Sleeping can
become the highlight of your day!
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & seniors
Casual Italian
Tuesday · March 4 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
Join Paige as she prepares five delicious Italian recipes, all accessible and easy enough to make on a weekday. Her menu includes: Spinach Frittata; Wild Mushroom & Fontina Pizza; Spaghetti alla Puttanesca (Spaghetti with capers, olives, tomatoes & hot peppers); Winter Panzanella (Tuscan bread salad); and Panna Cotta with Berries (creamy Italian pudding). Learn the basics, then you can vary and adjust to the season and the ingredients you have on hand. Don't wait to board the plane for this class.
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Wonderful Thai Cuisine
Wednesday · March 5 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Take a trip east with Nancy Stark as she introduces you to the flavors of Thailand. Nancy will prepare a delicious selection of Thai favorites including Hot and Spicy Leaf Wraps; Shrimp in Lime Leaf Broth; Chicken Stir-Fry with Basil; Cucumber Salad; Sticky Rice; and a Surprise Sweet!
Guaranteed fun and delicious!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Wheat Free / Gluten Free Store Tour & Discussion Group
Thursday · March 7 · 8:30 PM
taught by Amber Belt, ND
Are you curious about a wheat free / gluten free diet? Have you ever shopped the aisles and felt limited by your wheat free / gluten free diet? This is the class for you! We'll start with an in-depth tour of The Merc focusing on wheat free / gluten free products, followed by an informal discussion. While we're talking, we'll enjoy several tasty gluten free products. You will be amazed by the possibilities!
Special price: $5 per person
(Please note this is not a cooking class, but check out the gluten-free baking class on March 29.)
Chicken Cooking Basics
Tuesday · March 11 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
Here is a class we've had lots of requests to repeat - a class for people who like to eat chicken but are in a preparation rut. Chef Paige will walk us through the basics of chicken cooking including how to butcher a whole chicken and appropriate cooking methods for various parts. Paige will prepare recipes that showcase roasting, baking, braising and pan-frying.
She'll also demonstrate how to make delicious and versatile chicken stock.
Great recipes, excellent tasting as usual. Don't wait to sign up - we expect this class to fill in a blink!
$23 per person, $20 for Merc Owners & seniors
Bean Cooking Basics
Wednesday · March 12 · 7-9 PM
taught by Nancy O'Connor, Nutrition Educator
This may not be the most seductive class title but don't pass by an opportunity to learn just how easy, affordable, nutritious and scrumptious the humble bean can be. Beans and legumes are just goodness waiting to happen and you'll learn how to transform them into delicious meals in this class. We'll discuss cooking methods, digestion (yes, we will address this
issue) and then get to cooking. We'll prepare Black Beans with Yellow Rice; Braised Kale with Cannelini Beans served over Homemade Polenta; Roasted Squash with Corn & Pintos; and Lentil Spinach Soup.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & seniors
Authentic Mexican Flavors with Corn Masa
Tuesday · March 25 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Corn masa is one of the cornerstones of indigenous cookery and also one of the original whole grain foods. Nancy will demonstrate a variety of delicious Mexican dishes that you can make with a simple corn dough. Our menu for the evening includes; Corn Tortillas with a Simple Chicken Taco Filling; Goat Cheese Empanadas with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa; Red Chili Pork in Corn Husk; Baked Tamale in Banana Leaf; and Black Bean Tamales. No need to head south for this fiesta!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Gluten Free Baking
Saturday · March 29 · 2-4 PM
taught by Mari Ruck
Eating is a challenge when wheat, rye, oats and barley are eliminated from our diet. The hardest thing to find is a tasty piece of bread, a nice cookie, or a cake on our birthday. This class will solve these dilemmas.
Join Mari Ruck as we learn how to make Rice and Tapioca Bread, Gluten Free Toll House Cookies, and a basic White Cake - frosting, too!
(Note: this class is not dairy-free, sugar-free, or vegan.)
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & seniors
