Mediterranean Diet Cooking Class

In February 2017, we had a wonderful tour of the state- of-the-art wellness center and the culinary and nutritional programs offered at UW Health at The American Center. From that tour came a request to have a cooking class in their “learning kitchen.” In keeping with the wellness theme, we also had a request for a menu from the Mediterranean diet. We know the benefits of healthy fats, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, but are we stuck on the same recipes? Or are we good at part of this and need a nudge in the rest?

The $35 class will be given by Alicia Bosscher, clinical nutritionist. She will begin with an introduction to the Mediterranean diet, highlighting its health benefits, and then introduce the recipes that we are to prepare. She also will be on hand to guide us as needed. This will be a very hands-on, interactive class divided into groups of three or four. Each group will make all three (four including the pesto) recipes of quick-broiled salmon with pesto sauce; Freekeh with roasted butternut squash and dried cranberries; and edamame confetti salad. Each person within the group will prepare a filet of fish; the salads and pesto will be made by the group. When finished, each group will taste its creations and divide any leftovers to take home. Please bring a container if you wish to take some home.

Registration

There is a minimum of ten and maximum of twenty persons allowed. Advance registration is required so the appropriate amount of food can be ordered. Registration is open to UWRA members first and will be open to guests if room is available. Register by sending your check payable to UW-Madison Retirement Association to UW-Madison Retirement Association, c/o Division of Continuing Studies, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218 to arrive no later than Friday, February 16. Please include your email address and phone number. 

Directions

Take highway 151 north toward Sun Prairie. Exit 98B for American Parkway and turn left at the first traffic signal on Eastpark Boulevard. Follow Eastpark Boulevard around past the Alliant Energy Center and proceed to UW Health at The American Center. It is approximately one mile from the start of Eastpark Boulevard to the entry of the parking lot, and the route is well marked with the blue “H” for hospital signs. Just before the bus stop, you will turn right into their parking lot.

Parking and bus

The learning kitchen is on the far right (east side) of the complex so they recommend parking in the ramp—please park in slots marked for visitors. There is no fee to park there. If you need handicapped parking, proceed up to the road just before the main entry where there are many handicapped slots available. If you ride the bus, the Route 2 bus will drop you off and pick you up at the bus stop right in front of the complex. Please check the Metro schedule for times. Use the entry across from the ramp and follow the hallway to get to the learning kitchen.