Home & Garden
Santa Cruz Chef Teaches Cooking Gluten & Dairy-Free Around the World
Chef Lauren Hoover-West is instructing a six-week, hands-on cooking course March 14th to April 18th.
Did you know that 50 percent of people with gluten sensitivity are also sensitive to dairy? Often times these food sensitivities are asymptomatic, Chef Lauren Hoover-West says.
Hoover-West was classically trained at The California Culinary Academy. As the author of No Wheat No Dairy No Problem, she specializes in food allergies and other health issues such as diabetes.
Beginning March 14th to April 18th, Hoover-West is instructing a cooking course at New Leaf Community Markets, “Cooking Gluten & Diary-Free Around the World,” Thursdays 6-8:30 p.m. Each week you will experience a different ethnic cuisine without the jet lag.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Not only will you learn how to cook Italian, French, Greek, Asian, Latin and Spanish dishes, you will also learn how to customize it to meet your dietary needs--Vegan and vegetarian alternatives included!
“I was diagnosed with sensitivity to gluten and dairy 12 years ago," says Hoover-West. "As a pastry chef, I had increased stomach aches, migraines, congestion, anxiety and felt exhausted despite getting plenty of sleep, and was achy and cranky.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“After many years of trying alternative ingredients I have found a healthy, delicious way to make all the food I’ve always loved and enjoyed and I am excited to share it with you.”
These dishes are both kid-friendly and date night approved.
“The recipes I teach are so healthy and delicious that they are good enough for the whole family,” says Hoover-West.
Eating healthy does not have to be time consuming. Gluten free meals do not take any longer to cook than ordinary dishes. Hoover-West will share entrées that you can whip up in no time.
“I often will teach classes where we make several meals for the week from one main ingredient dish,” she says.
This hands-on, six-week course costs $225. To register, visit www.newleaf.com or call 426-1306 ext. 0. If you cannot make it to this course, there are other opportunities. Every month Hoover-West teaches a class for adults, as well as Kids and Teen Camps during Spring and Summer vacation. Or you can simply snag a copy of her cookbook, No Wheat No Dairy No Problem.
