North Central resident Nancy Matsui had a lifelong love of cooking, and during her 35 years of elementary school teaching she managed to sneak a few healthy cooking experiences into the classroom.

While an elementary school teacher, she began teaching cooking classes at a local community college. After retiring, Matsui decided to combine her teaching skills with her desire to share information about cooking and in 2011 formed Onion Enterprises–Education in Flavor,through which she offers cooking classes in her home near 15th and Northern avenues.

Education in Flavor offers a diverse mix of classes for fall. The first session, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sept. 24, will feature “International Condiments” with a focus on Japanese flavors.

A class Oct. 1 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  tips the hat to Dr. Andrew Weil, known for research on how to maintain optimum health and decrease inflammation through food choices. Recipes include Grilling Cheese with Salad and a Fruity Seed Smoothie.

Other classes include “A Tribute to Yotam Ottolenghi” on Oct. 22; “Holiday Appetizers & Sides” on Nov. 12; and “Holiday Sweets” on Nov. 19.

Recipes are provided and each of the dishes prepared will be served. Class fee is $20 per session, except for a class with Chef Claudio Urciuoli, which will be $35. More than half of each class fee will be donated to one of two local charities; the rest is used to purchase groceries and print recipes.

Space is limited in each class, so RSVP quickly. Payment must be received prior to the class in order to hold the reservation. To RSVP or for more information, e-mail Nancy Matsui at onionenterprise@cox.net.

To pick up a hard copy of the Education in Flavor brochure, with a full description of each class, visit the Southwest Gardener at 300 W. Camelback Road, or John’s Amish Country at the Uptown Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave.

Author

Hello, North Central neighbor — thank you for visiting!

Sign up to receive our digital issue in your inbox each month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.