As the weather cools off and you settle into the pace of the fall season,  add making sure you are healthy to your list of things to do!  Also, if you are gluten-free, bracing for the upcoming holiday season or all those Sunday football parties might not sound too fun. However, finding some tasty gluten-free recipes especially for those special get-togethers with family and friends will make them all the more enjoyable.

If you fall into any one of these categories, we have two classes coming up at Valley Natural Foods next week that you should take.  For both classes, save $3.00 by entering coupon code “5130″ online or print one for in-store registration at customer service. You can also call 952-891-1212 ext. 221 to register. Be sure to register 36 hours in advance of each class.

On Tuesday, September 25th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. join Eileen Johnson, RN, for her Achieving Wellness class. Eileen,  who is also an employee at Valley Natural Foods, is extremely passionate about helping others take a holistic approach to better health. The ultimate goal of the class is to reduce your lifetime risk for type 2 diabetes. She will help you understand key pre-diabetes health numbers along with how to change your diet to include more nutrient dense, toxin-free foods.  Other important components to health, including exercise, supplementation and stress-relief practices, will also be discussed.  Eileen’s calm demeanor, expertise and careful guidance will steer you on the path to lifetime wellness. If you attend this introductory class, be sure to sign up for her intermediate class held on either October 9th or November 7th. Cost for each Achieving Wellness class  is $17 for members and $20 for non-members.

Shawn Binkowski and Sandra Calcutt have been cooking gluten-free for a combined 20 years. They know the ins-and-outs of what works and what doesn’t and what really tastes good.  Let their expterise guide you to holding your first gluten-free party! Take their Gluten-Free Appetizers class on Thursday, September 27th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to learn how to make delicious flour tortilla wraps, appetizer pizza and sausage cheese balls and several other great gluten-free recipes.  Besides all the tasting in the class (do come hungry), be ready to get your questions answered about following a gluten-free diet. Shawn and Sandra are bubbly and delightful and enjoy sharing what they have learned over the years. Cost is $27 for members and $32 for non-members.

Have you checked out the fall class line-up at Valley Natural Foods?  If not, it’s time to fall into the flavors of our September and October classes!

One of our premium offerings is the Achieving Wellness: An Introduction to Lowering Your Diabetes Risk Naturally class. In addition to eating right, it is essential to take a holistic approach to attaining overall wellness. Instructor Eileen Johnson, RN, will give you the important lifestyle tools needed for healthy eating, exercise, supplementation, stress relief, and understanding key pre-diabetes health numbers. The ultimate goal of this class is to reduce your lifetime risk for type 2 diabetes. It will be held twice, once on September 10 and again on September 25 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The cost is $17.00 for members and $20 for non-members. Those that attend this introductory class are encouraged to take the intermediate Achieving Wellness class offered twice, once on October 9th and again on November 7th. Practice what you learned in the introductory class as you meet with guest practitioners to craft specific, individualized plans for exercise, diet and stress relief.

What other classes can you look for this fall? We have canning, FRESH & LOCAL Flavors of Autumn and gluten-free cooking classes, movie nights and several vendors teaching classes including Michael Larson from Cocokefir, Lynn Sunde from Alakef Roasters and Christine and Claire Jones from Pure Soap Flakes.  Look for many more offerings online.  Many of the offerings are free to both members and non-members.  Use discount code number “5130″ to receive $3.00 off any class with a registration fee. You can also print the $3.00 coupon here if you are registering in-store.

Register for all classes 36 hours in advance online, in-store or by calling 952-891-1212 ext. 221. View the September-October class flyer here.

If you are following a gluten-free diet,  do you have to give up pizza forever? What about that upcoming Superbowl party? Going to a party where you can’t eat any of the appetizers can be drag. However, it doesn’t have to be that way and you definitely do not have to give up pizza forever.

Consider taking our Gluten-Free Pizza and Flatbread class on January 25th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and learn how to make a killer gluten-free pizza that everybody will enjoy!

Attend the class to taste amazing gluten free-recipes for an appetizer pizza, a pizza crust and a dessert pizza. Take home the recipes too! Also, discover the many gluten-free pizza options at various restaurants and at Valley Natural Foods.

Instructors, Shawn Binkowski and Sandra Calcutt have a combined over 20 years of experience living the gluten-free diet and they’ve compiled only the best information for this class. Meet Shawn and Sandra during their demo at Valley Natural Foods on January 18 from 2-4pm.

So come and learn from a couple of gluten-free cooking pros and get your gluten-free questions answered!

The cost is $32 for non-members and $27 for members. You can only register for this class in-store by calling 952-891-1212 ext 221 or stop by customer service. Save with this coupon!

View and sign up for other Valley Natural Foods classes here.

Be sure to view our in-store print version of our class booklet as this includes  a few classes that are not available for online registration.

We have just launched our new Education Booklet for September – December 2011.  You can pick up your copy in-store by the  exit!

This season we have a wide variety of class offerings for all ages and interests. Call 952-891-1212 ext 221 to register or stop by customer service. You must pre-pay for each class. You can also check out a full listing of all classes available online.

Here are the upcoming classes for September:

• Interested in developing a fresh, seasonal eating calendar? Discover new recipes, develop weekly menus, and  learn about our local farm partners  with instructor Loris Sofia Gregory in her FRESH & LOCAL class series on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Each class is $15 for members and $18 for non-members. Sign up for our September 20th class!
• Want to learn more about detoxifying soups, fermented vegetables and foods that support natural digestive health? If so, you need to join instructor Nicole Brenny as she teaches you how to make hearty and satisfying vegetarian soups on September 21st from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This Autumn Soups: Vegetarian Edition class contains easy recipes that will  cut your cooking time in half. Cost is only $20 for members and $23 for non-members.
• Do you struggle making gluten-free meals for your family? Instructors Shawn Binkowski and Sandra Calcutt will take the stress out of meal planning by giving you an array of tasty, easy  gluten-free meal options that any family will enjoy on Wednesday, September 28th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Come hungry and enjoy all the samples in this Gluten-Free Weekday Meals class! This class is $27 for members and $32 for non-members.

LOOKING FOR A COUPON? Enjoy $3.00 off the class of your choice with an online coupon! Coupon is good through Tuesday, September 20th.

Gluten-Free Day is tomorrow, July 7th at the co-op!

Visit our demo kiosk for some yummy, gluten-free pizza!

• 1:00 p.m. – 3: 00 p.m. Our gluten-free instructors, Shawn Binkowski and Sandra Calcutt are cooking up some gluten-free pizza featured in their upcoming Gluten-Free Pizza & Flatbread: From Garden to Table  class on Wednesday, July 20th, 2011! Sign-up for this class by calling 852-891-1212 ext. 221. Save $3.00 off this class with this coupon! View the class description in the June-September 2011 Education Booklet.
• 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Gluten-Free day continues with our in-house tasting demo of a polenta pizza using Gluten-Free  Organicville pizza sauce. Save on Organicville pizza sauce and Andrew and Everett Gluten-Free Cheese with these coupons!

We have two beginners classes that you can save $5.00 a piece on next week!

If you are just starting out on a gluten-free diet or if herb gardening is something new that you would like to try this year, we have two inexpensive classes taught by seasoned instructors that you might enjoy.

Print either  or both of these coupons and bring them to customer service today to get the discount (s).  Sign-up early to ensure the classes will take place (we need a minimum of at least around 7 people to hold each class!)

Don’t miss out on these and other classes at the co-op this spring and summer. We have a diversity of offerings for every skill level!

You can find our complete class line-up listed online.

Gluten-Free Basics
Wednesday, May 11th,6:30-8:00 p.m.
$27 members / $32 non-members
Instructor: Sandra Calcutt and Shawn Binkowski
This is for those who are just starting out on the gluten-free diet or who have been gluten-free for less than a year. The class will cover how to read food labels, gluten-free staple recommendations, how to organize a gluten-free kitchen, how to prevent contamination, plus many more tips. Sandra and Shawn will also share their favorite cook books, websites and recipes. Expect a few gluten-free baked treats.

Herb Gardening for Cooking and Healing
Sunday, May 15th, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
$23 members / $25 non-members
Instructor: Debbie Engelmann
Learn how to grow and design an herbal garden for culinary use along with using it for first aid and minor healing purposes. During this beginners class we will explore how to layout, cultivate and maintain a simple garden of herbs, such as sage, thyme, rosemary and lavender.

Gluten-free cooking and baking doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Our 2011 Gluten-Free class series at Valley Natural Foods will help you discover the skills, tips and cooking methods that will make living gluten-free easier. Gluten-free living doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods. Our classes are full of tasting samples, cooking demonstrations and recipes.

Our three gluten-free classes, running from January-March, cover everything from the basics for those just starting out on a  gluten-free diet, to those looking to bake their favorite goodies, to others who would love to try some gluten-free pizza!

All gluten-free classes are $32 for non co-op members and $27 for co-op members. Call 952-891-1212 to register or stop by the customer service counter at Valley Natural Foods. Also, be sure to pick up our entire class booklet at the co-op! We have a unique series of gardening and permaculture classes that run through March! Check out our education at the co-op calendar online: http://valleynaturalfoods.com/CoopCalendar.shtml where you can view all the upcoming demos and classes.

About our instructors, Sandra Calcutt and Shawn Binkowski:
As a diagnosed celiac, Sandra along with two of her children have been gluten-free for seven years. Shawn has a son with celiac disease and has been cooking/baking gluten-free for 11 years. Both Shawn and Sandra are ROCK (Raising Our Celiac Kids) Board Members, ROCK member liaisons for newly diagnosed families with kids with celiac disease, ROCKfest gluten-free event planners in 2007, and guest speakers to student dieticians at St. Catherine’s University.

Join Shawn and Sandra for a free demo of their Gluten-Free Basics class on Thursday, February 17th from 1pm-3pm at the Valley Natural Foods demo kiosk. Sample some great food that they will present in their class!

Gluten-Free Pizza & Flatbread

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011           6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Some staples like pizza you just shouldn’t live without. Homemade pizza you should definitely try! Shawn and Sandra will demonstrate a great flat bread recipe which you may taste. It’s versatile for pizzas and appetizers that could make you the hit of your Super Bowl party. What pizza party is complete without a dessert? They won’t disappoint.

Gluten-Free Basics

Thursday, February 24th, 2011           6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

This is for those who are just starting out on the gluten-free diet or who have been gluten-free for less than a year. The class will cover how to read food labels, gluten-free staple recommendations, how to organize a gluten-free kitchen, how to prevent contamination, plus many more tips. Sandra and Shawn will also share their favorite cook books, websites and recipes. Expect a few gluten-free baked treats.

Gluten-Free Baking

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011               6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Gluten-free baking shouldn’t taste gluten-free. Shawn and Sandra will share their great recipes, tips of the trade and offer some fabulous samples. This information-packed baking class will leave you with a satisfied sweet tooth, great advice and exciting ideas.

Feedback from attendees of  Shawn & Sandra’s previous classes at the co-op:

“Your stories, tips on flours and tricks helped reduce my stress & anxiety of bringing gluten-free cooking into our lives.”

“So many samples- wow they all were great!”

“It (the class) was very helpful because we’ve always wanted to host a gluten-free holiday party;  now we know how!”

Valley Natural Foods is dedicated to offering its customers many fun, great-tasting gluten-free products. One of our new yummy product lines is 1-2-3 Gluten-Free.

The company’s goal is to set a new standard in the taste of gluten-free baking mixes that are simple and easy to make. You don’t have to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen to have scrumptious food.

Valley Natural Foods carries 1-2-3 Gluten-Free biscuit, cornbread, roll, poundcake, pancake and pan bar mixes.

The story behind the product is even more interesting. 1-2-3 Gluten-Free is a mother-daughter team based in Ohio.

The daughter, Kimberlee, was diagnosed with celiac disease over ten years ago. She soon discovered that her niece and a nephew had celiac disease too. However, she didn’t want them growing up without the treats of childhood, such as cakes and yummy bars. Kimberlee insisted that her family only eat the best so off she went to experiment in her kitchen. Soon Kimberlee realized that children and adults alike (both celiac and non-celiac) enjoyed the foods she baked. The rest is history as shortly after she partnered with her mother and 1-2-3 Gluten-Free became a reality.

All 1-2-3 products are manufactured in a gluten-free kosher facility that is peanut, nut and allergen free. All products are free of gluten, nuts, wheat, and peanuts. They also do not include egg or dairy products and all but two are free of corn. All products expect for one are free of soy. Labels clearly indicate all product ingredients. Check out some of their recipes online.

Also, while you are in the store checking out all our 1-2-3 Gluten-Free products, don’t forget to register for  a Valley Natural Foods  Gluten-Free Holiday Class. The first class will be held on November 3rd and the second on December 8th.  Stop by the demo kiosk from 1pm-3pm on November 18th to preview some of the items featured in the class. Register for the classes to learn how to cook your favorite holiday dishes that taste just how mom used to make. You probably won’t even know the difference!

Be sure to check out our  blog next week for another feature on a  fabulous gluten-free product!

ARE YOU AWARE OF WHAT CELIAC DISEASE IS?

Statistics have shown that celiac disease is a mystery to many people. According to the Celiac Sprue Association, the largest celiac support group in America,  1 in 133 people have the condition. However, only about 3% of these people are diagnosed.

Education is starting to change this. Since 1987, October has been celebrated as Celiac Awareness Month in the U.S. and Canada. Despite years of misdiagnosis, the medical profession  has the answer to this eluding illness…a gluten-free diet! Gluten is a common protein found in wheat, barely and rye, and to a lesser extent, oats.

 Valley Natural Foods also wants to educate the community on how it can effectively cook and live gluten-free.  As part of our Education at the Co-op classes, we are offering a special gluten-free class series. The instructors, Sandra Calcutt and Shawn Binkowski,  have collectively cooked gluten-free for the past 18 years and have perfected many recipes. Their ’Gluten-Free for the Holidays’ class from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m on November 3rd and December 8th shows participants that they don’t have to give up their favorite holiday food traditions. Gluten-free holidays can be fun and tasty! The class is $32 for non-members and $27 for members; call 952-891-1212 to register or stop by our customer service counter.

 October 21st and November 18th are also Gluten-Free Days at Valley Natural Foods!  Join Sandra and Shawn from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the demo kiosk on both days to sample food from their ’Gluten-Free for the Holidays’ class. Stay at the demo kiosk throughout the afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as the Valley Natural Foods staff demo “What to do with Amaranth” on October  21st and “Gluten-Free Sides for Your Thanksgiving Dinner” on November 18th. Valley Natural Foods’  Gluten Free Day is on the third Thursday of each month.

The gluten-free class series doesn’t stop with the holidays. Shawn and Sandra offer a wide variety of class options to meet the needs of those just starting out on a gluten-free diet, to those who  just want to know how to cook their favorite foods like pizza and cake! To find a full listing of the classes, visit the Valley Natural Foods News and Events page.

Also, don’t forget to take a shopping trip at Valley Natural Foods while you visit Shawn and Sandra at the demo kiosk. A trip to Valley Natural Foods will show anyone that there is a wide variety of gluten-free choices, including a gluten-free bakery!

As a part of  Celiac Awareness Month, Mambo Sprouts, a marketing program that offers consumers promotions on health, natural and organic products ,  is distributing some great gluten-free coupons….click here to print them out!