Mediterranean Cooking with Gramatan Village and the Tuckahoe Seniors

Thanks to the generous support of the Junior League of Bronxville, I have been partnering with Gramatan Village to offer a series of free cooking  programs to our local senior citizens. This week I spent the afternoon with members of the Tuckahoe Senior Center and Gramatan Village.  The 65 members that attended were served a Mediteranean Themed menu.  

While I am almost certain many of the attendees can actually teach me a thing or two in the kitchen, what I bring to the table are some easy wholesome meals designed for one or two people.  The goal of this program is to keep our seniors citizens eating healthy meals without feeling overwhelmed by complicated recipes that have too many ingredients.  Our event and menu was built on the premise of Living Healthy with a Mediterranean Diet.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The Mediterranean diet focuses on foods like olive oil, legumes, fresh fruit, nuts, berries, fish and poultry, whole grains, yogurt, cheese and very limited red meat.  We now know today that this type of diet, along with some exercise can be a healthier way to live. Mediterranean based countries like Italy and Greece have the lowest rates of heart attacks and Alzheimners.  Studies also show that people who live on a Mediterranean diet have a 33% reduced rate of dying from heart disease and cancer.   

ON THE MENU

Members enjoyed a pre-made panko breaded tillapia that was served with an easy homemade Greek Yogurt Pesto and 5 minute Whole Wheat Lemon-Parsley Couscous.  In keeping with a traditional  Mediterranean dessert Fresh Peaches with Whipped Greek yogurt and crushed Amaretti cookies  was served.

Greek Yogurt Pesto

Whole Wheat Lemon Parsley Couscous

Peaches with Whipped Greek Yogurt and Crushed Amaretti

THANK YOU

• In addition to copies of each recipe and information on the Meditereanen Diet, thanks to a generous donation from August Home Publications, participants received a copy of the Cuisine at Home magazine "Cuisine Tonight for Two".  This magazine focuses on simple recipes that are measured and designed for just 2 people.  Thank you Cuisine at Home for your generous donation and for supporting our local Senior community!
• Additionaly, I would like to thank our Local Trader Joe's in Scarsdale, New York for generously donating all the flowers for this event.  The flowers on each table provide a special touch to each event that the participants truly appreciate. Thank you Trader Joe's! 
• Another HUGE thank you to Paul Cunningham for taking these amazing pictures at our event! Thank you Paul! Click HERE to find out more on Paul's Professional Photography services.