On Sunday, May 6, 2012, the Hamilton Church held their spring Cooking Class and Health Seminar. Brother Evald Pedersen welcomed the audience and expounded the virtues of vegetarian cooking. He explained that many people are searching for healthful living and better health. He informed them that vegetarian foods are the best way to a happy and healthy life. He invited the audience to stand and Sister Rose Powell offered up prayers for the gathering.
The session was given over to Br. Jerry Eaton, who gave a lecture on the dangers of stress, and its effects upon our overall health. Each participant was given a hand-out on the effects of stress and how to mentally, physically and spiritually overcome it. The audience learned how to recognize stress and some solutions in not becoming a victim of stress and stressful situations. He concluded his lecture by inviting the audience to purchase the vegetarian cookbook and health course booklet.
The first cooking demonstration was presented by Sis. Wendy Eaton, who showed us how to make Sunflower Burgers. The audience was impressed with her alternative to breadcrumbs by using ground oats. She talked about her Parsley Tofu Salad Dressing, and recommended to the audience to make their own dressing, since it is impossible to find salad dressings in the store without vinegar. Her second recipe was the Tofu Pizza Casserole. This easy recipe was appreciated by all.
Sis. Franziska Pedersen introduced her first recipe—Millet Patties /Balls. Everyone agreed that it was a very healthy and tasty recipe. She discussed the benefits of quinoa from her Savoury Quinoa, which was not demonstrated, but pre-cooked for us to enjoy. She informed the audience that quinoa was a complete protein and a good substitute for meat. Her second recipe was the Key Lime Pie. She distributed recipes for the various crusts that can be used for the pie. Sis. Pederson presented a pre-baked almond crust and demonstrated how to do the Key Lime Pie filling. The audience appreciated her demonstration.
Sis. Alina Anca explained how to prepare her pre-cooked Chick Pea Soup, and talked on how to make the Soybean Spread. The audience was pleased with her quick, efficient way to bake these recipes.
Br. Evald explained the benefits of juicing. He informed everyone that it is important to invest in a good juicer for optimum benefits. He explained that by cooking our food we destroy much of the vitamins and enzymes. It is recommended that we eat eighty percent of our food raw to get the most benefit from the food. He juiced some beets and carrots, as well as some celery, for the audience to sample.
Br. Jerry talked with the audience regarding the dangers of MSG (monosodium glutamate) and its effects on the body, particularly the brain. He then encouraged everyone to ask questions. The audience was well informed of the dangers of using animal products and the chemicals present in them. They also learned of the results it has on humans who eat them. After the question and answer session, all were invited to sample the dishes prepared, which were enjoyed by ten visitors and twelve members.