Simply Raw

Yes, participants to my classes will tell you, this is an excellent way to discover the wonderful world of raw foods! I will soon announce new dates for classes over the summer and fall. The next Level 3 Class will probably take place in September. So stay tuned!

Here are the next dates for classes in French:

• Simply Raw Level 1, “Introduction”: Saturday 29 May, Tuesday 8 June 2010
• Simply Raw Level 2, “All About Greens”: Tuesday 11 May, Saturday 19 June 2010

To sign up, contact me here, thank you!

Choose Your Own Date for a Class in English!

Classes in English, however, have been more difficult to fill. Surprisingly, the buzz has not started for the English-speaking community in this part of Switzerland. I was only able to teach one group last November. So I have decided to be a little creative and started a survey offering several possible dates for an introductory class in English. If you have been waiting to attend an introduction to raw foods class in English, then this is your chance to find a suitable date! Just visit the survey, enter your name and check out the dates that suit you (Note: this survey was closed on 19 May as a date was found: Saturday 5 June). I am keeping my fingers crossed that a date suitable for many will come out of this initiative. Of course, don’t forget to contact me as well!

New concept: Discovery Evening

I am also pleased to announce that starting September, I will start a new introductory class that is designed to take place in the evening, during the week. This will allow people without a full day to spare to also discover the magic of raw foods and see what it can do for their busy lives. These “Discovery of Raw Foods” classes will take place on a weekday, in the evening, from 5pm to 9pm. They will be a shorter version of my Simply Raw Level 1 Class, with a little less theory and the preparation of evening dishes. Dates for this new class will be announced shortly, so so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I wish you all a vibrant spring season!

What’s your favorite thing about Easter? Chocolate-filled Easter bunnies? Painting Easter eggs? Treasures hunts in the garden? Or enjoying the first tulips and daffodils (that is one of my favorites!)? Well for me, my all time favorite is picking and eating fresh, young, wild dandelions!! Full of new energy, just slightly bitter, these tender young leaves mark the pleasure of eating wild greens for renewed spring vitality. I strongly encourage anyone, even those who live in the cities, to take a walk in the woods and meadows and pick a bunch of dandelion leaves to enjoy their bittersweet magic.

To pick these, keep off the vicinity of wide crops and cultured fields, as well as roads and paths, to find the wildest leaves possible. Simply cut the root by slipping a knife under the leaves and try to pick the whole bunch with flower buds inside. These will be easier to wash and prepare. Fill a whole bag! Back home, wash in plenty of fresh water and chop down to tiny pieces. Serve with a strong vinaigrette type dressing and, if not vegan, hard boiled eggs. I avoid the traditional garlic croutons (although am contemplating trying out a raw crouton version) and bacon bits for sure, and still this salad is my very favorite spring salad.

Dandelions are an effective yet gentle diuretic, a good way to flush out winter toxins. It is high in iron and many vitamins (A, B6, C, E, K ). It is also a good source of Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Potassium and Manganese. And if you pick your own, it is free and highly abundant! Dandelions even grow on city sidewalks, proof that this resistant weed is full of vitality and amazing energy. A great way to connect to nature waking up!!