Things Heat Up and Get Healthy at Cooking Demo

Kitchen Barn’s showroom was filled with hungry residents and good smells Wednesday night as holistic health coach Kat McClanahan cooked up a storm on a demo stove.

Cooking demos are held at the space at 780 Main Street Suite G about every month, with 26 spots open for those interested in learning how to cook new, fun dishes—and trying them out, too. Some demos are even paired with wine.

McClanahan took her health knowledge to the stove as she showed residents how to make gluten-free dishes, including stuffed mushroom caps, kale and sausage soup and tarragon chicken.

McClanahan also make a simply delicious salad with goat cheese, persimmons and raw pumpkin seeds and a cinnamon-spiced baked pear and squash dessert.

"I cook with a purpose," McClanahan told Patch about her seasonal ingredients. "There's an intent with my recipes."

The health coach passed out all of her recipes to the guests and even gave each attendee the eight causes of cravings, adding to the night's healthy focus.

McClanahan fed 26 guests a five-course tasting and proceeds from the night (admission is a $10 donation) went to the International WAGR Syndrome Association–a syndrome that Kitchen Barn co-owner Tracy Taft's niece is affected by.

Ramona Family Naturals provided some of the food used in the demo, as did Grebar Farms.

Check out the highlight video to see some of the yummy (and healthy!) dishes McClanahan whipped up and the fun atmosphere of the evening. You just might be convinced to try out the next demo!