Cookbook Signing at Bliss Market

Meet Jeannette Bessinger at the book signing event and ticketed dinner on Friday at Bliss Natural Grocer and Café, 311 Broadway in Newport. From 6 to 7 p.m. she will be signing books and offering a free organic wine tasting with a selection of healthy hors d’oeuvres and green and organic wines from Bellevue Wine and Spirits. The dinner follows at 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $35 for the four-course meal, which includes spring sangria, Waldorf salad, Persian-style Chicken with Walnut, Onion and Pomegranate Sauce and chocolate berry parfaits. For tickets or information, call Bliss at (401) 608-2322.

I know Jeannette (she used to live in Newport) & think that she is an outstanding teacher & holistic counselor (http://www.balanceforlifellc.com/aboutjeannette.html). She teaches courses at the Hospital knowing that to help others"to create a thriving lifestyle, to make permanent changes in regular daily habits, a successful approach must address body, mind and spirit at the foundation." She is just a generally interesting person. She has two cookbooks out- "Simple Food for Busy Families" and "The Healthiest Meals on Earth" with Dr. Jonny Bowden. Three recipes are featured in Projo & another website http://www.realfoodmoms.com/ for purchasing meal kits.

I learned a LOT from her about nutrition & overall health & well-being. I'm a lot fussier about what I eat now & what I purchase. I also learned how to de-stress. Alas, despite her best efforts & cooking demonstration, I still really DISLIKE cooked greens. It must be an acquired taste. But I can eat them without gagging- that's progress.

Her roasted chicken recipe sounds especially good, although I don't have the called-for clay roaster. The clay roaster bit does sound intriguing. I know it certainly makes a difference in my bread baking. You didn't know that I did that, did you? I'm somewhat scattered in my interests- to say the least.

Bliss Grocers & Cafe is a popular place to eat & maybe I'll purchase my roasting chicken there. It does feature a few groceries- but not many. Mostly good food to eat there, take-home, and some meats. And it's actually in the DISTRICT!

Thanks to Projo's Gail Ciampa and there's more from Gillis at NDN.