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Learn How to Use Spices While Cooking Vegan at Forest Hills Workshop

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | February 5, 2015 8:39am
 Cookbook author Evelyn Banker will hold a workshop — "Cooking Vegan with Evelyn" — on March 2 in Forest Hills. 
Cookbook author Evelyn Banker will hold a workshop — "Cooking Vegan with Evelyn" — on March 2 in Forest Hills. 
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Courtesy of Evelyn Banker

QUEENS — Add some spice to your life.

Elmhurst cookbook author Evelyn Banker, 57, who penned “The Magic of Spices/A Touch of Turmeric,” believes that spices can do more than just improve a meal — they can also boost people’s health.

During a workshop — “Cooking Vegan with Evelyn," which will be held at The Central Queens Y in Forest Hills — Banker will prepare a pea soup and tea, using about 10 different spices, she said.

“I teach people how to use spices in their daily life,” she said, adding that many contain high levels of antioxidants and have medicinal value.

For the soup, she said, she will use cumin and mustard seeds, as well as her favorite seasoning —  turmeric, which, she says, is effective in Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment and also has the ability to stop bleeding.

She said that several years ago she had problems with her knees but after using a lot turmeric, her condition has improved.

“It’s great and it’s the cheapest spice in the whole world,” said Banker, who said she learned how to cook from her mother while growing up in India.

During the workshop Banker will also prepare a tea made entirely with spices, including cinnamon, clove and ginger, but no tea leaves. 

While the meal at The Central Queens Y will be purely vegan, Banker said “everybody should be using spices," regardless of their diet.  

“Using spices makes your life easy and healthy,” said Banker, who also conducts workshops at local libraries. “You don’t have to be a doctor or nutritionist to eat right.”

At the end of the workshop participants will get to taste the soup and tea.

The workshop will be held on Monday, March 2, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free for members; $3 for non-members. To register, call 718 268 5011 ext. 160 or email olderadults@cqy.org.

The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St. in Forest Hills.