The Council on Aging’s Nutritionist Mimi DelGizzi gave a master class demonstration of cooking techniques and nutritional health last week at the Cross Street Center.

By Rebecca Danvers

The Cross Street Center in East Somerville is a hub of summer activity. During the week of July 13-17, participants exercised with the Fit4Life program, worked with local artist Emily Bhargava on an intergenerational art project to create beautiful picture frames using buttons and other decorative materials donated by Beautiful Stuff. They ate delicious individual vegetable frittatas for lunch after a full cooking and nutrition demonstration from the Council on Aging’s Nutritionist Mimi DelGizzi.

In addition to the demonstration, DelGizzi introduced a new herb called summer savory, which seemed to combine the tastes of rosemary and thyme. She also used sautéed red pepper, onion, broccoli, and some low fat cheese for the frittata filling. Many participants added cilantro to the top of their frittatas when they were cooked. “Mimi made cooking this frittata look so easy, and it tasted so delicious. Everyone had so much fun, they can’t wait for her next visit and demonstration,” said Janine Lotti, Council on Aging Senior Project Manager. DelGizzi will be visiting Cross Street Center on various days throughout the summer.

On Wednesday the 22nd, Emily Bhargava returns with more intergenerational fun, including picture frames, bookmarks, and mosaic stepping stones that will appear in two local elementary school gardens. Thanks again for generous donations of time and materials from Bhargava and Beautiful Stuff.

Finally, on Thursday the 23rd, Mimi will visit again for a “Let’s Get Healthy” program promoting fun and healthy summer eating habits.

If those activities aren’t enough to fill your days with fun, don’t forget to stop by the Somerville Council on Aging’s 167 Holland Street site for a Summer Farmers Market on Friday, July 24, and every Friday throughout the summer. This Friday, vegetable offerings will include: baby bok choi, green beans, carrots, cabbage, collard greens, green and red callaloo, chard, cilantro, cucumber, kale, green and red lettuce, squash, parsley, scallion, and assorted herbs including purslane (lemon pepper flavor, lush texture, good for salads or thickening stews). They will also have raspberries, blueberries, and peaches available.

For more information about activities at the Cross Street Center or the Farmers Market, contact Janine Lotti at (617) 625-6600, ext. 2300.