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LIFE In the Kitchen: with Terry Walters

By Natalie K. Pollock

Staff Writer


Chef Walters has been teaching about clean and seasonal cooking for 22 years. Here she is stuffing squash with vegetables in her home kitchen where she offers classes.

It has been 14 years since Terry Walters of Avon wrote her first healthy food cookbook “Clean Food,” a collection of original recipes and an explanation of the health benefits derived from eating fresh, seasonally available foods. She was recently voted Best Chef in the Best of Hartford Readers’ Poll.

Walters is also the author of “Clean Start,” a James Beard Foundation Award finalist, and recipient of the Nautilus Gold and Silver Book Awards.

Her third book “Eat Clean Live Well” is based on her blog. She has been featured on television and radio, in print and in Internet media, and has worked as an educator, consultant, clean food chef and advocate for clean eating in schools, corporations and organizations. A West Hartford native, Walters lived in Chicago with her husband Chip Walters while he attended business school there. She subsequently earned her Master’s degree in business communication and public relations, after studying psychology and business in the 1980’s. The couple has two grown daughters, Sarah and Sydney.

Walters also trained with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, the Natural Gourmet Cookery School, the Kushi Institute, and the Chopra Center.

After several years offering cooking demonstrations for such retailers as Whole Foods and Sur La Table in Canton (now closed), Walters created an annual program of hands-on cooking classes that she continues to offer in her home. She also offers a lecture series.

Q. What does the Best Chef award mean to you?

A. We have an amazing Clean Food community. I started working on it 22 years ago and people are still with me.

Thousands of people from my audience have gone through my cooking classes, but also who knows home many more virtually from Canada and Australia. My heart feels very full.

Q. What is your favorite business-related activity?

A. My favorite part is the classes. I cannot imagine my business without them. They are about community and sharing and nourishment and collective wisdom. During Covid, I led a Circle of Nourishment. Every Friday morning anyone from the community could reach out to each other on video [and talk about food-related issues].


Q. In addition to a consulting with such companies and organizations as Goldman Sachs, Northeastern University, the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, what was your involvement with pet food?

A. I was on the advisory board for Nutro, a Mars Corporation brand based near Nashville. They were interested in creating a Clean Feed line for pets. My involvement of over a year required a lot of traveling. One nice thing that grew out of the work was that their employees wanted to learn about feeding clean themselves. So it was a win for the pets and for their humans.


Q. Are you still working with corporations?

A. I am speaking in corporate wellness programs virtually 24/7. And I am still consulting with other groups and providing health coaching for individuals. I have always been involved in corporate wellness. There was an incredible need during Covid because people were at home and spread out.


Q. Are you planning to write another book?

A. After my last book I had an existential crisis. People don’t need a book about clean food anymore. But I kept teaching and creating programs. I wrote a booklet in spring of 2020 and then decided to turn it into a big book I call “Nourish.” All the recipes are full meals that people can make work with the ingredients they have at home. For example, I offer one recipe but with four variations. It’s still vegan and gluten-free and seasonal [like my other books]. The new book will be available in spring of 2022, and I will be self-publishing again [just like my first book]. I want to enjoy the process and have more control.


Q. What do you do between teaching and writing?

A. I have been writing poetry during the pandemic. I did a program on writing and reading poetry for the Circle of Nourishment. It was popular and has continued. Poets have flourished during Covid, like Amanda Gorman.

Q. How did you come to be at the forefront of the clean eating movement?

A. I got into healthy eating at the University of Rochester. My cholesterol was very high, and I did not want medications. So, as I was living off campus I had to learn how to cook, rather than going to the cafeteria. I eliminated dairy and animal protein, and I lowered my sugar intake. I had a lot of books to learn from but not to cook from. My older brother came home from college a vegetarian, so mom began cutting down on red meat or she offered two options. She cooked everything from scratch. And our two girls had health challenges. People saw what my kids were eating and asked me about that. So, I started teaching classes. It’s remarkable how far that world has come. There has been a huge change.


Q. How do you feel about seeing so many people in books and online in your space?

A. I love it. There should be more. I can’t be everything to everyone. As long as people are making choices and see an impact on their health and community, it’s all good. I try not to let judgment seep into my world. My books are vegan, but my health coaching is about what works best for the individual.


Q. What is the most popular dish that people ask you about cooking?

A. Every season there are favorites in my classes. My classes are by season. Sourdough is always popular. I offered one class on sourdough each week at the beginning of Covid. There was a steady flow of people picking up starter from me. It’s my favorite to teach because it’s magic – just flour, water, salt, time and love. And it’s the most forgiving process. It will always come out.

Q. What is your “secret” ingredient? What should everyone know?

A. My secret ingredient is love. You also have to use all the tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent/heat -- to achieve umami [a pleasant, savory taste]. Food should nourish all the senses.


Q. If you could take any celebrity chef out to dinner, who would it be and where would you take them?

A. There is a woman in London named Sourdough Sophia. I follow her on Instagram. I adore her because she is so down-to-earth, and she shares her process with no airs. I would bring her here so we could bake together. I also follow Chef Rene Redzepi from Noma in Copenhagen. The things he does with food!

Q. What herb or spice best describes your personality?

A. I am addicted to za’atar. It will be in my next book. It’s smooth, happy, unexpected, and pulls things together. Maybe that’s what I want to be.


Q. What do you like to cook when having guests to your home?

A. My favorite thing to cook is pizza with any vegetables, and there is only one dish to clean. Sourdough for pizza crusts ferments for 48 to 72 hours. The fermentation eats a lot of the gluten so you never feel bloated. And I also like to make tacos. I like to get everyone involved in putting both the pizza and the tacos together. VL

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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