Hi, everyone.  Spring is here and March is one of my favorite months in Phoenix.  The weather is just about perfect, and this year, we have some lovely wildflowers to see.  Enjoy it while you can.

As you can see from our calendar, we are taking a few weeks off.  But don’t fret.  We’ll be back in full force in April. 

If you are already thinking about how to keep your kids entertained this summer, check out our kids and teen classes on our website.  We’re giving you more options for the kids classes this year with full week sessions, 3-day sessions, an advanced teen class and even a full-day option during one of our weeks.

This month we are featuring information on organic products.  It is our ‘recipe for better health’ at the end of the newsletter.  We are also offering some great specials for March so do not miss those, either.

Our website now has our classes through July so take a look soon.  We hope to see you in a class soon. 

March Adult Classes – We are offering classes on Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and our Saturday classes are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For menus, ‘mouse over’ the class name at March Class Calendar.

On Tue 3/3 and Sat 3/7 attend our Chicken Basics class.  This class will teach you how to make chicken various ways and always have it come out tender and juicy.  $63/ person.

On Thurs morning 3/5 we are holding one of my favorite classes; Strawberry Extravaganza.  It features strawberries in meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner. $63/person. 

Upcoming Classes for April – We are offering classes on Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and our Saturday classes are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For menus, ‘mouse over’ the class name at April Class Calendar.

On Saturday 4/4 and Thursday 4/9 we are offering our Polish Pierogi class where we will prepare pierogi with three fillings...perfect for your holidays.  Be sure to bring containers to take some of these delectible treats with you.  $63 per person. 

On Tuesday 4/7 and Saturday 4/11, join us at our Easter Brunch class.  You will prepare a fantastic make-ahead Easter brunch.  $63 per person. 

The weather is getting warm and it’s time to start enjoying salads again.  Sign up for

Hearty Dinner Salad II where you will prepare wonderful salads hearty enough for the main meal.  This class is scheduled on Tuesday 4/14 and again on Saturday 4/14.  $63/person. 

On Tuesday 4/21 and Saturday 4/25 we will be holding our Pasta 3 Ways class.  We will make lots of pasta meals that your family will love.  $63 per person. 

If you love salmon, be sure to sign up for our Tuesday 4/28 or Saturday 5/2— Grilled Salmon class.  We will make a wonderful cedar planked salmon meal.  $63 per person. 

Kids (8-12), Teen (13 & up) and Advanced Teen Classes – Our summer boot camp classes are now on our website.  See our June Calendar and July Calendar for the schedules, menus and prices.  Note that we are offering discounts for those signing up by May 15.

Special Offers – Our specials for the month of March are below.  One discount per class, please.

Sign up for any class in March or April and receive $8 off that class. 

We still have our ongoing special which is -- Sign up a friend who has never taken a class here before, and you will receive $10 off your next class with their paid enrollment.

In the Media – As mentioned, we have cut our media appearances way down for the first quarter of the year.  We are finally getting ready to make many of our other appearances available on the internet.  Watch for them in the next several weeks. 

I would like to thank you for your continued support of Simply Impressive Cooking School.  Have a great February and hope to see you soon. 

Recipe of the Month – This month, our recipe is actually a ‘recipe for better health’.  Dr. Ann Watwood compiled information on organic versus ‘regular’ produce.  Her ‘dirty dozen’ recommends 12 foods which are toxic and should always be purchased organic and which 12 foods are just fine as they are. 

What does it mean to be toxic?  It means these fruits and veggies carry high levels of pesticides on them, that contain toxic materials, which have been shown to cause everything from dizziness to cancer, as well as headaches, skin rashes, and liver toxicity. Bottom line, these are the most critical fruits and veggies to buy organic.

Twelve Most Toxic Fruits and Vegetables: AKA the “Dirty Dozen”

Peaches	Apples	Sweet bell peppers	Celery
Nectarines	Strawberries	Cherries	Pears
Imported grapes	Spinach	Lettuce	Potatoes

Twelve Least Toxic Fruits and Veggies, AKA the “Terrific Twelve”

Onions	Avocados	Frozen sweet corn	Pineapples
Mangoes	Asparagus	Frozen sweet peas	Kiwi
Bananas	Cabbage	Broccoli	Papaya

So next time you are in the produce section of your grocery store, make sure to consider whether you are making the best choices.

Dr. Ann Watwood can be found at Derma Health.  Derma Health has several offices in the Phoenix area.  See www.dermahealthinstitute.com or call their Mesa/Gilbert office at 480-539-0777 for more information.