Fun in the Kitchen with Sous Chef Shenanigans

Sous Chef Shenanigans is a dynamic series of cooking demonstrations with original recipes offered by Upstate New York Chef, Gayatri Hingwala. Join any class in this six part series offering meal ideas for every season. From comforting soups to sizzling grilled dishes and hearty bowls, the series highlights innovative ways to elevate home cooking. With practical tips and demonstrations new modern kitchen appliances, Chef Gayatri guides viewers in crafting wholesome, flavorful recipes and offers tips for how to save you time and vary recipes to your own liking.

* All classes will be held virtually on Zoom. Links will be emailed to you after registering.

Savor the Season: Heartwarming Soups for All Occasions

Soup is a quick, one-pot solution for busy weeknights and a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables. With simple techniques, you can tailor soups to your favorite flavors, make them the star of any meal, and even meal-prep by freezing leftovers. Master the art of creating a versatile base to expand your soup repertoire and embrace cozy, delicious dining!

Part I: Pressure Cooker Spinach Lentil Soup & Pressure Cooker Thai Coconut Soup
Download the recipe
• Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Soup1

Part II: Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil
Download the recipe
• Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Soup2

Part III: Black Bean Soup topped with homemade salsa & Enchilada soup
Download the recipe
• Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Soup3



Gadget Gourmet: Mastering Meals with Modern Electric Cooking Devices

In this workshop, we’ll explore the versatility of pressure cookers, air fryers, and slow cookers, demonstrating when and how to use each. Learn tips and tricks for these devices while making Pressure Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo, crispy potato frittes, and pita chips. We’ll also cover stew-making, featuring a flavorful Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew.


• Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Gadgets

Superfood for Brain Health

Discover foods that support brain health and how to incorporate them into your diet with smoothies, dips, and grain bowls. The session includes demonstrations and a Q&A to help you boost your brain’s well-being.

• Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Superfood

Sizzle & Serve: Successfully Grill Veggies & Fruit w/Rahul Swali, Guest Grillmaster

Master grilling tips for seasonal fruits and vegetables, avoiding common pitfalls. Learn to create grilled veggie flatbreads and versatile pineapple dishes, from salads to desserts.




• Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Grill

Big Batch Meals to Save You Time

Ready to start meal prepping? Learn how to build better mealtime habits, save time, and keep weeknight meals exciting. This workshop covers easy meal prep ideas, tips, and tricks to make family dinners healthier, simpler, and more enjoyable.

Part I: Curried Quinoa
• Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Quinoa

Part II: Mexican Quinoa Bowls
• Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Oats

Part III: Overnight Oats & DIY Oatmeal Breakfast Bar
• Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/Freeze

Delicious Meat Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Celebrate with a healthy, delicious plant-based Thanksgiving meal or a crowd-pleaser for any special occasion. There will be a complete meal that includes a plant based harvest entree, side dish and dessert.  
• Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/MeatFreeThanksgiving

Meet the Chef: Gayatri Hingwala

Gayatri is an experienced chef from the Albany area. She is a lifelong vegetarian who enjoys sharing heart healthy, low salt low sugar alternatives that we here at AARP appreciate. Understanding that many people want to simplify their lives and save time, Gayatri enjoys teaching and demonstrating flavorful healthy dishes that don’t take a lot of time to prepare.

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