Discover New Flavors and Festive Twists This Season

Add warmth and creativity to your fall and winter gatherings with a trio of virtual cooking experiences with NY Chef, Gayatri Hingwala to celebrate global flavors, fresh ingredients, and seasonal favorites. Whether you’re looking to explore authentic Indian cuisine, reimagine holiday classics, or craft refreshing mocktails, these workshops offer something for every home cook.

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

Registrants may attend any or all sessions.

Thursdays, November 6, 13, and 20, 2025 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. ET

Journey through India’s diverse regions and discover how everyday ingredients transform into colorful, aromatic meals. Each week, you’ll prepare a full menu — from savory curries and spiced lentils to cooling raitas and classic Indian sweets.

Session 1: Sweet & Savory Lentils
Gujarati tadka dal (Sweet & Savory Lentils), roti, cucumber raita and traditional Indian milk cake

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
• Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
• Register here: events.aarp.org/Lentils

Session 2: Spicy Pea and Potato Curry Dinner
Mattar and batata shaak (vegetable curry), parathas, and a veggie and kachumber salad

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
• Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
• Register here: events.aarp.org/Curry

Session 3: Flavorful Chickpea Stew Dinner
Chana Masala (spiced tomato-based chickpeas), naan and kesar (saffron) and pistachio frozen yogurt

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
• Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
• Register here: events.aarp.org/Masala

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.  


Dishes include: Lentil stuffed butternut squash, vegan stuffing, and vegan pumpkin mousse

• Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/MeatFreeThanksgiving

Add savory harvest dishes to them menu that offer great options for all diets.

Celebrate the season with a four-part virtual series featuring vibrant, meatless recipes—from appetizers to desserts and drinks. Learn how to make your holiday meals healthier without sacrificing flavor or fun!

GettyImages-1224986732

Part I: Savory Autumn Side Variations

Holiday sides: butternut squash and pear salad, creamy mushroom tartlets, masala smashed potatoes and tahini dressing

• Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

• Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

• Register here: events.aarp.org/HolidaySides

Part II: Earthy Pie Meets Orchard Sparkle

Lentil shepherd's pie and apple cider sangria

• Date: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

• Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

• Register here: events.aarp.org/HolidayEntrees

GettyImages-1056492144

Part III: Berry Bliss, Apple Charm, Light Flavor

Holiday trifle, berry crumble and apple pie parfait with modifications for lower sugar and fat

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

• Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

• Register here: events.aarp.org/HolidayDesserts

Part IV: Elegant Elixirs for Holiday Gatherings

Shirley ginger, citrus berry smash, and mango mule

• Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

• Time: 4-5:00 p.m.

• Register here: events.aarp.org/HolidayMocktails

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.

Stay Connected with AARP New York:
Discover more events and opportunities to engage with AARP New York and your community by visiting aarp.org/local.

Follow us on: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | TikTok