Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford to present fermenting foods demo

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free cooking demonstration on the health benefits of fermentation.
Fermenting Foods will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 2nd floor, 300 Oxford Road.

Former Executive Director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will discuss the cultural background of fermentation and how "lacto fermentation" can be used for vegetables, grains, dairy and more. 

Participants are encouraged the bring a large jar with a tight-fitting lid to get started with vegetable ferment based on seasonal ingredients.
Space is limited for this event, so registration is required. Visit www.griffinhealth.org/teaching-kitchen or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree person-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford to hold demo on pickling basics

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free cooking demonstration on the nutritional benefits of pickling.

Pickling Basics will be held Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

Former Executive Director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will discuss the history of pickling and the health benefits of turning fresh produce intro shelf stable products. Poole will demonstrate pickling with both sweet and sour brines and talk about the many fresh items, including fruit, that can be preserved this way.

Space is limited for this event, so registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/pickling-basics or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree person-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Center in Oxford to host cooking demo on stress-relieving herbs

OXFORD - In recognition of Women’s Health Month, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free cooking demonstration about the nutritional and stress-relieving benefits of common garden herbs.

Garden Calm & Herbal Stress Relief will be May 21 at 5 p.m. at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

Former Executive Director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will discuss spring herbs and how they can be combined into teas and tinctures that can lower blood pressure, detox the liver, help control blood sugar, and contribute to overall stress relief and a person’s level of calm. 

Poole will demonstrate how to make a simple tea blend, and all participants will receive an herbal tincture that can help relieve stress and promote calm.

Space is limited for this event, so registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/garden-calm or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree person-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford cooking demo to highlight eating clean

Start Eating Clean with Healthy Chicken Chili

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living is helping individuals start the new year off with better nutrition with Eating Clean for the New Year, a free cooking demonstration Jan. 22 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will discuss how to make conscious dietary changes to improve one’s health in 2026 and will feature a demonstration of a healthy and hearty chicken chili with a secret, unexpected ingredient to boost its nutritional value by Griffin Executive Chef Mike Rizzio.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit www.griffinhealth.org/eating-clean or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford to host class on baking with sourdough

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is inviting individuals to learn a new healthy baking technique to start 2026 with a free cooking demonstration about making sourdough and the nutritional benefits of fermentation.

The Yeast You Can Do will be presented Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

Former Executive Director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will discuss clean eating, weight management and overall healthy lifestyle decisions, including the gut health benefits of probiotics in fermented foods. 

Poole will demonstrate how to make and maintain a sourdough bread starter, discuss different flours, methods of baking and troubleshoot various issues that arise. Participants will receive a 1/2 cup sourdough starter.
Sourdough is often considered a healthier bread option due to its long fermentation, which improves digestibility, has a lower glycemic index, boosts gut health by breaking down fructans and creates prebiotics and probiotics. 

This sourdough process also makes minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium more available for absorption and reduces gluten content (though sourdough bread is not gluten-free).

Space is limited for this event; registration is required.

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/yeast-you-can-do or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree person-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health in Oxford offers 'Healthier Gingerbread Man' cooking demo

OXFORD -The Griffin Center for Healthy Living is helping families have healthier holidays with a free cooking demonstration.

The Healthy Gingerbread Man will be Dec. 11 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

Griffin Health Chef Mike Rizzio will lead a cooking demonstration on how to make and decorate a gingerbread man that includes nutritional ingredients like flaxseed mill, coconut oil and wheat flour, and uses healthier monk fruit and unsulphured molasses instead of sugar.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. 

Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit www.griffinhealth.org/healthy-gingerbread-man or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

This is a press release from Griffin Health. 

Griffin Health in Oxford to host Healthy Eating for Diabetes cooking demo

OXFORD - In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is helping individuals understand how to manage or prevent the condition with a free cooking demonstration.

Healthy Eating for Diabetes will be Nov. 25 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road. 

Griffin Health Chef Mike Rizzio will lead a cooking demonstration of Spaghetti Squash Stir Fry with Chicken and Vegetables. This colorful stir-fry swaps noodles for roasted spaghetti squash, creating a lower carb base that’s hearty and satisfying. Paired with lean chicken breast, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sesame soy sauce, this plate is packed with plenty of nutritious fiber and protein.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. 

Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/healthy-nutrition-for-diabetes or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Cooking demo slated Thursday at Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford

OXFORD - Griffin Bariatrics and the Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a free presentation on weight-loss and a healthy cooking demonstration from 5-6:15 p.m. May 1 at the Center’s Teaching Kitchen at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

“Have a Healthy Breakfast for Dinner” will feature a discussion with Registered Dietitian Larissa March about the five healthy eating mistakes people make every day. 

Griffin Health Chef Mike Rizzio will also demonstrate how to make a new trendy dish called Shakshuka, which is originally from North Africa and translates into “mixing things up.” 

This egg-based dish is a good source of protein, and vitamins and antioxidants from its tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables, making it a great meal for those following a Mediterranean Diet.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance, and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. 

Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/breakfast-for-dinner or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

About Griffin Bariatrics

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. 

The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery. 

For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health Center at Quarry Walk in Oxford to present cooking with herbs demo

OXFORD - Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free program on the health benefits of culinary herbs.

Cooking with Healthy Herbs will be held April 17 at 5 p.m. at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

In recognition of National Move More Month, former executive director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will discuss how herbs can invigorate individuals to be more active, the pros and cons of growing vs. buying herbs, the difference in using fresh or dry herbs. She will also demonstrate the basics of making Spring Potato Nettle Soup and Meadow Magic Tea.

Space is limited for this event; registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/events-calendar/healthy-cooking-with-herbs or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model.

Planetree promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health in Oxford to host cancer-fighting soup cooking demo

OXFORD - Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free health education program on cancer-fighting foods.

Cancer-Fighting Benefits of Soup will be held at 5 p.m. March 20 at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road. 

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Month, former executive director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will demonstrate the basics of making vegetable, chicken and bone stock at home while discussing research that discovered how the principle components of chicken soup promote white blood cells that consume bacteria and viruses capable of infectious diseases.

Space is limited for this event, so registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/events-calendar/benefits-of-soup or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Hospital Center in Oxford to host Heart Healthy Winter Cooking demo

OXFORD - Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free health education program and a cooking demonstration to help individuals boost their heart health this winter.

Heart Healthy Winter Cooking will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 20 at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road. 

Former executive director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will demonstrate how to incorporate root vegetables and healthy staples such as sweet potatoes into winter recipes while preparing Winter Pasta Primavera and a Winter Wheat Berry Bowl inspired by Forks Over Knives Wheat Berry Salad.

Space is limited for this event, so registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/events-calendar/heart-healthy-winter-cooking or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health in Oxford to offer heart-healthy cooking demonstration

OXFORD - In recognition of American Heart Month, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is hosting a free heart healthy cooking demonstration.

Eating Healthy for American Heart Month will be Feb. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will feature a discussion by registered dietitian Becca Cretella on the importance of diet and nutrition as it relates to heart health. 

Executive Chef Daryeal Murphy will prepare one-pot chicken pesto with whole wheat pasta and asparagus, which contains heart-healthy fats, insoluble fiber and potassium, for participants to learn how to make and sample.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. 

Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Visit griffinhealth.org/eating-healthy-for-american-heart-month or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford to present cooking demo

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a free health education program and a cooking demonstration to help individuals eat fresh and healthy this winter.

Shopping the Winter Farmer's Market will be held at 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

Former executive director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will teach attendees how to kick off a nutritious new year by exploring all the flavorful foods Connecticut has to offer this winter. 

Poole will then demonstrate how to prepare several dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from a winter farmer's market.

Space is limited; registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/events-calendar/winter-farmers-market or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model.

The model promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health in Oxford to host cooking demo on cancer-fighting food

 OXFORD -The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a free cooking demonstration on foods that can help fight cancer as part of its Food Is Medicine Series.

How to Boost Cancer Fighting Benefits with Meal Planning will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will provide evidence-based cancer prevention education through cooking demonstrations and a discussion of how a variety of food choices can enhance the health benefits of weekly meal planning. 

Carolyn Gundell MS, CDCES, of The Griffin Center for Healthy Living, will present easy-to-understand cooking methods and demonstrate delicious recipes that can boost the cancer fighting benefits of daily meals.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Contact Lindsay Vitale at 203-732-1408 or Lvitale2@griffinhealth.org to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen Food Is Medicine Series provides nutrition-related education and resources in an interactive, real-world kitchen environment.

Participants of this free program will receive vital information on what types of food are most beneficial to their health, how their diet can help them prevent or manage chronic health conditions and live, step-by-step instruction on how to make nutritious dishes for themselves and their loved ones.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen Food Is Medicine Series is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

For more information and to view upcoming Food Is Medicine events, visit griffinhealth.org/food-is-medicine or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.