Menus with international food favorites that are frequently on the tables of the best international restaurants will be featured at three cooking classes during Heart Month in February.  All Salem Health classes offer healthy take-home recipes, menu sampling and the opportunity to learn how to prepare these meals in your own kitchen.

From 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, Chef Gayle Jolley will teach “Healthy Valentine Cooking with a Provincial French Twist!” The menu includes Garlic and Saffron Soup with Toasted Parmesan Croûtes, Loin Lamb Chops with Samfaina (Mediterranean Ratatouille Sauce), Fennel and Potato Gratin, and Triple-Chocolate Gâteau with Milk Chocolate Mousse and Bittersweet Chocolate Glaze. Course fee is $24.

Dr. Hrishi Iyengar, cardiologist, Lizette DuBay, registered dietitian, and Chef Robert Palomo will be on-call from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, for “Cardiologist in the Kitchen.” Recipes for tasty doctor-recommended foods and complimentary menus will be central to this cooking course. The “super foods” for heart health will not only be discussed, but tips to incorporate these and other heart-hearty menu items easily into your daily life will be offered. Bring a pad and pencil to write down answers to your specific questions. Course fee: $20. 

Chef Gayle Jolley returns for a Leap Year cooking course at 6 until 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 29, when she dishes out the heart healthy secrets at “Spice it Up-Thai Cooking.” Course fee: $24.

First-time and experienced cooks are welcome. All courses are located in the Wellness Kitchen at the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432.