Connecticut Dietetic Association

“Connecticut Cooks!” Offers Wholesome, Nutritious Recipes Created by the Connecticut Dietetic Association to Mark its 75th Anniversary and Promote Eating Well to Live Well

Cookbook now being sold by retailers around Connecticut with proceeds going toward the Polly Fitz Scholarship Fund honoring Polly Fitz; the past President of the American Dietetic Association and past Dean of The School of Allied Health at the University of Connecticut.

Hartford, Conn. (June 10, 2010) – The Connecticut Dietetic Association (CDA) celebrated its 75th anniversary last year by developing a book of recipes cooked up in the kitchens of CDA members.  With an emphasis on eating seasonal, local fruits and veggies and using simple, but delicious ingredients, it’s like getting recipes over the backyard fence--only your neighbor is a registered dietitian.

“We wanted to create ‘Connecticut Cooks!’ to accomplish a series of goals,” explains CDA President and UCONN educator Colleen Thompson MS, RD.  “Our desire was to share our passion for food being a source of nutrition and enjoyment. We used our own personal recipes so people can see how easy and delicious wholesome eating can be.  While the book benefits the public through promotion of good nutrition and well-being, it also benefits our profession through the Polly Fitz Scholarship Fund which provides financial support for a Connecticut resident pursuing a dietetics education.”

“Connecticut Cooks!” features over 200 recipes.  From weekday favorites like Easy Fajitas or Chili Con Carne to vegetarian entrees like Easy Summer Lasagna or Black Bean and Sweet Potato Pizza there is a wide variety to choose from for different tastes and various occasions. The recipes are divided into tabbed sections demarking Salads, Soups, Main Dishes, Vegetable and Side Dishes, Breads & Grains and Desserts. The cookbook also includes a CT Grown Crop Calendar, a list of Pantry Basics, Herbs & Spices definitions, Bread and Dessert Baking  terms and tips, Napkin Folding techniques, Measurement Substitutions, Equivalency Chart, Food Quantity tips for cooking for a crowd, Quick Fixes to common food mishaps, Calorie Counter and Cooking Terms.

Retail partners have come on board to sell “Connecticut Cooks!” to the public showing their support for the health and wellness of our communities, our Connecticut growers and future dieticians whose goal will be to promote well-being through proper nutrition.

Retail Locations include:

Bank Square Books, Mystic
Collinsville Farmers Market, Canton
Essex Books, Essex
Gather, Centerbrook
Grey Goose Cookery, Olde Mistick Village, Mystic
Hartford Hospital Gift Shop, Hartford
Hill-Stead Museum Farmers Market, Farmington
Masonicare, Wallingford
New Milford Hospital, New Milford
Plainville YMCA, Plainville
Puritan & Genesta, Mystic
Weekend Kitchen, Essex

About The Connecticut Dietetic Association

Established in 1932, and an affiliate of the American Dietetic Association in 1933, the Connecticut Dietetic Association serves as the leading advocate of the dietetic profession in Connecticut serving the public through promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Our membership includes Registered Dietitians, Registered Dietetic Technicians, students and retirees of the profession.

Editors Note: Retailers who wish to sell “Connecticut Cooks!” or individuals who would like to order a copy directly may contact Wendy Brown, CDA Executive Office Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  If you would like a recipe from “Connecticut Cooks!” to publish, please email our media contact.

Media Contact:
Mary Engvall, M.E. Marketing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
860.205.3519