LIVE ONLINE COOKING CLASSES
Blue Zones:
Loma Linda, California
Discover the Flavors of America’s Only Blue Zone
ABOUT this series
Did you know the United States has its very own Blue Zone? Tucked away in Southern California, Loma Linda is home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists who live longer, healthier lives than almost anyone else in the country. What’s their secret? A simple, joyful lifestyle built around plant-based foods, faith, and community.
In Loma Linda, the table is full of wholesome dishes like lentil loaves, nutty whole grains, bean-rich chilis, haystacks (Adventist taco salads), and vibrant seasonal vegetables.
Sweet treats lean on fruits, oats, and carob instead of sugar and chocolate. It’s everyday food — hearty, comforting, and deeply nourishing — designed not only to fill you up, but to help you thrive well into your 90s and beyond.
What makes Loma Linda unique isn’t just the recipes — it’s the philosophy. Meals are shared with loved ones, rooted in gratitude, and built around foods that heal the body. By focusing on beans, grains, vegetables, nuts, and a balanced approach to life, this community has unlocked one of the keys to longevity.
And here’s the exciting part: you can bring this way of eating right into your own kitchen. Join me for a six-part cooking series that will show you how delicious, creative, and life-giving this style of cooking can be. Together, we’ll dive into the flavors of America’s only Blue Zone and discover how eating more vegetables isn’t just healthy — it’s downright exciting.
What We’re Cooking in
This 6-Class Series
All classes are taught live by Chef Jeremy on Zoom. Replays are always provided afterward in case you can’t attend live.
The bean foundation
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
7-8:30pm ET
This plate is all about hearty comfort — a savory loaf, creamy roots, and bright greens that show just how satisfying beans and vegetables can be.
- Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze
- Mashed Root Vegetables
- Garlic-Roasted Green Beans
Sabbath Supper Classics
Monday, September 22, 2025
7-8:30pm ET
A true Sabbath supper — rich, cozy, and deeply grounding, with a golden-topped pie and caramelized sprouts to balance the plate.
- Adventist Shepherd’s Pie
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Wholesome Grains for Cold Weather
Monday, November 17, 2025
7-8:30pm ET
Warming curry, nutty quinoa, and garlicky greens come together as a vibrant, protein-rich meal that’s both hearty and nourishing.
- Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry
- Quinoa with Lemon & Olive Oil
- Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic & Olive Oil
community potluck favorites
Saturday, November 22, 2025
12-1:30pm ET
A playful, build-your-own salad paired with a bold, bean-packed chili — the kind of potluck spread that feeds both body and soul.
- Haystacks (Adventist Taco Salad)
- Hearty Vegetarian Chili
Hearty Adventist Comfort Plate
Monday, December 8, 2025
7-8:30pm ET
This plate hits classic comfort notes — savory patties with rich gravy, whipped cauliflower in place of mash, and fresh green beans for balance.
- Soy 'Meat' Patties with Mushroom Gravy
- Herbed Whipped Cauliflower
- Steamed Green Beans with Almonds
Nourishing Sweets & Seasonal Treats
Saturday, December 20, 2025
12-1:30pm ET
A duo of wholesome sweets — fudgy brownies and spiced baked apples — that prove dessert can be both indulgent and nourishing.
- Carob Walnut Brownies
- Baked Apples with Nut & Oat Filling
Who should join this series?
This series is designed for:
Home cooks looking to eat for longevity and vitality
Adults who want to cook with more intention and purpose
Wellness professionals and caregivers supporting healthy aging
Fans of traditional, plant-forward cuisines from around the world
Anyone who loves to cook and wants to stay connected to seasonal, cultural wisdom
Whether you're a long-time foodie or just beginning your wellness journey, this series offers rich, practical tools to nourish yourself and those you love.
Join this One-of-a-Kind
6-Class Series for Just $249 $199!
That’s less than $34 per class and you won’t find anything else like it.
Save your spot now!
what’s included in the series
A full-length live or recorded cooking session for each Okinawan menu
Downloadable recipes and ingredient guides
Cultural insights and culinary techniques to connect food and wellness
A delicious, nourishing meal made by YOU in each session
✨ Ready to join me in the kitchen?
Spots are limited, so grab yours today and discover the delicious, nourishing foods of America’s only Blue Zone.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
I’m Chef Jeremy Rock Smith
Mix a dash of Julia, a pinch of Bourdain and a drop of Deepak—and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Chef Jeremy Rock Smith.
After spending the first 16 years of my culinary career, immersed in the fast-paced, high-energy world of traditional cooking, I eventually found myself drawn to a different path. The restaurant lifestyle—late nights, endless hustle—began to take its toll, leading me to seek a new approach.
In the early 2000s, I experienced what I like to call a "midlife cooking crisis." I actually stepped away from the kitchen for a few years and worked on building a house with my father (I come from generations of carpenters). This was when I began a journey toward health, focusing on food through the lens of nutrition and wellness.
It was during this time that I truly started to bring my commercial cooking skills home and applying them consistently. Before that, I didn't do much cooking outside of the professional kitchen because I was burnt out after having cooked all week, but as I embraced a healthier lifestyle, I found myself reconnecting with food in a more personal and meaningful way. This transition set the stage for the next twenty years of my life.
Chef Jeremy leading a culinary trip to Poros, Greece
I spent those years first at Canyon Ranch, then Kripalu Yoga Center for 12 years as Executive Chef and Teacher, and now Miraval Resort, where I gathered a wealth of knowledge from eastern based Ayurveda to traditional western nutrition. These experiences have built a foundation that I'm now ready to share with others.
As I entered my early 50s and witness my parents' transition into retirement, I've felt a shift in my mission. Last year, I was invited by a dear friend to host a culinary sailing trip in Greece for a week. During that time, I had the privilege to witness the effects of a food-based culture, where food is the center of enjoyment, pleasure, and nourishment. I saw firsthand how this approach to eating and living ultimately leads to a happier, more fulfilled lifestyle.
This experience has sparked a new passion within me: to bring the principles of longevity back home and share them with as many people as possible. My goal is to guide others in discovering how they can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives through food, community, and lifestyle.
I’m the author of best-selling cookbook, The Kripalu Kitchen: Nourishing Food for Body and Soul (2019). My humorous approach to nutritious & holistic living has earned me accolades in a range of publications including the Food Network Blog, HEALTH, Prevention, Yoga Journal and more. I’m also known for my fan-favorite appearance on Food Network’s Chopped in 2019.
My new passion is Blue Zone living and I am now hosting annual trips to Greece to explore this lifestyle.