Cooking for a cause: Event aims to raise funds for breast-cancer foundation

Susan Scaletta can tell you exactly when she was diagnosed with breast cancer: 11:34 a.m., Aug. 26, 2003.

"It's one of those things you always remember, like where you were when President Kennedy died," she said.

Two years later and cancer-free, Scaletta is chairing a "Cook for the Cure" fund-raiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation Saturday night at the Orson Gygi culinary store.

Similar events are hosted across the country, but the classes and sponsors are unique to Utah, said Scaletta, who is on the board of the foundation's Salt Lake affiliate. For a $30 ticket, you can attend all the classes taught by local chefs and cooking teachers, sample dishes from local restaurants, check out the latest in kitchen gadgets, nutrition and entertaining, and win prizes.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a national group founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor her sister, Susan, who died from breast cancer at age 36. The foundation advances research, education, screening and treatment of breast cancer; 75 percent of the funds raised at "Cook for the Cure" will be used in Utah programs. The remaining 25 percent goes to the national organization to fund research grants.

The concept of cooking and sharing food comes naturally to Scaletta, who often hosts dinner parties with her husband, John. As the produce manager at the Park City Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, he's giving a demonstration at "Cook for the Cure" called "Oh My Jicama! A World of Produce."

"I'm cooking for a corporate retreat this Friday night, and then we're doing a Southern dinner party on Sunday night for a friend," Susan said. "With a name like Scaletta, Italian cuisine is premier for us. I like good food, simply prepared and spiced up. For instance, my Neapolitan Salad is easy and good for you, and it looks spectacular."

When Scaletta found out she had cancer, John had begun working at Wild Oats. "So we started eating natural and organic foods and more fruits and vegetables," she said.

"I had a mastectomy and reconstruction, and six months of chemotherapy. I tried to eat well and rest up. You have to take care of yourself to keep up your strength. As my boss said, 'Consider it a six-month investment in the rest of your life.'"