Astoria — Bored with cooking and want to spice things up a bit? Or perhaps you’re trying to lose weight, or has your doctor has told you to stay away from salt?

Either way, there’s a free event coming up for all cooks at the next Beers to Your Health lecture featuring guest speaker Pat Milliman, owner of Pat’s Pantry in Astoria. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the talk, which takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Fort George Lovell Showroom, located at 426 14th St.

According to Milliman, there are methods to making food taste flavorful while being healthy. “Sometimes it’s as simple as Tuscan seasoning, a Mediterranean blend that adds flavor without salt,” explains Milliman. “You can bring flavors together in a way that salt does. Using lemon or citric acid can achieve that.”

For foodies who are looking for the next culinary adventure, Milliman says Zahtar, a Middle Eastern spice, has been popular the last few years. Her personal (current) favorite is Aleppo Pepper, a deep red crushed chili with a bit of heat and a fruity flavor. She sprinkles it on pizza or mixes it with scrambled eggs, adding the spice to anything that needs a pop of flavor.

Milliman owns Pat’s Pantry with her partner Tom Leiner. The couple specializes in custom blends, combining flavors to make it simple for customers to add creativity to standard recipes. “The most exciting part of the business is not so much about spice, but about cooking and food in general,” Milliman says.

Milliman expresses her love of food by stating, “I love food. I love everything about food. I love cooking it, and I love talking about it. I love eating it with people, and I love reading about it. I read cookbooks like most people read novels. In this business I get to talk to people about food every day because people are coming in sharing information with me or asking for information. I love that exchange. I’m always amazed in this little town how many people end up here from all over the world. I’ve met some really interesting people and have had great conversations about food with them.”

Beyond her store, Milliman is an active community member, pitching in at local nonprofits, a board member of North Coast Food Web and is host of “Food Talk” on Coast Community Radio.

To take a look at what Milliman has to offer, visit Pat’s Pantry website at www.patspantryastoria.com. The Astoria Co-op Grocery is located at 1355 Exchange St. and sponsors the monthly Beers to Your Health lecture series. For information, call 503-325-0027.