2011/2012 Cooking Class SCHEDULE
Tuesday,
September 20
@ 6 pm
My Big Fat Greek Cooking Class
With inspiration from one of the world’s oldest cultures, we’ll shout “opa” and delve into this succulent Mediterranean cuisine. The Grecian kitchen uses the freshest seasonal ingredients - a perfect fit for our valley’s produce – and can be a snap to master and make your own. Tonight’s adventure commences with Spanokopita, a marriage of spinach and feta cloaked in crisp filo dough. We’ll pair this with Horiatiki Salata (Greek Village Salad), a riot of color and flavor in a salad bowl. Using some key hallmarks of Greek cooking, we’ll roast a Chicken with Kalamata Olives and Lemons and accompany it with a new take on our local grape leaves - an Inside Out Dolmas Salad. Taking a culinary cue from a classic baklava – the evening ends with an easy Baklava Tart with Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream. CLASS PRICE $60.00
Tuesday,
January 16,
2012
@ 6 pm
Knife Play
(hands-on class limited to 18 students)
Learning the proper way to use a knife is essential to mastering your kitchen. Well-honed and time-honored tips and techniques will save you a great deal of time, frustration and money while improving the quality of your cooking. Bring a chef’s knife, a paring knife and a cutting board to class and we’ll chiffonade, julienne, brunoise, chop, dice, mince and slice the night away. Along the way we’ll brew up a Winter Squash Chowder, Mushroom, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Crostini and a Chopped Italian Salad with Citrus, Artichokes and Parmesan Cheese. The class wraps with a Brandied Apple Cobbler. Budd Solaegui of the Perfect Edge will join the class to cover purchasing, sharpening and care of your knives. Search your kitchen drawer for any knives that need some “tlc” and Budd will offer a special discount on new cutlery as well as knife sharpening for class attendees. This class is for beginning and intermediate cooks alike.
CLASS PRICE $80.00
Tuesday,
October 18
@ 6 pm
A Delightfully Delicious Evening
with Chef Elena Mastro of Parma Ristorante
Come join us as Fresno’s maestra of Italian cuisine, Chef Elena Mastro, works her kitchen magic with the best that harvest season has to offer. Those who have dined at Parma know Elena’s deft touch with the classic foods of Italy along with a huge helping of charm and culinary savvy. And if you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Elena – tonight is the night. Her mini tour of Italy’s Parma region starts with wonderful fall veggies folded into an assortment of ever-versatile Frittatas – something every cook should have in his/her repertoire. Fresh greens – Arugula and Fennel - are an exquisite pairing with Crispy Prosciutto and a Lemon and Thyme Dressing for the salad course. Elena’s Pasticcio – a baked pasta laden with vegetables will deliciously redefine comfort food and become a favored recipe. The evening’s show-stopping event is an Arosto vi Maiale (a rolled pork roast stuffed with artichoke hearts and gruyere cheese). Our Italian feast comes to a finale with a Frozen Zabaglione with Hot Chocolate – delizioso!!
CLASS PRICE $60.00
Tuesday,
November 18
@ 6 pm
Everything but the Turkey…
The thought of cooking a Thanksgiving feast can send shivers up the spine of the most accomplished cooks. Lots of pots, lots of pans and tons of work quickly add up to a stressful holiday meal. With a nod to tradition, tonight’s menu lightens up both the work load and the calorie count – while ramping up the flavor quotient. The menu – along with a plan of attack – is a certified crowd-pleaser and the recipes will be favorites throughout the season. We’ll start out with a quick and easy nibble - Blue Cheese, Walnut and Cranberry Crostini. Our salad course celebrates fall with a pairing of Green Apples, Celery, Walnuts and Mustard Vinaigrette. Tonight’s Thanksgiving sides - Braised Green Beans with Ham and Mushrooms and a Sweet Potato and Carrot Puree - have never been so healthy or tasted so great. The class ends with a Warm Pear Tart with Blue Cheese and Honey.
CLASS PRICE $60.00
