We received our first shipment from our new kid’s clothing line- Hatley! We are very excited about this group. They have great pj’s for all ages. They also have fantastic kids rain gear…so cute!
2009-2010 Cooking Classes
May 17, 2009 at 5:52 pm (Classes)
June 11th, 2009
Ultimate Summer BBQ – Chef Heather Brinker $40
Just in time to really fire up the grill! In this great summer class, Chef Heather will teach you all about rubs, cooking temps and times. The key ingredient is meat, and you will learn how to properly prepare this essential ingredient for the grill. She will show you how to put together the ultimate summer BBQ.
August 20th, 2009
Herbs Class – Susan Vrabec $30
Back by popular demand! This class has become an annual event with new recipes and info every time. Our own local Herb Enthusiast Susan Vrabec will show you how to use fresh herbs and flowers to enhance your favorite recipes. She will be presenting all new recipes and as always, she will bring the bounties of her own gardens with her to educate us all!
September 10th, 2009
Cooking 101 – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $35
Need help in the kitchen? This class is designed to teach you the basics of cooking so that you can create delicious and nutritious foods for your family all on your own. Can’t even boil an egg? This is the class for those individuals who have an interest in cooking but lack the basics. We will cover basic cooking terms and techniques as well as teach some simple recipes that will be sure to impress.
September 15th, 2009 Tuesday! 6-7:30pm
Healthy School Lunches and Snacks – Tut Gramling and Bekah Stelling $7
We are offering this class for parents! It can be hard to come up with ideas your children will like, are healthy, and easy for you to do. We will help you with all of that and more! Learn tips to pack an earth-friendly lunch also. Get a free wrap-n-mat with your class registration.
September 17th, 2009
Understanding All-Clad – Chef Heather Brinker $60
Experience the craftsmanship and performance of All-Clad cookware, American-made in the foothills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - as Chef Heather and All-Clad Representative Mike Rubnitz pair up for this fun and educational class in “Cooking with Precision.” Chef Heather will demonstrate why All-Clad is the choice of culinary professionals around the world. Get a free 7.5in French Skillet ($49.99 value) with your class registration!
September 24th, 2009
Quick Fix Weeknight Meals – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Pressed for time? Bring the family back to the table with healthy and delicious recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily. You will save money and delight your family at the same time.
October 1st, 2009
Homemade Bread Baking Part 1 – Chef Susan Holding $40
Chef Susan will teach you the secret science behind bread baking. With just the simplest ingredients–sometimes nothing more than water, flour, yeast and salt–you can produce a beautiful, tall, golden loaf of homemade bread, and learn the basics for more complicated recipes.
October 3rd, 2009 Saturday
Knife Skills – Wusthof Representative Clark Stone $35
There is so much to learn about knives! Clark will demonstrate the best way to sharpen your knives, carve your holiday turkey, and other essential knife handling techniques. Attendees receive a complimentary Wusthof Paring Knife (value of $35) and enjoy a delicious turkey sandwich! Bring your own knives and we will sharpen them for free! Limit class size of 12…so sign up now.
October 8th, 2009
Taste of Thailand: Part 1 – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Yearn to reproduce the wonderful flavors you have tasted at your favorite Thai restaurant? We will examine the spice palette of this colorful country and create dishes that are simple and delicious.
October 15th, 2009
Bread Baking Part 2 –Artisan Bread Making – Chef Susan Holding $40
In Artisanal Bread Baking, you can learn to bake beautiful baguettes, fabulous foccacia, and techniques to make delicious breads from around the world.
October 16th, 2009
Learning to Love Le Creuset – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $50
Want to learn how to use your Le Creuset, or have you ever wondered what was so special about cast iron enamel cookware? In this class, Chef Jeanne will demonstrate why this cookware is so extraordinary. All class attendees will receive a free Stoneware Pie Dish ($30 value) Choose between; Kiwi, White, Cherry or Cobalt. Sign up early…this one fills up fast!
October 22nd, 2009
Taste of Thailand: Part 2- Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Nothing speaks to the flavors of Thailand like the complex layering of flavors in Thai soups. The flavors may be complex but the recipes are simple and easy to prepare at home. They will warm your heart and soul. Participation in Taste of Thailand Part I not required.
October 29th, 2009
Gourmet Casseroles – Chef Heather Brinker $40
One of the most economical and nutritious foods enjoyed by people all over the world is the casserole. Casseroles are becoming even more popular as chefs add new and unexpected ingredients making them more “gourmet,” without breaking your budget!
November 5th, 2009
Dinner Party on a Budget – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Wonderful food that will “WOW” your guests does not have to break the bank! Learn to prepare a menu within your budget that tastes like you have spared no expense! Just in time for the holidays.
November 12th, 2009
Potluck Party! – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
The holidays present many opportunities for the “Potluck.” Bring the dish everyone will love! Stop the cycle of boring potluck dishes by learning some new recipes that are easy, portable and simply delicious!
December 3rd, 2009
Holiday Appetizers – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
No holiday festivity is complete without fabulous appetizers. Learn to make tantalizing starters and bites for your cocktail party. Everyone loves appetizers! Whether you are the host or the guest, delight partygoers with fresh appetizer ideas. Everyone will surely ask for the recipes!
January 14th, 2010
Simple Soups – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
When it is cold outside, nothing warms you up like homemade soups. Don’t have hours to prepare? Not to worry, we will feature quick and easy recipes the whole family will enjoy. This class is a favorite, so sign up early if you want a spot!
January 21st, 2010
Impressive Desserts! Crème Brulee and Soufflé – Chef Susan Holding $40
Crème Brulee (French for “burned cream”), an enormously popular dessert served in fine restaurants, has just four ingredients and can easily be made at home. You will also learn and see how to correctly and successfully create a fabulous dessert soufflé.
January 28th, 2010
Foods from Greece and the Mediterranean – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Mediterranean cooking is delicious, healthy and steeped in tradition. The foods are prepared simply to maximize the fresh natural flavors of the seasons. Tease your taste buds with delightful recipes that will become your family’s tradition.
February 11th, 2010
Crazy for Crepes – Chef Susan Holding $40
Back by popular demand! You don’t have to travel to France to learn how to cook crêpes with ease and style. Whether savory or sweet, crêpes add tempting textures and fabulous flavor to your life.
February 18th, 2010
Gourmet Pizza and Italian Red Wines– Chef Mark Obois $40
Pizza and Wine! What a great combo! Chef Mark will start with the basics of great dough and great ingredients. He will share his special grilled pizza recipe and show you how to host the perfect wine and pizza evening.
February 20th, 2010 Saturday!
Homemade Pasta – Susan and Peter Vrabec $35
Once you’ve had your own homemade pasta, it’ll never again taste the same out of the box! We will demonstrate how to use a pasta machine to create fresh fettuccini, ravioli and other interesting pasta shapes as well as a few simple sauces to serve with your fresh pasta. This class is always a favorite and sells out quickly!
February 25th, 2010
Moroccan Foods – Chef Heather Brinker $40
Moroccan cuisine is renowned as one of the great cuisines of the world. Learn the secret of cooking a tajine and other traditional dishes with the eclectic and essential spices of Morocco.
March 11th, 2010
A Taste of Mexico – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Our neighbors in the South know what it takes to make tasty dishes. We will explore the regional flavors and spice palette that makes this cuisine scrumptious and delightful.
March 25th, 2010
Dumplings From Around the World – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Every culture has its version of the dumpling. The Italians have ravioli, the Chinese have Dim Sum, the Polish, perogies. Take the mystique out of making these little delights and serve them often to friends and family. It is easier than you think!
April 8th, 2010
Advanced Cupcakes – Chef Susan Holding $40
Cupcakes have quickly become the new dessert of choice for both home bakers and restaurants. They should be a basic in your repertoire of desserts. Chef Susan will show you how to make filled, red velvet and mouth watering chocolate cupcakes and even give you some decorating tips.
April 22nd, 2010
Spring Fling – Chef Jeanne Raffetto-Tentis $40
Spring brings the sunshine and the culinary delights we have yearned for all winter. Fresh asparagus, strawberries and tender greens delight the palate and help us celebrate the season. Bring out the best in these seasonal beauties with simple and delicious preparation.
April 29th, 2010
Parisian Breakfast – Chef Susan Holding $40
Chef Susan will create a little slice of Paris for you as she brings tips for breakfast recipes and more. You will learn how to create the simple breakfast treats that Parisians are famous for!
Delicious baked herbed eggs, morning pastries, and famous chocolat chaud (hot chocolate!)
Recipes From Chef Susan Holding’s Spring Tea Party
May 17, 2009 at 5:30 pm (Recipes)
Spring Tea Party
May 14, 2009
Madeleines
- 400 gm melted butter
- 8 eggs
- 340 gm granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 20 gm honey
- 10 gm baking powder
- 360 gm flour
- lemon zest, herbs de Provence
Melt butter and allow solids to settle to bottom on container.
Mix sugar and eggs in mixer until light and fluffy. Add zest and herbs, salt and baking powder, and honey, mix gently.
Fold in flour with spatula, then slowly add butter leaving as much of the butter solids in bottom of bowl as possible. Once mixed, allow to chill slightly in refrigerator until batter is slightly firm to the touch.
Butter molds with pastry brush and dust with flour. Pipe into molds and bake for about 5 minutes until golden at 325.
Swiss Meringue
8 egg whites
500 gm sugar
Heat to 50-60 degree C, (120-140 F) Whisk until cool, pipe. Bake at 160-170 C (300-325 F) for 1.5 hours
Marble Pound Cake (Quatre Quart Marbre)
125 gm butter
180 gm sugar
3 eggs
300 gm flour
10 gm baking powder
100 gm milk
Marble Effect:
30 gm cocoa
30 gm milk
Prepare molds by buttering- wait for butter to firm.
1. Add butter.
2. Add sugar (powdered)
3. Add eggs, a little at a time
4. Add sifted flour and baking powder.
- Mix in the milk.
- Separate the batter into three bowls in three equal parts. One with cocoa, one with vanilla and one with orange zest and pink food coloring.
- Fill molds about ¾ full, alternating colors and flavors
- Using tip of knife marble the flavors without touching sides.
Weekend
6 eggs
240 gm sugar
340 gm flour
340 gm melted butter
Vanilla
Lemon zest
Apricot glaze (nappage)
Melt butter and let milk solids drift to the bottom. Butter molds. Turn upside down to allow butter to set and not pool in bottom.
Sift flour.
Combine eggs and sugar, add lemon zest and vanilla. Whip to ribbon stage. Lift to make mixture light and creamy.
Fold in flour about 1/3 at a time. Add butter slowly without adding milk solids. Fill molds about ¾ full and bake in 325-350 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until done (clean toothpick).
Turn out of pans immediately. Place in cool place or refrigerator. Make syrup with water and powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread nappage over cake. Glaze cakes when cool. Set in refrigerator again. Brush with sugar glaze when cool. Set in oven for just a few moments to set sugar glaze. Garnish with fresh berries as desired.
