Introduction: I offer catering for parties and events.
I am a pastry chef, and I culinary instructor. The classes are based on seasonal recipes. As the seasons change, so does the available produce. Focusing on technique, taste and presentation with a hands-on approach, we will use seasonal fruit and vegetables to prepare classic and unique appetizers, salads, soups, main courses and desserts.
I offer culinary instruction to groups at your house or mine. Each class will focus on a specific topic, whether it is a fruit or vegetable that is currently in season or a dining theme. All ingredients and recipes are provided. Each class will end with a meal to taste and discuss what was created.
The classes being offered are as follows:
* Knife skills - The most important tool in your kitchen is a well-sharpened knife. You will learn how to purchase and maintain your knives, which knife to use for different tasks and various cutting techniques including chopping, dicing, julienne, and mincing.
*Gifts from the Kitchen- In this class we will make sweet and savory treats that are the perfect gifts for holidays to house warmings. We will prepare: Hot Fudge Sauce, Carmel Sauce, Coconut Granola, Whipped Fet Spread, and Olive Tapenade. Students will leave with a sample of each creation packaged and ready to give.
* Soup - As the evenings get cooler, there is nothing that warms you quicker than a bowl of soup. Whether preparing a meal for your family or a group of friends, all you need is a big pot of soup, salad and a loaf of crusty bread. In this class, we will prepare Italian chicken soup, cream of broccoli soup, tomato bisque, black bean soup with tortilla strips, green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, corn bread and focaccia bread.
* French pastries - Learn to make classic French pastry. Using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, you will prepare flakey pastry, pate a choux and use puff pastry for the base of savory appetizers and sweet desserts. Once you learn the basics, the choice of recipes is unlimited! In this class, we will prepare profiteroles-sweet and savory, pralines Paris breast, palmiers, cheese twists and a roasted vegetable and cheese tart.
* Appetizers I and II - Make your holiday entertaining enjoyable for both you and your guests by knowing what to stock in your pantry to make quick and easy appetizers. Learn to make dips and spreads days ahead of your party and how to create amazing appetizers for drop in guests. In Appetizers I, we will prepare roasted red pepper hummus, chicken pate, baked asparagus dip, vegetable platter with dip, olive tapenade with goat cheese and mini quiches. In Appetizers II, we will prepare Roquefort grapes, bacon cream cheese on walnut bread, cheese balls, Mexican dip, antipasto platter and spanakopita.
*Quick Bread, Muffins, and Spreads- In this class we will make a variety of breads and muffins with pared butters and spreads. We will prepare: Cranberry Bread with Honey Butter, Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins with Blueberry Butter, Date Walnut Bread with Bacon Cream Cheese, and Lemon Poppyseed Muffins with Lemon Curd.
* Demo party - Plan a fun night in with friends by hosting a cooking demonstration in your home. Choose from appetizers, soups and stews, French pastries, or we can put together a menu of your choice to prepared and enjoyed as you and your guests sit, relax and chat. All you provide is the atmosphere. Recipes are included with a minimum of six guests.
The cost of classes is dependent on your group size.
Demos are $60/person and the host is complimentary.
