Monday, March 15, 2010

Passover cooking tips

Sorry I have been away for so long. I have been planning my new classes at Jones Family Farm and my new classes in Fairfield County. I had my first class at the new location last Saturday night. It was a Passover class. Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz from Congregation B'nai Israel came and talked about the history of Passover and the Seder table. It was a wonderful evening full of meaningful conversation, food, wine and great people. Thank you Rabbi Gurevitz the evening would not have been the same without you.

So here is a recap of what we learned...
We tried making matzo balls 2 different ways. One recipe used whipped egg whites one did not. Both recipes used club soda. I think it everyone agreed that the matzo without the whipped the egg whites were better. They each had a different texture and flavor even though they had exactly the same ingredients(I just separated the egg whites, whisked them and then folded them into one recipe) Less work too! I do simmer my matzo balls in chicken broth to give them more flavor.

You can cook kugel faster if you put it in muffin tins instead of a baking dish. It also makes for an elegant presentation.

One of the best tips of the night was using the Parve Chocolate chips from Trader Joes! What a find they are really good. A nice quality chocolate. So why do you need special chocolate? Well, I learned from doing some Vegan cooking that often in the process of making chocolate they take out some of the cocoa butter and replace it with other things. In less expensive chocolate they use partially hydrogenated oils, in finer chocolates they use butter.

Just thought I'd share a few tips. Hope you holidays are meaningful and memorable.

Be well!
Sherry

Sunday, March 7, 2010

New Classes in Fairfield County - Blackrock

Classes are hands-on and include; instruction, recipes, food, and wine. Classes last about 2.5 hours. You can register online below by selecting the number of people attending. The cost for these classes is $75 per person or sign up with a friend and save. $65 per person when you sign up with a friend. No refunds within one week of class. If unable to attend you may send a substitute or request recipes.

Saturday, March 13th - 6:30pm
An Elegant Passover:
Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz from Congregation B'nai Israel will join us for this one-of-a-kind class. We will work together to create a delicious meal and Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz wil talk with us abou the Seder table. This is sure to be a memorable evening.

Menu:
Apricot, Date, and Pistachio Haroseth
Savory Matzoh Brei
Chicken Soup with Stuffed Matzoh Balls
Morracan Lamb Tagine with Quinoa
Roasted Asparagus
Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions
Chocolate Truffle Tart in Coconut Macaroon Nests

Select # of participants


Monday, April 19th - 6:30pm
Lots of Pasta
Everyone loves making fresh pasta. It brings out the kid in you. Join us to learn how to make fresh pasta from simple ingredients. The sauces that you will learn to make are wonderful on fresh pasta as well as dried pasta.

Menu:
Roasted Vegetable Pasta in a Balsamic Reduction
Fresh Herb Pesto and Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce
Sweet Ricotta & Chocolate Chip Ravioli in Raspberry Sauce

Select # of participants


Monday, May 17th - 6:30pm
Celebrate Spring
Menu:
Asparagus-Ricotta Tart with Comte Cheese
Spring Greens w/ Polenta Croutons in Balsamic Viniagrette
Shrimp and Sweet Pea Risotto
Lemon Tart with Almond Biscotti Crust & Creme Fraiche

Payment is required to hold a class spot. No refunds within one week of class unless spot is filled from the waitlist. If you are unable to attend, you may send a replacement or request recipes. Menus are subject to minor changes based on availability of ingredients. Please notify us in advance if you have allergies or dietary limitations.
Select # of participants
New Classes in Fairfield County - Blackrock


Monday, May 17th - 6:30pm
Celebrate Spring
Menu:
Asparagus-Ricotta Tart with Comte Cheese
Spring Greens w/ Polenta Croutons in Balsamic Viniagrette
Shrimp and Sweet Pea Risotto
Lemon Tart with Almond Biscotti Crust & Creme Fraiche

Payment is required to hold a class spot. No refunds within one week of class unless spot is filled from the waitlist. If you are unable to attend, you may send a replacement or request recipes. Menus are subject to minor changes based on availability of ingredients. Please notify us in advance if you have allergies or dietary limitations.

Select # of participants