The next Julia Child?

I am finally doing it! After years of people asking me to teach them how to cook, I am taking a leap of faith, going out of my comfort zone (i am not a patient person so i dont know how i will do teaching!).
I am very excited to be offering.....

The Art of Cooking Classes:
Celebrating Life through Food and Friends

I have been cooking most of my life. I remember making my first cream cheese mints for a catering job with my Aunt Vaughn when I was six. I have worked in many different restaurants and catered my first wedding with my mother at 16. I have raised four very hungry children and continue to do small catering jobs when my schedule allows. I have thrown too many parties to count. From big barbeques, graduations and Thanksgiving morning football to brunch for dear friends, couple dinners and a Martini Madness party that 6 years later people still talk about.

My role model is Julia Child. She inspires me every time I am in the kitchen. She is proof that you are never too old to learn your true passion. As Julia said “The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude.”

My goal in holding these classes is to share my love for cooking and entertaining and help others to feel comfortable to share with their loved ones and create memories with them.
I believe in watching what you eat but I do not use low fat ingredients. Fat is what provides flavor. (“If you are scared of butter, try cream!”  - Julia Child) I use organic and local produce if possible. I do my best to stay away from chemicals and hormones in my food.

All of the classes will be held in my home at 5 Armand Street, Ludlow. Class size is limited. I want to be small enough so you can participate and ask questions. The cost includes food and beverages. You will get copies of all of the recipes we prepare. We will be eating all that we make so come hungry!

October 24, 2011  6:00-9:00

Dish 101: How to stock your pantry, fridge and freezer. Why are some products are better then others? Quick meals for you and your family don’t have to be boring. I will demonstrate how to put together a weekly menu and grocery list. It is a time saver in the long run and you it will make you look like a star! $50 per person

Basic Chili
Parmesan Chicken with Arugula Salad and Lemon Dressing
Panko Crusted Pork Chops
Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli


November 7, 2011  6:00-9:00

Dazzling Dinners: We will assemble three different meals that are easy to make, not very time consuming and will leave your friends and family singing your praises! We will also pair wines with the different meals and discuss how to select the perfect wine. $60 per person

Shrimp with Feta & Capers
Ribboned Zucchini Salad
Rice Pilaf
Roasted Hamersley Bistro Chicken
Grown Up Tater Tots
Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Shallots
Pork Tenderloin with Tangy Cranberry Sauce
Roasted Butternut Squash
Butter & Parsley Red Bliss Potatoes

November 21, 2011  6:00-9:00

Holiday Entertaining: I love to throw parties but it can be intimidating if you haven’t done it very often. I will show you how to prepare some wonderful appetizers and adult beverages. There will be tips on decorating and developing a theme. It is possible to have everything done prior to your guest’s arrival and greet them at the door with a relaxed smile. $65 per person

Pomegranate Cosmopolitan                                              Moscow “Mule”tide
Baked Fontina Cheese Fondue                                         Smoked Salmon Bisquits
Baked Camembert with Walnut                                        My Granny’s Crab Cakes
Crumble & Ginger Marmalade
Filet of Beef Croutes with Blue                                      Zucchini and Feta Patties
Cheese & Red Wine Reduction                                       with Tzatziki
Mexican Meatballs                                                           Southern Pimento Cheese
Fruit Brochettes with Pomegranate Dip


                                        

December 5, 2011  6:00-9:00

Best Supporting Side Dishes: I have hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas in my home more times then I can remember. The sides make the meal. Most of the sides can be prepared in advance and reheated to make the actual day a bit smoother. Going to visit someone for that special day? Don’t be a turkey, offer to bring one of these great dishes - $45 per person

Homemade Cran-Apple Sauce  Creamed Spinach
Red Bliss “Smashed” Potatoes   Corn Pudding
Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Apples Brussel Sprouts with Maple Vinaigrette

January 9, 2012  6:00-9:00

Soup is on!: There is nothing more comforting then a warm bowl of soup. We will create five different soups together. They can either be at the beginning of a meal, with a sandwich or on their own. $45 per person

Red Lentil with Lemon                                                            Chicken Tortilla
Potato Leek                                                                              Five Onion
Curried Parsnip with Crab

January 23, 2012  6:00-9:00

You don’t have to be Italian to make good Pasta! : I do not have one ounce of Italian in my blood, yet I adore Pasta and Sauce! Together, we will make four different sauces to enjoy over any kind of pasta. Also, we will make my famous sausage lasagna and you don’t have to boil the noodles! - $50 per person

Sausage Lasagne                                                                Puttanesca
Chicken Bolagnese                                                           Meatballs and Marinara
Sausage, Artichoke & Sundried Tomatoes


Interested in a class? Email me at JeriMcD4@yahoo.com or call me at 413.627.2648. Please include which class(es) you would like to attend.