Recent Dishes and Next A.C.E. Class

Post Date: 28 January 2015

Welcome to the latest edition of my cooking classes blog.   I will be discussing some recipes I have been working on in my kitchen the last few weeks and will preview the February 1, 8, 15 A.C.E. class, Cooking Basics for Novices.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

This is latest recipe I have been working on and plan to incorporate it into one of my classes soon.  Unlike New England Clam Chowder, which is cream based, the Manhattan version is tomato based.  I use diced tomatoes (no salt added) and an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce.  In researching this and reviewing lots of other recipes, I noticed that most used bacon or pancetta (Italian bacon).  However, I decided to leave out the bacon so it can be a vegetarian dish.  The entire dish is built on a traditional Mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery.  As regards the clams, to save time in class we will use canned chopped clams and their juice and a small bottle of clam juice.  But of course fresh clams can be used instead.

Waldorf Salad Wraps

Staying with the New York theme, I have a little different take on this classic dish.  I use plain non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise and chopped hazelnuts instead of walnuts.  But the celery and apple are still used.  For the greens, I use 2 pieces of Bibb lettuce, spread the ingredients down the middle lengthwise, then fold into a wrap, making it a “finger food” salad. 

A.C.E. Cooking Basics for Novice Cooks Class – February 1, 8, 15

In this class participants will prepare a three course meal each session: a salad or soup, a main course with vegetable, and a dessert (both no bake and bake) using my P.O.F. method (Preparation, Organization, Focus).  We will also be discussing safe food handling and preparation and practicing knife skills throughout the three sessions.  The first session will have an Itailan flavor – Caprese Salad, Sauteed Chicken Italiano, and a fruit dessert with Ricotta Cheese.

 

Upcoming Classes

The winter classes have begun, and I have three classes in February and one in March.

February 1, 8, and 15 – Sunday Afternoons – Cooking Basics for Novices – Plum Center

February 7 – Saturday Morning – Romantic Valentine’s Dinner for Novices – Woodson High

February 26 – Thursday Evening – Dinner in Rome – Plum Center

March 21 – Saturday Morning - No Bake Desserts- Plum Center

To register for this class, or any ACE cooking classes, please go to:

http://www.fcps.edu/is/ace/specialinterest.shtml and scroll down to the Culinary section

While there, be sure to check out the other culinary courses offered by ACE’s excellent chef instructors.

Till next time, keep cooking.

Contact Chef Kevin at: KJBrady@fcps.edu