Pies by Jordan: Shoo-Fly Pie

Last month, I mentioned that Nick's daughter Jordan will be carrying on my teaching legacy at Kitchen Conservatory. As of now, she has two pie classes on the summer schedule with a third one (featuring boozy pies and cocktails!) being planned for June 30.

A year ago last fall, Jordan and I made an apple pie together from scratch in her college apartment. Since then, she has exceeded my own pie-baking abilities. She's been experimenting with all kinds of  recipes and decorative crusts. She's damn near perfected the lattice (over-achiever!). Last fall, she even made FIVE different pies for a bridal shower in one night of pie-baking frenzy. Here are some of her creations:

Treacle Tart

Apple Rose Pie

Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie with Peanut Brittle Shards

Chai-Spice Pumpkin Pie

Sour Cherry Pie

Concord Grape Pie

Bridal Shower Pie

You can follow Jordan's pie-making adventures on Instagram @fillyerpiehole

Shoo-Fly Pie

recipe from First Prize Pies by Allison Kave 

Shrimp Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cream Sauce

Confession: I taught the most difficult cooking class I've ever had last night. It was a demo class featuring all shrimp recipes: smoked shrimp salad, shrimp and corn fritters, coconut shrimp bisque, shrimp enchiladas...with watermelon-blueberry margaritas, strawberry shortcake, and mascarpone sorbet.

Thanks to Ruth Sparrow for letting me this photo from Kitchen Conservatory's Instagram feed.

It was...ambitious. To say the least.

I used 10 pounds of shrimp total and cooked for 19 people. For the first time, I wasn't as prepared as I should have been, even thought I got there 2 hours before class started. I didn't make the recipes in the order I should have, and by the end of the night I still hadn't made the sorbet or the shortcakes. Luckily, I had a great class that didn't care if I improvised the dessert. I ended up serving Grand Marnier macerated strawberries with mascarpone whipped cream. Everyone was too full at that point for shortcakes anyway.

In fact, I had to improvise a couple other recipes in order to finish at a decent time (and still went 30 minutes over). I ended up leaving out some of the chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, etc.) in the rice and enchiladas. I kept the spirit of the recipes, but took a few shortcuts (like combining steps and eyeballing measurements) to save time. Plus, I used the opportunity to talk about adapting recipes and "winging it." It was a teachable moment, at least.

Everyone left happy and full, so that's all that matters. They said everything was delicious. I told them it was because it was all made with love, sweat, and panic. ;-)

The best dish of the night were the enchiladas...corn tortillas layered with spicy sautéed shrimp and spinach, sprinkled with cheese, and topped with a creamy sauce. 

Click through for my adapted recipe.

Spring 2016 Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's spring schedule is now available online! 

My classes include two new Girls' Night Out menus: French-inspired cuisine on April 23 and a shrimp feast on June 25. 

I'm also teaching a new brunch class for Mother's Day featuring savory French toast, hash brown-crust quiche, and mimosa sorbet.

Below is my schedule through June. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEERS - Sunday, April 10 @ 5:00-7:30 pm (hands-on)

• This hands-on class will enjoy beer cheese fondue with soft pretzels, local lager with spicy sriracha chicken wings, fruity Belgian wheat beer with grilled scallops and corn salad, plus creamy stout with chocolate hazelnut cake and vanilla ice cream.

SATURDAY NIGHT SUSHI - Saturday, April 16 @ 6:30-9:00 pm (hands-on)

• Menu includes tempura vegetables, miso soup, edamame salad with ginger-soy dressing, crab and mango rolls with teriyaki glaze, spicy tuna hand rolls, crunchy shrimp rolls with avocado-chile cream, and sweet plum ice cream.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: OUI, OUI, PARIS - Saturday, April 23 @ 6:30-9:00 pm (demonstration)

• Enjoy a rosemary-lemon vodka fizz, blue cheese-walnut-port wine pâté served with crostini, farro and spring vegetable salad with lemon vinaigrette, feta and herb-crusted salmon, French lentils with spinach and red wine, plus orange-ginger beer cake with chocolate sorbet.

MOM'S THE WORD  - Sunday, May 8 @ 1:00-3:30 pm (hands-on)

• Surprise Mom with a tasty brunch menu featuring savory ricotta and spinach-stuffed French toast, smoked salmon mousse on cucumber canapés, gruyère-pancetta quiche with hash brown potato crust, asparagus tart with bacon jam, mimosa sorbet with strawberry Pavlovas, plus spiked grapefruit-mint sodas.

Winter 2015-2016 Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's winter schedule is now available online and runs through March.

I'm teaching a few demonstration classes: Girls' Night Out classes out on a champagne-laden menu on December 19, Korean food on February 20, and a dip extravaganza on March 19.

My Date Night for Couples classes include a beer pairing on December 7, an ultimate cocktail party on December 20, a salsa dance & dinner class on January 23, and a chili cook-off on January 31.

My Valentine's Day class is on February 6 and features soufflé with lobster sauce & seared scallops with champagne-balsamic glaze.

Below is my schedule. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BUBBLES - Saturday, December 19 @ 6:00-8:30 (demonstration)

• Who doesn't love the sound of a popping champagne cork? Celebrate the season as I create elderflower-gin champagne cocktail, prosciutto puff pastry twists with champagne mustard, lobster-citrus salad with avocado and fennel and champagne vinaigrette, pan-roasted chicken au Champagne with mushrooms in champagne cream sauce, truffled smashed potatoes, plus salted chocolate shortbread with pink champagne sorbet.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: THE ULTIMATE COCKTAIL PARTY - Sunday, December 20 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• We will mix up Hemingway daiquiris and pear old-fashioneds. Learn to create a dazzling spread of smoked deviled eggs with quick pickled jalapeños, roasted red pepper and pomegranate hummus with crudités and homemade crackers, Korean-style barbecue pork skewers, savory butternut-goat cheese tarts with fried sage, plus saffron lollipops.

SATURDAY NIGHT SUSHI - Saturday, January 16 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Menu includes tempura vegetables, miso soup, edamame salad with ginger-soy dressing, crab and mango inside-out rolls with teriyaki glaze, spicy tuna hand rolls, crunchy shrimp rolls with avocado-chile cream, and sweet plum ice cream.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SALSA SALSA DINE AND DANCE - Saturday, January 23 @ 6:00-9:00 (hands-on)

• Grab your partner and join us for a unique experience of dancing and dining. The evening begins with a one-hour Latin salsa dance lesson with a dance instructor from COCA, that will spark your appetite for a memorable evening in the kitchen. Afterwards, refresh your thirst with a mojito, then enjoy fried corn tortilla chips with black bean dip, grilled shrimp quesadillas with smoked tomato salsa, roasted pork tenderloin with papaya-mango salsa and yellow Cuban rice, plus banana cream pie with chocolate crumb crust.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: THE BIG CHILL-I COOK-OFF - Sunday, January 31 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Let the battle begin, as couples create and choose their favorite chili for a spirited evening of cooking, fun, and a little beer to wash it down. Learn to make roasted corn and jalapeño dip with fresh tortilla chips, Carolina pulled pork chili, Cincinnati chili with spaghetti, "real" Texas chili (without beans), and delicious root beer sorbet.

VALENTINE FOR COUPLES: SEDUCED BY SHELLFISH - Saturday, February 6 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on) 

• Learn to make red pepper bisque "cappuccino" with gruyère and smoked paprika crackers topped with foamed cream, goat cheese soufflé with creamy lobster sauce and arugula salad, seared scallops with champagne-balsamic glaze, pommes Anna, pancetta-wrapped roasted asparagus with citrus vinaigrette, plus white chocolate-raspberry tart.

Fall 2015 Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's fall schedule is now available online and runs through December.

I'm teaching a few demonstration classes: Girls' Night Out classes out on August 29, October 17, & December 19 (this one is a champagne-laden menu). I'm also teaching a menu featuring sweet & spicy food on September 19.

My Date Night for Couples classes include a beer pairing on December 7, sushi on November 15, and an ultimate cocktail party on December 20.

One new class that I'm particularly excited about is a sweet & savory brunch on September 6.

I'll also be teaching a couple gingerbread house classes for adults and kids in December.

Below is my schedule. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE  - Saturday, August 29 @ 6:30-9:00 pm (demonstration)

• Enjoy a prosecco cocktail, antipasti with marinated mozzarella and citrus-roasted olives, shrimp scampi with fennel, seared scallops on balsamic-tomato risotto, plus individual limoncello tiramisù.

SUNDAY FUN DAY - Sunday, September 6 @ 1:00-3:30 pm (hands-on)

• Before we say goodbye to summer, let's celebrate the holiday weekend with exciting sweet and savory dishes. This class will make bourbon kettle corn, chicken and waffles with cornflake-encrusted chicken and bacon-chive waffles served with maple pan gravy, Monte Cristo sliders with strawberry-tomato jam, smashed sweet potatoes with lemon-garlic aïoli, plus apple pie with a cheddar-vodka crust.

ORIGINAL CIN - Saturday, September 19 @ 12:00-2:30 pm (demonstration)

• Sip on a ginger champagne cocktail, and enjoy Sriracha caramel popcorn, roasted carrot-red quinoa salad with spiced lemon vinaigrette, kung pao shrimp and scallop noodles, plus chai tea cake with cinnamon ice cream.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: COLOR ME AUTUMN - Saturday, October 17 @ 6:00-8:30 pm (demonstration)

• Sip on a maple Manhattan cocktail, then enjoy roasted fennel hummus with red pepper oil and baked pita chips, Brussels sprouts and pear panzanella salad with creamy pomegranate dressing, coq au Riesling, fresh cavatelli pasta with green apple pesto, plus pumpkin gooey butter cake with white chocolate sorbet.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: ON THE TOWN FOR TWO - Sunday, October 25 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• We will prepare classic French onion soup, Caesar salad, show-stopping jaw-dropping brandy-flamed steak Diane, roasted garlic-mashed potatoes, plus triple chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce.

Summer 2015 Cooking Classes

SUMMERTIME! I'm so ready for a break and looking forward to a fun summer...which includes teaching new cooking classes. 

Some new menus include a summer supper for couples (June 12), a dessert & cocktail pairing demo class (June 26), a class all about miso (July 18), two Girls' Night Out classes (August 29 & September 12), a sweet & savory Sunday brunch (September 6), and a spicy lunch (September 19)

Below is my schedule through September. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: AN A-FARE TO REMEMBER - Sunday, June 7 @ 5:00-7:30 pm (hands-on).

• Discover the fun of cooking together, as this class prepares grilled panzanella salad, rosemary fried chicken, mac-and-cheese with peas and bacon, ratatouille, plus caramel apple galette, with two remarkable beer pairings ideal for dinner and dessert.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUMMER LOVIN' - Friday, June 12 @ 6:00-8:30 pm (hans-on)

• Grab your partner and fall in love with the smells and flavors of summertime. This class will create "BLT" bruschetta with pepper-jelly bacon and tomato jam, classic Caesar salad with smoky shrimp and zucchini, grilled spatchcock chicken with bourbon barbecue sauce, crispy and cheesy hasselback roasted potatoes, plus blueberry pound cake with lemon glaze and limoncello gelato.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BUTTER + SCOTCH - Friday, June 26 @ 6:00-8:30 (demonstration)

• Inspired by a trendy New York retro-style cafe and bar that serves cupcakes and cocktails, I will serve up an outstanding selection of sips and sweets. Enjoy butterscotch cupcakes with scotch-lemonade punch, raspberry-bourbon gelatin shooters - because Jello shots are the original dessert and booze pairing, ginger-lime-rum Dark & Stormy popcorn served with its namesake cocktail, s'mores pie with vanilla-orange prosecco cocktail, plus honey-nut shortbread with an espresso martini.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: HIGH STEAKS - Sunday, July 5 @5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• This class will create bruschetta with seasonal fruit, brie and fennel-infused honey, smoked lentil salad with creamy Sriracha dressing, cedar-grilled flat iron steaks with cayenne-coffee rub, sweet potato and goat cheese "tater tots", bacon-wrapped green beans with brown sugar and garlic butter, plus salted caramel pots de crème.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEERS - Friday, July 10 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Join  me (aka"goldie" locks) in a fun class that prepare beer cheese fondue with soft pretzels, local lager with spicy Sriracha chicken wings, fruity Belgian wheat beer with grilled scallops and corn salad, plus creamy stout with chocolate hazelnut cake and vanilla ice cream.

SATURDAY NIGHT SUSHI - Saturday, July 25 @ 6:30-9:00 (hands-on)

• Menu includes tempura vegetables, miso soup, edamame salad with ginger-soy dressing, crab and mango inside-out rolls with teriyaki glaze, spicy tuna hand rolls, crunchy shrimp rolls with avocado-chile cream, and sweet plum ice cream.

Spring 2015 Cooking Class Schedule

My upcoming classes include a few new menus: a Mother's Day brunch on May 10 (two words: doughnut muffins), a sushi class on May 16, and a Girls' Night Out class featuring dessert and cocktail pairings (two words: jello shots) on June 26 (two more words: butterscotch cupcakes).

I have several Date Night for Couples classes, including a beer pairing class (March 29), a steak class (April 12), a comfort foods menu with rosemary fried chicken & caramel apple pie (June 7), and a summer supper featuring grilled chicken with bourbon bbq sauce (June 12).

I'm also teaching my popular Harry Potter kids' class (which is sold out for the next 3 classes scheduled this spring) again on June 28.

Below is my schedule through June. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEERS - Sunday, March 29 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands on)

• We'll prepare beer cheese fondue with soft pretzels, local lager with spicy sriracha chicken wings, fruity Belgian wheat beer with grilled scallops and Mexican corn salad, plus creamy stout with chocolate hazelnut cake & vanilla ice cream.

TOOL TIME: VITAMIX - THE REAL POWER TOOL -  Saturday, April 11 @ 12:00-2:30 (hands-on)

• Whether you own a Vitamix or are thinking about adding this powerful tool to your kitchen, this hands-on class is designed to optimize its strength, from piping hot soups to refreshing smoothies. We'll make blueberry-banana oatmeal smoothies, vanilla coffee frappé, horseradish cheese dip with baked pita chips, antipasto salad with Italian dressing, bread with freshly-made butter, avocado-tortilla soup, pasta with basil pesto and sun-dried tomato sauce, plus almond-peach sorbet.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: HIGH STEAKS - Sunday, April 12 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Bruschetta with seasonal fruit, brie and fennel-infused honey, smoked lentil salad with creamy sriracha dressing, cedar-grilled flat iron steaks with cayenne-coffee rub, sweet potato and goat cheese "tater tots", bacon-wrapped green beans with brown sugar and garlic butter, plus salted caramel pots de crème.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: LIFE IS A CABERNET - Sunday, April 26 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Learn to cook with the wonderful flavors of wine in this class where you'll prepare mushroom-red pepper salad with red wine-herb vinaigrette, oven-roasted beef tenderloin with roasted red grape wine sauce, homemade black pepper fettuccine with chardonnay cream sauce, plus fabulous flourless chocolate-red wine cake with rosemary ganache -- all enjoyed with a glass of cabernet wine.

MOM'S THE WORD - Sunday, May 10 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Surprise Mom with a unique celebration of her day, as this class creates a tasty brunch of bacon waffle Benedict Florentine with hollandaise sauce, maple-glazed pork and apple meatballs, goat cheese Monte Cristo sandwiches, crispy herbed potato cakes, cinnamon-sugar doughnut muffins with espresso gelato, plus a grapefruit-mint mimosa.

MISO HUNGRY FOR SUSHI - Saturday, May 16 @ 11:00-1:30 (hands-on)

• Tempura vegetables, miso soup, edamame salad with ginger-soy dressing, crab and mango inside-out rolls with teriyaki glaze, spicy tuna hand rolls, crunchy shrimp rolls with avocado-chile cream, & sweet plum ice cream.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: AN A-FARE TO REMEMBER - Sunday, June 7 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Discover the fun of cooking together, as this hands-on class prepares grilled panzanella salad, rosemary fried chicken, mac-and-cheese with peas and bacon, ratatouille, plus caramel apple galette, with two remarkable beer pairings ideal for dinner and dessert.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUMMER LOVIN' - Friday, June 12 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Grab your partner and fall in love with the smells and flavors of summertime. This class will create "BLT" bruschetta with pepper-jelly bacon and tomato jam, classic Caesar salad with smoky shrimp and zucchini, grilled spatchcock chicken with bourbon barbecue sauce, crispy and cheesy hasselback roasted potatoes, plus blueberry pound cake with lemon glaze and limoncello gelato.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BUTTER + SCOTCH - Friday, June 26 @ 6:00-8:30 (demonstration)

• Inspired by a trendy New York retro-style cafe and bar that serves cupcakes and cocktails, I'll serve up an outstanding selection of sips and sweets. Enjoy butterscotch cupcakes with scotch-lemonade punch, raspberry-bourbon gelatin shooters (because Jello shots are the original dessert and booze pairing), "Dark & Stormy" popcorn flavored with ginger, lime, & rum served with its namesake cocktail, s'mores pie with vanilla-orange prosecco cocktail, plus honey-nut shortbread with an espresso martini.

Winter 2014-2015 Cooking Classes

My upcoming classes include a couple of Girls' Night Out demo classes on December 20 and February 21. The first is a champagne-laced feast that features seared scallops with risotto and white chocolate cupcakes. The latter is an Italian-inspired meal with shrimp scampi and limoncello tiramisù.

I also have several Date Night for Couples classes, including a chili cook-off on January 25 and a beer pairing class on March 29. Once again, I'm throwing an Ultimate Cocktail Party on December 21 with a couple drinks and several appetizers. 

My Valentine's Day class will be held on February 7 and feature lobster bisque and fresh linguine with lobster arrabbiata sauce.

I'm also teaching my popular Harry Potter kids' cooking class on January 4 and March 15.

Below is my schedule through March. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: CONTINENTAL AND COASTAL CROATIA - November 9 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Discover authentic Croatian cuisine from the coast to the continent, as I share my grandmother's recipes. You will learn to create cevapcici - lamb meatballs with an eggplant-pepper relish (ajvar), brodet - fish stew with shrimp and mussels and cod, sarma - cabbage rolls stuffed with beef and pork and rice in a tomato sauce, blitva - sautéed potatoes and Swiss chard, plus potica - sweet walnut rolls.

SUPPER BOWL SUNDAY - November 16 @ 12:30-3:00 (hands-on)

• Join me in the kitchen to create four steaming pots of soup: andouille and corn chowder, creamy butternut squash and ginger soup, egg drop soup with homemade pressure cooker chicken stock, lamb minestrone, plus quick and easy yeast-risen baguettes.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUSHI U FOR TWO - November 30 @ 5:00-7:30 OR March 7 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• This menu includes tempura-fried shrimp rolls, sesame tuna hand rolls, smoked eel rolls, spicy scallop rolls, hot-smoked salmon rolls with mango and jalapeño, plus ginger-peach green tea ice cream - all served with cold beer. 

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BUBBLES! - December 20 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Who doesn't love the sound of a popping champagne cork? Celebrate the season as I make pomegranate champagne punch, pear and endive salad with gorgonzola and a champagne vinaigrette, seared scallops in champagne-mushroom sauce, champagne risotto, plus white chocolate cupcakes with champagne buttercream frosting.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: THE ULTIMATE COCKTAIL PARTY  - December 21 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• In the midst of a festive holiday season, we will mix up cranberry-champagne sangria and gingersnap-apple vodka martinis. Then learn to create a dazzling spread of roasted five-spice cashews, baked cheddar coins with pecan-pepper jelly, caramelized onion bread topped with olives and anchovies, smoked shrimp with cilantro-lime yogurt dipping sauce, plus homemade marshmallow s'more skewers.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: HIGH STEAKS - December 27 @ 6:30-9:00 (hands-on)

• Menu includes bruschetta with winter fruit, brie & fennel-infused honey; smoked lentil salad with creamy Sriracha dressing; cedar-grilled flat iron steaks with cayenne-coffee rub; sweet potato and goat cheese "tater tots"; bacon-wrapped green beans with brown sugar and garlic butter; and salted caramel pots de crème.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: LIFE IS A CABERNET - January 3 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands on)

• We'll prepare mushroom-red pepper salad with red wine-herb vinaigrette, oven-roasted beef tenderloin with roasted red grape wine sauce, homemade black pepper fettuccine with chardonnay cream sauce, plus fabulous flourless chocolate-red wine cake with rosemary ganache -- all enjoyed with a glass of cabernet wine.

HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS IN THE KITCHEN - January 4 @ 1:00-3:30 OR March 15 @ 12:30-3:00 (hands on)

• Attention all Muggles! Experience the world of Harry Potter and make magic in the kitchen as I help you prepare delightful dishes described throughout the J.K. Rowling series, including The Three Broomsticks' butterbeer, ham-and-cheese pasties from the Hogwarts house-elves, and Mrs. Weasley's potatoes with béchamel sauce. Before you apparate home, you'll make Aunt Petunia's individual berry-pudding trifles. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

Fall 2014 Cooking Classes

My new menus include a couple of Girls' Night Out demo classes on October 18 & December 13. The first contains recipes that focus on spices: cinnamon, paprika, saffron, cumin, peppers, etc. The latter is a champagne-laced feast that features seared scallops and white chocolate cupcakes.

I also have a few new Date Night for Couples classes. My favorite one, on November 9, will feature my grandmother's Croatian dishes. Once again, I'm throwing an Ultimate Cocktail Party on December 21 with a couple drinks and several appetizers. Another fun couples class on December 27 includes a smoked lentil salad, cayenne & coffee rubbed steaks, homemade sweet potato tots.

Below is my schedule through December. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: READY TO RUM-BLE - October 11 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Learn to prepare coconut bisque with rum flambé, macadamia-crusted scallops with rum beurre blanc, jerk pork tenderloin with spiced rum glaze, Caribbean rice, mini-hot buttered rum cheesecakes with caramel sauce, plus a piña-limonada cocktail.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: SUGAR AND SPICE - October 18 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Enjoy a maple-cinnamon apple martini and five-spice cashews, freshly-baked skillet bread with Old Bay artichoke-spinach-crab dip, paprika-spiced cauliflower soup, tomato-poached salmon with saffron, roasted carrot and red quinoa salad with spicy cumin dressing, plus buttermilk panna cotta with strawberries in port wine-peppercorn caramel sauce.

HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS IN THE KITCHEN - October 26 @ 12:30-3:00 (hands-on)

• Attention all Muggles! Experience the world of Harry Potter and make magic in the kitchen as I help you prepare delightful dishes described throughout the J.K. Rowling series, including The Three Broomsticks' butterbeer, ham-and-cheese pasties from the Hogwarts house-elves, and Mrs. Weasley's potatoes with béchamel sauce. Before you apparate home, you'll make Aunt Petunia's individual berry-pudding trifles. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: CONTINENTAL AND COASTAL CROATIA - November 9 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Discover authentic Croatian cuisine from the coast to the continent, as I share my grandmother's recipes. You will learn to create cevapcici - lamb meatballs with an eggplant-pepper relish (ajvar), brodet - fish stew with shrimp and mussels and cod, sarma - cabbage rolls stuffed with beef and pork and rice in a tomato sauce, blitva - sautéed potatoes and Swiss chard, plus potica - sweet walnut rolls.

SUPPER BOWL SUNDAY - November 16 @ 12:30-3:00 (hands-on)

• Join me in the kitchen to create four steaming pots of soup: andouille and corn chowder, creamy butternut squash and ginger soup, egg drop soup with homemade pressure cooker chicken stock, lamb minestrone, plus quick and easy yeast-risen baguettes.

Summer 2014 Cooking Classes

I have several new classes on the Kitchen Conservatory summer schedule, including a burger class (July 6), Girls' Night Out tropical seafood feast (July 11), Girls' Night Out vegetarian (August 23), boozy desserts (August 24), and Girls' Night Out pizza & pasta (September 6).

Below is my schedule through September. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUSHI U FOR TWO - June 29 @ 5:00-7:30  OR August 8 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• This menu includes tempura-fried shrimp rolls, sesame tuna hand rolls, smoked eel rolls, spicy scallop rolls, hot-smoked salmon rolls with mango and jalapeño, plus ginger-peach green tea ice cream - all served with cold beer.

BURGER U - July 6 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Cuban-style beef burgers, Carolina barbecue pork burgers, tuna burgers with roasted garlic-tomato aïoli, perfect French fries, beer-battered onion rings with blue cheese dipping sauce, and roasted pineapple-rum milkshakes.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: SOMETHING TO BEACH ABOUT - July 11 @ 6:00-8:30 (demonstration)

• I'll create a tropical feast perfect for a hot summer night, starting with cod fish fritters with spicy cilantro sauce. Sip on a rum runner cocktail and enjoy hearts of palm and mango salad with avocado dressing, smoked jerk-rubbed shrimp with yogurt-lime sauce, cumin-spiced black beans and rice, plus coconut sorbet with macadamia sablé cookies.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: READY TO RUM-BLE - July 19 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Learn to prepare coconut bisque with rum flambé, macadamia-crusted scallops with rum beurre blanc, jerk pork tenderloin with spiced rum glaze, Caribbean rice, mini-hot buttered rum cheesecakes with caramel sauce, plus a piña-limonada cocktail.

HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS IN THE KITCHEN - July 27 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Attention all Muggles! Experience the world of Harry Potter and make magic in the kitchen as I help you prepare delightful dishes described throughout the J.K. Rowling series, including The Three Broomsticks' butterbeer, ham-and-cheese pasties from the Hogwarts house-elves, and Mrs. Weasley's potatoes with béchamel sauce. Before you apparate home, you'll make Aunt Petunia's individual berry-pudding trifles. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

Spring-Summer 2014 Cooking Classes

I'm teaching a few of new classes this spring: one for kids & parents featuring foods from the second Hunger Games book (March 29), a Mother's Day brunch (May 11), and a Girls Night Out appetizers class (June 20).

Several of my most popular classes are being repeated: Latin salsa dancing & Cuban food (May 9), cooking with wine (June 7), and sushi (June 29).

Below is my schedule through June. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

THE APPRENTICE CHEF: ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI - March 8 @ 10:30 12:30 (hands-on)

• For aspiring chefs, children from ages 7 to 12. We'll make homemade spaghetti noodles with meatballs, marinara sauce, & cheesy Alfredo sauce, and chocolate gelato for dessert.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: READY TO RUM-BLE - March 23 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Learn to prepare coconut bisque with rum flambé, macadamia-crusted scallops with rum beurre blanc, jerk pork tenderloin with spiced rum glaze, Caribbean rice, mini-hot buttered rum cheesecakes with caramel sauce, plus a piña-limonada cocktail.

HEIR AND A PARENT: THE GIRL ON FIRE - March 29 @ 10:30-1:00 (hands-on)

• Feast like "The Girl on Fire" with a meal inspired by Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire. Learn to prepare Peeta's raisin nut bread with fresh ricotta cheese, District 4's grilled shrimp with chile-tomato sauce, Katniss's favorite lamb stew, plus The Capitol's chocolate custard with cherry flambé. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

Winter 2013-2014 Cooking Classes

Next month, I'm teaching one of my favorite cooking classes: The Ultimate Cocktail Party. Each December, I plan a fabulous spread designed to inspired your own holidays parties. This year we're making cranberry-champagne sangria, gingersnap-apple vodka martinis, roasted five-spice cashews, baked cheddar coins with pecan-pepper jelly, caramelized onion bread topped with olives and anchovies, smoked shrimp with cilantro-lime yogurt dipping sauce, & homemade marshmallow s'more skewers.

I'm also teaching two new Girls' Night Out demonstration classes: Italian food on January 11 (featuring ricotta-spinach gnudi in parmesan broth & sautéed garlic shrimp with saffron orzo) and Asian food on February 1. This new menu includes Thai-spiced hot crab dip, smoked salmon and edamame panzanella salad, red curry noodles with shrimp and scallops, & cardamom-caramel apple cake.

As usual, I'm teaching several Date Night for Couples classes: A chili cook-off with three different recipes on January 19, sushi on January 25, and a menu featuring all foods made with rum on March 23 (coconut bisque with rum flambé, macadamia-crusted scallops with rum beurre blanc, jerk pork tenderloin with spiced rum glaze, Caribbean rice, & mini-hot buttered rum cheesecakes).

I'm also repeating one of my popular kids' pasta classes (for ages 7-12) on March 8.

Below is my schedule through March. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

Fall 2013 Cooking Classes

I have a couple of new classes that I'm teaching this fall. One is a Girls' Night Out demo class with Italian food (September 14), including homemade ricotta cheese and black pepper pappardelle. Another GNO class is pork-centric (November 23), four dishes all made with pork from the appetizer (five-spice rillettes) to dessert (candied bacon ice cream).

I'm teaching a Weekend Dinner Party demo class (October 26) featuring some of my favorite recipes from Nigella Lawson that ends with a luscious flourless chocolate-lime cake with tequila-lime whipped cream.

As usual, I'm teaching several couples classes: Cajun food & hard ciders (September 21), sushi (October 19), comfort foods (October 27), a chili cook-off (November 10), and the ultimate holiday cocktail party (December 22).

I'm also repeating my best-selling kids' class, the "Heir And A Parent" class where we make all foods from the Harry Potter books (November 3).

Summer 2013 Cooking Classes

I'm teaching many classes this summer, including a couple new classes. One is a demo class featuring my favorite recipes from vacations (Recipe Redux: Road Trip Recollections on July 15), and another is a hands-on baking class where we'll make all fruit desserts (Fruit of the Bloom on August 1).

I'm also teaching a fun summer cocktail party, Cajun food and ciders, several Date Night and sushi classes, and a couple kids' classes.

Here is my schedule through September. Hope to see you there!

To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

Winter Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's winter schedule is now posted online. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

My new menus include a wine pairing class with wine distributor Kyle Harsha (January 12), a rum inspired couples class (January 20), & a pie-baking class on Pi day (March 14). I'll also be repeating my newest kids' class, which will make foods from the Hunger Games (including homemade goat cheese), on February 23.

Hope to see you there!

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEERS - Jan. 5 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• We'll enjoy beer cheese fondue with soft pretzels, local lager with spicy Sriracha chicken wings, fruity Belgian wheat beer with grilled scallops and corn salad, plus creamy stout with chocolate hazelnut cake and vanilla ice cream. 

MATCHMAKERS - Jan. 12 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Kyle Harsha, of Vintegrity Fine Wines and Spirits, and I prove that it is not which wines to match with food, but rather how to prepare your food to perfectly balance with your favorite types of wine! All of the specific wines will be hand-selected by Kyle from small batch wineries. Enjoy an outrageous evening, starting with truffled popcorn to highlight the butteriness of chardonnay, aromatic sautéed lemon grass & lime shrimp with riesling, seared beef tenderloin with mushroom-cabernet sauce paired with cabernet, plus stilton, pears, and dark chocolate truffles served with port. 

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: READY TO RUM-BLE - Jan. 20 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Learn to prepare coconut bisque with rum flambé, macadamia-crusted scallops with rum beurre blanc, jerk pork tenderloin with spiced rum glaze, Caribbean rice, mini-hot buttered rum cheesecakes with caramel sauce, plus a piña-limonada cocktail.

HEIR AND A PARENT: THE HUNGER GAMES - Feb. 23 @ 10:30-1:00 (hands-on)

• Suzanne Collins’s popular book series is filled with vivid descriptions of food, especially the decadent meals eaten by the tributes in the Capital. Learn to prepare some of Katniss’s favorite foods, including District 11's crescent moon poppy seed rolls, Prim's goat cheese-basil bundles, The Capital's chicken in orange cream sauce with steamed rice, Cinna’s honey pudding and Mr. Mellark's sugar cookies. And may the odds be ever in your favor! This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent. 

CALCULATING π - March 14 @ 6:30-9:00 (hands-on)

• The formula for exceptional pie on 3.14 is fairly straightforward, as this hands-on class discovers the ratio of the circumference of the crust to its diameter! Join me to create four stunning pies, including classic apple pie with salted caramel sauce, individual peanut butter-banana cream pies with chocolate crumb crust, poached pear and almond tart, plus coconut key lime pie with ginger-graham cracker crust.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SALSA SALSA DINE AND DANCE - March 16 @ 6:00-9:00 (hands-on)

• Grab your partner and join us for a unique experience of dancing and dining. The evening begins with a one-hour Latin salsa dance lesson with a dance instructor from COCA, that will spark your appetite for an incredible evening in the kitchen. Refresh your thirst with a mojito, as this hands-on class prepares fried corn tortilla chips with black bean dip, grilled shrimp quesadillas with smoked tomato salsa, roasted pork tenderloin with papaya-mango salsa and yellow Cuban rice, plus banana cream pie with chocolate crumb crust.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUSHI U FOR TWO - April 14 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• This class will create tempura-fried shrimp rolls, sesame tuna hand rolls, unagi smoked eel rolls, spicy scallop rolls, hot-smoked salmon rolls with mango and jalapeño, plus ginger-peach green tea ice cream - all served with cold beer.

Fall 2012 Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's fall schedule is now posted online. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

My new menus include a pasta class for kids (September 1), a stovetop shrimp boil (September 23), a girls' night out inspired by my friend Iron Stef featuring all kinds of BALLS (October 27), a Mexican themed girls' night out (November 3), and the ultimate holiday cocktail party (December 9).

Hope to see you there!

FRANK 'N STEIN - August 26 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Let's create serious fun in the lab kitchen as this hands-on class concocts sesame-honey pork meatballs, grilled local salsiccia with grilled fennel relish, sweet corn pudding, seared romaine with balsamic vinaigrette, plus chocolate whoopie pies with salted caramel filling. Enjoy two beer pairings that have been perfectly calculated.

THE APPRENTICE CHEF: ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI - September 1 @ 10:30-12:30 (hands-on)

• For aspiring chefs, children from ages 7 to 12. Keep your eye on the meatball, so that it doesn't roll off the table, and spend a fun morning creating homemade spaghetti noodles. Learn to make three sauces, including marinara sauce, cheesy Alfredo sauce, plus meatballs and sauce. Finish with chocolate gelato for dessert.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEERS - September 8 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Forget the porridge, chair, and sleeping - the three tastings of beer will be just right and plenty cold! Join me (aka"goldilocks," though now I am red-headed) in a fun evening designed for couples. This hands-on class will prepare beer cheese fondue with soft pretzels, local lager with spicy Sriracha chicken wings, fruity Belgian wheat beer with grilled scallops and corn salad, plus creamy stout with chocolate hazelnut cake and vanilla ice cream.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SHRIMP BOIL SHINDIG - September 23 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Spend a festive evening with your partner creating a modern shindig with Cajun lemonade, cheddar-ale spread with homemade crackers, stovetop shrimp boil with spicy andouille sausage and baby potatoes, creamed summer corn, plus strawberry-balsamic ice cream with lime shortbread. 

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOURMET MAC-AND-CHEESE - October 14 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Mac-and-cheese has never tasted so sophisticated! Couples will love the adult version of three luscious interpretations of this classic dish, as this hands-on class creates orzo with mascarpone and butter-poached lobster, ultimate mac-and-cheese with peas and bacon, plus souffléed mac-and-cheese with gouda and smoked paprika. The class will also prepare a rum-ginger beer cocktail, fennel-apple salad with apple cider vinaigrette, and refreshing key lime sorbet.

HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS AT HONEYDUKES SWEETSHOP - October 21 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Muggles and wizards gather for a fun afternoon concocting delicious treats from Honeydukes Sweetshop. Satisfy your sweet tooth, with Hagrid's treacle fudge, Mrs. Weasley's strawberry ice cream, marshmallow crumpets, pumpkin pasties, and amazing warm and frothy butterbeer. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BALLS! - October 27 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• If you feel that you have been going in circles all week, gather your girlfriends for an evening that will certainly be a ball! I'll prepare pecan-goat cheese balls with "drunken" grapes, pork meatball bahn mi sandwiches, Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs, peanut butter-bacon-chocolate truffles, plus white wine-melon ball-berry sangria.     

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: THE WHOLE ENCHILADA - November 3 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Indulge your guilty pleasures for craving Mexican cuisine, as I make a Mexican chocolate martini, fried avocado rolls with cilantro dipping sauce, chile-crab enchiladas with green chiles and homemade sauce, roasted street corn salad with spicy Mexican crema dressing and cojita cheese, plus tequila-lime sorbet.

Summer Cooking Class Schedule

Kitchen Conservatory's summer schedule is now posted online. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

This schedule features many brand new class themes and menus. My new "date night for couples" classes include a burger throwdown (June 17), a summer cocktail party (July 20), and a shrimp boil (September 23).  New "girls night out" classes feature cool summer menus, like picnic favorites (June 29) and summer pastas (July 6).

I'll be teaching a few other cool hands-on classes as well. One will be all about my favorite kitchen appliance, the Vitamix (July 22). There's also a fun summer brunch class (July 25) and a grilling & beer class (August 25).

Hope to see you there!

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: 1960'S COCKTAIL PARTY - June 9 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Inspired by Mad Men and the pop culture of the 1960's, we'll be creating modernized versions of dishes for a divine cocktail party. Sip on a Tom Collins after you prepare caramelized onion dip with white crudités, clams casino, Swedish meatballs with black currant dipping sauce, cheddar-gorgonzola cheese balls with bacon and smoky almonds, deviled ham canapés, plus mini dark chocolate bundt cakes with spiced rum glaze.

HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS AT HONEYDUKE'S DESSERTS - June 10 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Muggles and wizards gather for a fun afternoon concocting delicious treats from Honeyduke's Desserts. Satisfy your sweet tooth, with Hagrid's treacle fudge, Mrs. Weasley's strawberry ice cream, marshmallow crumpets, pumpkin pasties, and amazing warm and frothy butterbeer. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: WINE BAR TAPAS - June 15 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Before the weekend comes to an end, spend a relaxing evening with the girls and a glass of wine, as I prepare an amazing array of tapas. Enjoy roasted olives spiced with orange and chile, stilton-walnut shortbread with pears and mascarpone, grilled bruschetta with tuna and capers drizzled with lemon oil, fried goat cheese with spicy tomato chutney, polenta bites with roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions, plus chocolate lavender truffles.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: BETWEEN THE BUNS - June 17 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Discover your favorite burger, as this hands-on class for couples creates three remarkable burgers, starting with panini-style grilled Cuban burgers with ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Also learn to make Carolina-style barbecue pork bacon burgers topped with cabbage slaw with honey-mustard sauce, tuna burgers with garlic-tomato aïoli, beer-battered onion rings with blue cheese dipping sauce, plus mouth-watering roasted pineapple-rum milkshakes.     

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUSHI U FOR TWO - June 23 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Join your partner for a crash course in sushi, with a taste test for the final exam to discover the favorites of the evening. This hands-on class will create tempura-fried shrimp rolls, sesame tuna hand rolls, unagi smoked eel rolls, spicy scallop rolls, hot-smoked salmon rolls with mango and jalapeño, plus ginger-peach green tea ice cream - all served with cold beer.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BEAT THE HEAT - June 29 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Come in out of the sweltering heat and enjoy a summer meal with the girls. Menu includes refreshing watermelon margaritas, green gazpacho shooters, shaved asparagus salad with parmesan dressing, grilled tilapia with cherry salsa served with lemon rice and crispy basil, plus chocolate-ricotta icebox cake.

Spring Cooking Class Schedule

Kitchen Conservatory's spring schedule is now posted online. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

I've created several new classes for this schedule, including TWO new Harry Potter-inspired kids' classes and a burger-centric couples' class. Hope to see you there!

"KELLY GREEN" - March 3 @ 10:30-1:00 (hands-on)

• Celebrate the greens of spring! Learn to create roasted artichoke and lemon crostini, spicy carrot and fennel salad with green chile vinaigrette, Swiss chard-sweet pea manicotti, veal stew with spring greens, plus strawberry-rhubarb crumb cake. Then, we'll smoke lemons using a stovetop smoker to make a unique lemonade.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: LIFE IS A CABERNET - April 14 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Learn to cook with the wonderful flavors of wine in this delightful hands-on class. We'll prepare mushroom-red pepper salad with red wine-herb vinaigrette, oven-roasted beef tenderloin with roasted red grape wine sauce, homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and nuts with a creamy asparagus chardonnay sauce, plus fabulous flourless chocolate-red wine cake with rosemary ganache -- all enjoyed with cabernet wine.         

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: WINE BAR TAPAS - April 21 @6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• Before the weekend comes to an end, spend a relaxing evening with the girls and a glass of wine, as I make an amazing array of tapas. Enjoy roasted olives spiced with orange and chile, stilton-walnut shortbread with pears and mascarpone, grilled bruschetta with tuna and capers drizzled with lemon oil, fried goat cheese with spicy tomato chutney, polenta bites with roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions, plus chocolate lavender truffles.

*NEW MENU* HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS IN THE GREAT HALL AT HOGWART'S - April 28 @10:30-1:00 (hands-on)

• Attention all Muggles! A revision of our popular kids' class is designed to be consumed in the great hall at Hogwart's. Learn to create dishes from the J.K. Rowling series, including Mrs. Weasley’s chicken and ham pie, cheesy peas and carrots, Hagrid’s treacle fudge, and pumpkin juice from the Hogwart’s Express. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent. 

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SALSA SALSA DINE AND DANCE - May 12 @ 6:00-9:00 (hands-on)

• Grab your partner and join us for a unique experience of dancing and dining. The evening begins with a one-hour Latin salsa dance lesson with a dance instructor from COCA, that will spark your appetite for an incredible evening in the kitchen. Refresh your thirst with a mojito, as this hands-on class prepares fried plantain chips with black bean dip, grilled shrimp quesadillas with smoked tomato salsa, grilled pork tenderloin with papaya-mango salsa and yellow Cuban rice, plus banana cream pie.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: 1960'S COCKTAIL PARTY - June 9 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Inspired by Mad Men and the pop culture of the 1960's, this class will make modernized versions of vintage recipes for a divine cocktail party. This hands-on class for couples will sip on a Tom Collins, and prepare caramelized onion dip with crudités, including cauliflower, endive, fennel and jicama. Learn to make clams casino, Swedish meatballs with black currant dipping sauce, cheddar-gorgonzola cheese balls with bacon and smoked almonds, deviled ham canapés, plus mini dark chocolate bundt cakes with spiced rum glaze.

*NEW* HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS AT HONEYDUKE'S DESSERTS - June 10 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Muggles and wizards gather for a fun afternoon concocting delicious treats from Honeyduke's Desserts. Satisfy your sweet tooth, with Hagrid's treacle fudge, Mrs. Weasley's strawberry ice cream, marshmallow crumpets, pumpkin pasties, and amazing warm and frothy butterbeer. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: BETWEEN THE BUNS - June 17 @ 5:00-7:30 (hands-on)

• Discover your favorite burger, as this hands-on class for couples creates three remarkable burgers, starting with panini-style grilled Cuban burgers with ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Learn to make Carolina-style barbecue pork bacon burgers topped with cabbage and honey-mustard sauce, tuna burgers with garlic-tomato aïoli, beer-battered onion rings with blue cheese dipping sauce, plus mouth-watering roasted pineapple-rum milkshakes.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUSHI U FOR TWO - June 23 @ 6:00-8:30 (hands-on)

• Join your partner for a crash course in sushi, with a taste test for the final exam to discover the favorites of the evening. This hands-on class with Kelly will create tempura-fried shrimp rolls, sesame tuna hand rolls, unagi smoked eel rolls, spicy scallop rolls, hot-smoked salmon rolls with mango and jalapeño, plus ginger-peach green tea ice cream - all served with cold beer.

Winter 2011-2012 Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's winter schedule is now posted online. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online.

Here are the newest classes that I am teaching:

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU - Friday, January 20 @ 6:30-9:00 pm (demonstration)

• This is my "anti-Valentine's Day" class. Whether you are in or out of a relationship, enjoy a laugh poking fun at romance! I'll offer a quirky take on love gone awry, as you sip on a bittersweet Campari and Prosecco cocktail. Then, I'll prepare garlic bread knots, grapefruit and fennel salad with parsley and mint, fresh pasta with salty and spicy puttanesca sauce, plus wine-soaked strawberries with black pepper and balsamic ice cream.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SALSA SALSA DINE AND DANCE - Saturday, Jan. 21 @ 6:00-9:00 pm (hands-on)

• Grab your partner and join us for a unique experience of dancing and dining. The evening begins with a one-hour Latin salsa dance lesson with a dance instructor from COCA, that will spark your appetite for an incredible evening in the kitchen. Afterwards, refresh your thirst with a mojito, as you prepare fried plantain chips with black bean dip, grilled shrimp quesadillas with smoked tomato salsa, grilled pork tenderloin with papaya-mango salsa and yellow Cuban rice, plus banana cream pie.                          

 

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: SUPER TAILGATE PARTY - Friday, January 27 @ 6:30-9:00 pm (hands-on)

• Before football season comes to an end, learn to tackle a fun menu perfect for a tailgate party or Super Bowl Sunday. This class will create a refreshing lemon-ginger beer shandy cocktail, crispy cheddar coins with bacon jam, bratwurst burgers with sweet onion and grape relish, spicy kimchi slaw, plus chocolate chip cookie dough brownies.

 

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: 1960'S COCKTAIL PARTY - Sunday, January 29 @ 5:00-7:30 pm (hands-on)

• Inspired by Mad Men and the pop culture of the 1960's, this class will create modernized versions of vintage recipes for a divine cocktail party: Tom Collins cocktail, caramelized onion dip with winter white crudités (including cauliflower, endive, fennel and jicama), clams casino, Swedish meatballs with black currant dipping sauce, cheddar-gorgonzola cheese ball with bacon and smoky almonds, deviled ham canapés, plus mini dark chocolate bundt cakes with spiced rum glaze.

 

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: THE BIG CHILL-I COOK-OFF - Sunday, February 19 @ 5:00-7:30 pm (hands-on)

• Let the battle begin, as couples create and choose their favorite chili for a spirited evening of cooking, fun, and a little beer to wash it down. Learn to make roasted corn and jalapeño dip with fresh tortilla chips, Carolina pulled pork chili, Cincinnati chili with spaghetti, "real" Texas chili (without beans), and root beer sorbet.

Fall 2011 Cooking Classes

Kitchen Conservatory's fall schedule is now posted online. To register, call Kitchen Conservatory at 314-862-2665 or register online. 

Here are the upcoming classes that I am teaching:

HEIR AND A PARENT: WIZARDS IN THE KITCHEN - Sunday, September 18 @ 1:00-3:30 OR Sunday, October 16 @ 1:00-3:30 OR Sunday, November 6 @ 1:00-3:30 (hands-on)

• Attention all Muggles! Experience the world of Harry Potter and make magic in the kitchen as I help you prepare delightful dishes described throughout the J.K. Rowling series, including The Three Broomsticks' butterbeer, ham-and-cheese pasties from the Hogwarts house-elves, Mrs. Weasley's potatoes with béchamel sauce, and Aunt Petunia's individual berry-pudding trifles. Before you apparate home, you'll make edible wands to help ward off He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. This class is designed for children, at least 7 years of age, plus a parent.

DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEERS - Sunday, September 25 @ 5:00-7:30 OR Friday, December 9 @ 6:30-9:00 (hands-on)

• Forget the porridge, chair, and sleeping - the three tastings of beer will be just right and plenty cold! Join me (aka “goldie” locks) in a fun evening designed for couples. This hands-on class will prepare beer cheese fondue with soft pretzels, local lager with spicy Sriracha chicken wings, fruity Belgian wheat beer with grilled scallops and corn salad, plus creamy stout with chocolate hazelnut cake and vanilla ice cream.  

PHOTO FINISH WITH FOOD - Saturday, October 15 @ 11:00-2:00 (hands-on)

• Whether you are a food blogger or love to cook and then capture pictures of beautiful food, this class will be the perfect photo finish. Join me in creating radicchio-Brussels sprouts-apple panzanella with pancetta and cider vinaigrette, red lentil-pumpkin soup with spicy caramelized onions, bittersweet chocolate tart with a pretzel crust, plus pomegranate-red wine sangria. Professional photographer Corey Woodruff will "focus" on capturing each dish with simple techniques and available lighting, using your own cameras to discover tips on exposure, composition, plus how to make a simple homemade reflector and lightbox. Please bring your cameras. Nothing fancy is required; even phone cameras will work!

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: PORK AVENUE - Saturday, October 22 @ 6:30-9:00 (demonstration)

• If farm living is not the life for you, and you would rather have a penthouse view, relax while I shares my passion for pork. Enjoy bacon-infused bourbon and maple old fashioned cocktail, cherry-bacon-pecan snack mix, apple-fennel salad with crispy prosciutto and creamy goat cheese dressing, egg yolk raviolo with pancetta-spinach-ricotta filling, sweet-and-salty kettle corn, plus bacon cookies with maple glaze.