Basics Program

International Basics

Phyllis Vaccarelli, CCP, JoAnn Hecht
Spring 2009 schedule: Four Thursdays beginning April 16, 2009
Time: 10:30 am or 6:30 pm
Cost: $75 per class per person or $285 for the series

Class #906679 for the entire series at 10:30 am beginning April 16, 2009
Class #906680 for the entire series at 6:30 pm beginning April 16, 2009

To sign up for individual classes see the numbers below in the class descriptions.

This course allows students to expand on what they have already learned in our Basic Techniques and our More Basics series. Each class will feature quick and easy recipes based on ethnic cuisines and regions from around the world. Students will be introduced to new methods and techniques as well as ingredients from far and exotic places. Add excitement to your family meals and fun to your menus for entertaining!

Classes are held on Thursdays at 10:30 AM or 6:30 PM on the dates listed below. Please note that you do not have to take Basic Techniques as a prerequisite, although it is recommended.

Instructors: This course will be taught by Phyllis Vaccarelli, Director of Let's Get Cookin', JoAnn Hecht, and other Let's Get Cookin' staff. Phyllis is a Certified Culinary Professional with the International Association of Culinary Professionals and has had years of experience teaching, developing recipes, and working with professional chefs, authors, and other instructors. JoAnn is an excellent, well respected cooking teacher and caterer who has co-taught Basics and many other classes in addition to assisting chefs and cookbook authors at Let's Get Cookin'.

  Date
Class #
Subject Class Description
Part 1 April 16
#906681 am
#906682 pm
Old World European Cuisine

Feast on delicious foods from the empires of Kings, Queens and Czars who occupied countries such as France, Austria, Hungary and Russia during the last two centuries.

We will make Blinis with assorted toppings, an Alsatian Tart, Beef Stroganoff, Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage, Spaetzle and a special Viennese Dessert, Sacher Torte.

Part 2 April 23
#9063683 am
#906684 pm
Mysteries of the Middle East

The cuisines of Morocco, Tunisia, Greece and Turkey will be explored in this session.

Students will have an opportunity to work with Filo Dough and delicious exotic ingredients and spices such as Harissa, Pomegranate Molasses, Sumac, Preserved Lemons, Dried Fruits and Nuts.

We will make Homemade Stuffed Grape Leaves, Walnut and Pomegranate Molasses Dip, Baba-Ghanouj, Bastilla with layers of Filo, Chicken and Almonds, Carrot Salad with Harissa, and Baklava.

Part 3 April 30
#906685 am
#906686 pm
Latin Traditions

Learn to prepare flavorful dishes from Cuba, Mexico, Central and South America.

We will demonstrate Traditional Tamales and Empanadas, and show students how to work with Chiles, Plantains, Black Beans and other Latin American staples.

Recipes will include Empanadas, Corn Tamales, Nut Crusted Chicken stuffed with Prosciutto and Plantains, Black Beans with Epazote, and a classic Red Yam Flan for dessert.

Part 4 May 7
#906687 am
#906688 pm
Cuisines of Asia

Beyond stir-frys, dim-sum and sushi is a whole new world of cooking from regions such as Viet-Nam, India, Thailand and Maylasia.

In class we will demonstrate how to use and roast Whole Spices, how to make a perfect Curry Dish, how to prepare a flatbread, work with various wrappers, Asian Noodles, Broths and Vegetables.

We will prepare a Pho Soup, Vietnamese Summer Rolls, an Exotic Salad, an Indian Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice, Chapatis and Sticky Rice with Mangoes.