This summer, you can learn how to be a great amateur chef at Middlesex County College. “Today’s Table” will be held in Crabiel Hall’s state-of-the-art culinary lab. Come hungry and enjoy tastings of food prepared by the chef. Recipes are distributed.
“This program is for cooks and non-cooks, and it is instructive, entertaining and fun,” said Lynn Lederer, director of Professional and Community Programs at the college. “You will develop techniques to enhance your recipes. This is a wide-ranging cooking program that is both enjoyable and educational.”
Except where noted, you can register a la carte at $40 for each class or choose any three classes for $99. The savings are available to anyone who registers with payment for the three classes at the same time. Except where noted, classes meet from 6:30-9 p.m. For more information visit middlesexcc.edu/profcom or call 732-906-2556.
Classes include:
Summer Smoothies That Rock: If you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast, post-workout drink, snack or beverage, why not try a smoothie? Monday, June 6.
Get the Scoop About Ice Cream Making: Learn basic ice cream making techniques and how you can prepare the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted at home. Tuesday, June 7.
Sensational Summer Salads: If you are looking for recipes that are fresh, easy and pretty enough for a party, this class is for you. Thursday, June 9.
Herbs, Herbs, Herbs: Nothing will brighten a dish like a splash of fresh herbs and summer is the perfect time to try some new ways to use these fresh flavors. Tuesday, June 14.
Not Your Typical Backyard BBQ: Gathering friends and family is one of life’s simple pleasures. Why not host a backyard get-together using the season’s freshest ingredients? Thursday, June 16.
Farmers’ Market Finds: Start cooking this summer with delicious ingredients from your local farmers’ market. Tuesday, June 21.
To Thai For: Explore some of the great recipes from Thailand that are perfect for hot summer nights. Thursday, June 23.
Summer Grilling Sensations: Summer grilling made easy. Topics include sauces, marinades and rubs, plan-ahead meals, and entertaining with light foods. Thursday, July 7.
Opposites Attract: Let the basic elements of taste and flavor be your guide to mouthwatering cooking sensations. Opposite flavors play off each other, creating new flavor sensations. Tuesday, July 12.
Going with the Grain: Ancient grains are making a comeback and are delicious, nutritious and inexpensive. Your taste buds will relish the creamy texture while savoring the slightly nutty flavor. Thursday, July 14.
From Ocean to Table: Summer’s here and the eating is easy with delicious ingredients from under the sea. Learn the seasonality of seafood, and enjoy fresh recipes bursting with flavor. Tuesday, July 19.
Berry Berry Good Summer Desserts: This class will take advantage of New Jersey’s wonderful fresh fruit by making classic strawberry shortcake, fresh fruit cobblers and blueberry buckle cake. Thursday, July 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Intro to Indian Foods: Adapted to the requirements of today’s kitchen, this class will help you cook delicious Indian food at home with ease. Tuesday, July 26.
Panini Heaven: Come explore these toasted Cuban and Italian sandwiches that are filled with a combination of meat, cheese and vegetables. Thursday, July 28.
Too Hot to Cook: Mediterranean Salads-as-Meals; learn to turn summer’s peak harvest into delicious meals. Tuesday, August 2.
Eggplant’s World Tour: Eggplant is more than Eggplant parmesan and it is an ingredient used in the cuisine of countries all over the world. Diversify your portfolio with these international recipes. Thursday, August 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Cool Foods for Hot Nights: Demonstration includes recipes and food tastings for marinated grilled minted chicken salad with white peaches and grapes, grilled shrimp with pineapple and poached salmon with summer vegetables. Tuesday, August 16.
Tapas: Enjoy culinary specialties such as croquettes with Serrano ham and mushrooms stuffed with Manchego cheese and garlic shrimp. Thursday, August 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The Spirit of Summer – Cooking with Rum and Tequila
Rum and tequila are much more than Rum Runners and Margaritas. They are unusual and often misunderstood distilled beverages, with histories and characteristics all on their own. In these two classes, you will learn to pair foods and cook with rum and tequila. Note: Proof of age is required at the time of registration and again at the door prior to class. These courses do not qualify for the discount.
Rum: Demonstration and tastings include passion fruit rum punch, coconut cilantro rice with peel and eat hot pepper shrimp, rum cake with rum whipped cream and caramelized pineapple spears. Thursday, August 4.
Tequila: Demonstration and tastings include El Diablo (tequila, cranberry ginger ale and lime), steamed clams with chorizo and tequila, homemade tamales, guava and manchengo phyllo pouches. Tuesday, August 9.