World Kitchen, Gallery 37, Fall 2008

This press release arrived in my inbox today:

WORLD KITCHEN IN THE GALLERY 37 CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ANNOUNCES THE UPCOMING FALL 2008 CLASS SCHEDULE

Classes Begin September 11, 2008

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs culinary arts program, World Kitchen, located in the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street, presents the upcoming 2008 fall class schedule for adults. The state-of-the-art culinary teaching facility offers the opportunity to learn and experience the true pleasures of food for people at any level of cooking experience. All classes are hands-on with a short instructional lecture by the instructor. Participants should wear non-skid shoes and may bring an apron. Instructors, unless otherwise noted, are World Kitchen staff members.

All World Kitchen classes are $30 and require pre-registration, which begins on August 27 Reservations for all classes can be made by phone, on-line or in person. Call the hotline number at 312-742-TIXS (8497), visit http://www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/ or visit the box office located at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

The class schedule is as follows:

FAST FORWARD
Thursday, September 11 from 6 – 8:30 pm

It’s time to get back into the kitchen, yet fall weather tempts us to spend our time in other ways. We have the solution, with these tempting yet incredibly quick recipes using the best seasonal ingredients in delicious ways.

PARTY PLANNING 101
Saturday, September 13 from 11 am – 2 pm

Getting ready to plan some parties for the fall and holiday season? Years of being a caterer and working in the party business gives us plenty of experience in how to do it. We’ll not only share our best ever party recipes, but also the tips that make a party successful: How to choose or embellish a theme, how to set it up, how to work with outside help or do it yourself, how to plan and prep ahead.

BEYOND DINNER
Thursdays September 18, October 2, 16 and 30
$100 for the series of 4 classes from 6 – 8:30 pm

This four-part series focuses on techniques old and new to make you a more confident cook. This series teaches you the basics you need to know for occasions “beyond dinner” --great breakfasts, easy appetizers, simple baking projects and more.

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Saturday, September 20 from 11 am – 2 pm

This is Beef 101, the class that will teach you the basics -- not only how to cook it but also what to look for in the meat case at the grocery or butcher. National Cattlemen’s Beef presents the best in useful info for everyday meals.

MAGIC OF MOROCCO
Thursday, September 25 from 6 – 8:30 pm

This exotic part of the world produces intriguing foods we’ve been curious to learn more about. Join us as we study the maps and menus as well as the spice combinations and methods that define the Cooking of the Casbah.

WHAT COLUMBUS CARRIED
Saturday, October 4 from 11 am – 2 pm

Did the Italians really “invent” pizza and pasta and more? Either way, we are always grateful that Columbus is the one who discovered America and are happy to celebrate his holiday by tracing the background of some Italian favorites. We’re assuming he was traveling light, so we are going to use a minimum of ingredients in every recipe, yet pack them with the maximum of flavor.

END OF THE SEASON GARDEN
Thursday, October 9 from 6 – 8:30 pm

Walk through the garden or farmers market near you at this time of year and gather fall’s final harvest. Then come into the kitchen with us to cook up fresh vegetable dishes you will serve throughout the fall.

ROOTING FOR GINGER
Saturday, October 18 from 11 am – 2 pm

It’s not just for gingerbread! Ginger is prized worldwide from the sensational stir fries of Asia, to medicinal potions, to the traditional sweets of Europe. Join us as we explore the wonderful world of this versatile, spicy & aromatic root. Add some zing to your cooking as we create inspired dishes using fresh, powdered, crystallized ginger and more.

PEPPER, PAPRIKA AND MORE
Thursday, October 23 from 6 – 8:30 pm

What’s the real difference between chile pepper, pimento, paprika and other spicy ingredients? Come in to learn the history and use of these popular, though confusing, dry peppers from the staff of The Spice House, who share their extensive knowledge of all things spicy, then cook up some quick and easy recipes using all of them.

ELECTION NIGHT
Saturday, October 25 from 11 am – 2 pm

Go out and Vote! With all attention focused on the upcoming elections, we thought it might be fun to investigate exactly what politicians eat or have served for historical official occasions. Plan an election night party to watch the returns while enjoying our politically inspired menu.

TERRIFIC TAMALES
Saturday, November 1 from 11 am – 2 pm

Intrigued by the profusion of various tamale offerings on Mexican menus? Our guest instructors help you learn authentic and contemporary versions. We’ll not only make traditional corn-husk wraps and fillings, but we’ll use banana leaves too, and unique fillings like pumpkin and mole. And for dessert? Why, chocolate tamales, of course!

IN THE APPLE ORCHARD
Thursday, November 6 from 6 – 8:30 pm

Our friends at Seedling Orchard have saved an heirloom orchard full of apple trees from extinction and want you to know about these old-fashioned varieties and how to use them --and especially the cider pressed from them -- in recipes for all kinds of fall events, breakfast to party time.

GOIN’ SOUTH – CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICAN RECIPES
Saturday, November 8 from 11 am – 2 pm

When November’s grey skies arrive, we follow the sun South of the Border in this class, picking up recipes from Brazil, Argentina, Equador, and other warm-weather countries to make a meal that is sparkling with flavors and filled with a sense of adventure.

THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE JAR
Thursday, November 13 from 6 – 8:30 pm

At this time of year, the cover of every food magazine or newsletter is filled with picture-perfect decorated cookies. If you’ve wondered how they do it, or even tried some of the ideas in the past, you know it’s a special artistry and you probably think it’s beyond your skill. Tonite Pastry Chef Peter Rios brings his artist palette to our class to teach you the professional tricks you need to know to turn a basic sugar cookie recipe and a gingerbread recipe into artworks using different icing techniques as well as coloring, frosting, sprinkles and candies.

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES
Saturday, November 15 from 11 am – 2 pm

It’s that time of year again, the meal everyone loves but which brings the fear of cooking into the kitchen. We will share our Holiday Memories with you and give you plenty of help in how to shop, do the timing, and make the recipes we remember fondly and many you will want to adopt for your own traditions.

GIRLFRIENDS GET TOGETHER
Thursday November 20 from 6 – 8:30 pm

Are your college buddies all coming back into town for the holidays? Tired of trying to talk in a noisy restaurant? Want them to see your new place? Tonight we give you the arsenal you need to entertain The Girls at a slightly-fancy-but-not-too-fussy get together they will remember for a long time. Did we mention that there will be chocolate?

STRESS-FREE PARTY APPETIZERS
Thursday, December 4 from 6 – 8:30 pm

The holidays are stressful enough with out worrying about what to serve guests! Learn how to prepare simple one bite savory wonders that will impress your guests and be sure to get you on Santa’s “Nice” list.

STOP BY FOR DESSERT
Saturday, December 6 from 11 am -2 pm

Don’t have the time, nor skills, necessary for giving a fancy sit-down dinner but want to entertain in a more elegant way this season? Pull out the fancy dishes, platters and cups...this glamorous almost-all-chocolate dessert buffet will please everyone on your “must invite” list and make your life easier too. Use the recipes now, after caroling or a concert, then again later for a very special New Year’s Eve.