Cooking Series - Asparagus

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is having Cooking Series - Spargelzeit on Friday May 6 at 7:30 pm
Demonstration, recipes and history
Class fee of $18ncludes one drink

Hi,

I plan to be there this evening.

Regards,

Hi,

May's asparagus class was an on, then off and on-again event. Consequently, there were only eight people who attended and not the 20-30 planned for.

Our instructor was Chef Jeff Adamek of Julius Meinl, who is a native Minnesotan who spent a lot of time on his Grandmother's farm. He is responsible for the entrees, while another Chef is in charge of pastries and baking.


Chef Jeff Adamek by cal222, on Flickr

Jeff made good use of both white and green asparaus in various preparations:


White and green asparagus with spaetzel, mushrooms and cheese by cal222, on Flickr

While this not how I ever saw asparagus or spaetzel served at my Grandmother's. It was good to break out of the mold and see a new execution.

There was a bit of student participation as people were invited to roll their own Prosciutto around white asparagus for roasting.


Roasted Prosciutto wrapped asparagus by cal222, on Flickr

I am someone who adores salt, this verged on too salty.


Students interacting in the class by cal222, on Flickr

Chef Jeff Adamek made asparagus pickles using the Pasteurization method (180 degrees for 30 minutes) to process. Every student received a jar. My family will enjoy them for the 4th of July.


Pickled asparagus by cal222, on Flickr

The finale was white asparagus with freshly prepared Bernaise sauce with freshly made buttered crumbs.


White asparagus with Bernaise sauce by cal222, on Flickr

What I like about these classes is an opportunity to ask questions, which I cannot do reading a book or watching television. I have come away from each class having learned something I can use again.

Talking to Jeff I learned all about his method of making Booyah. I learned he hunted squirrels for eating. What a cool guy!

I met one person who came away unhappy from a class, because they didn't learn as much as they thought they would. "Did you ask questions?" "No." Asking questions is how you make the best use of this opportunity.

There won't be any classes until August or September. You will find me there in the front row poised to ask a few more questions.

Regards,