November Classes

Thanksgiving Basics
including the Turkey

Wednesday, November 1, 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
If you'd like to take the stress out of holiday entertaining this is the class for you. Paige will provide organizational tips to make planning and preparing a big meal a little easier. She'll prepare (and show you how to carve) a Brined & Roasted Turkey, served with Shiitake Mushroom Gravy and Cranberry-Pecan Dressing. Paige will also talk about variations on the gravy and dressing. She'll top the class off with a demonstration, and sampling, of Classic Pumpkin Pie. After this class you'll be able to take a deep breath and enjoy entertaining.
$23 per person, $20 for co-op members & seniors.

Two Soups - Two Breads
Tuesday, November 7, 10 AM - Noon
taught by Hilary Kass
Warm up your morning with a class that will nourish and inspire. Hilary will prepare a quick Simple & Creamy Spinach Soup, an Old Fashioned Cornbread as well as a more complex Autumn Vegetable Soup with Honey Whole Wheat Yeast Rolls. Join us at The Merc on a fall morning for a class and lunch.
$15 per person, $13 for co-op members & seniors.

Quantum Leap: Moving Beyond Fear
Tuesday, November 7, 7-9 PM
taught by MaryBeth Bethel
How many times has fear held you back from trying something new or going after a cherished goal? This class offers tools to diminish the paralyzing power of fear and anxiety. By understanding anxiety as a normal and necessary aspect of growth and change, we can learn to work with it instead of letting it stop us in our tracks. We'll discuss ways to create empowering thoughts and develop courage. You'll learn how effective risk-taking and mental toughness can be used to break through fears, freeing you to move forward. The class will include written exercises, discussion and guided imagery. Be prepared to let go and soar!
$12 per person, $10 for co-op members & seniors.

Holiday Side Dishes
Wednesday, November 8, 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
Turkey may be the centerpiece but side dishes can really make a meal special - in this class you'll learn how to elevate side dishes to center stage. You'll also get lots of planning and organizational tips that will make your feast go smoothly. Paige will prepare and you'll sample; Classic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Caramelized Onions & Bacon, Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples, Beet Salad with Arugula, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Dressing, and Butternut Squash & Potato Gratin. Lumpy mashed potatoes will be a thing of the past!
$18 per person, $15 for co-op members & seniors.

Beyond Ramen: Quick and Healthy
Cooking for the College Student

Thursday, November 9, 7:30-9 PM
taught by Hilary Kass and Nicole Henry
Calling all students who have ever eaten Ramen noodles.... OK, that's everyone! Join Hilary Kass, Nutrition Educator and Nicole Henry, Community Health Intern for a fun and informative evening of good food and practical ideas for planning and making quick and healthy food. Learn how to cook some new dishes that won't break your budget. They're simple, fast and easy dishes for someone with every kind of kitchen situation; from microwave in a dorm room to a shared apartment kitchen. You will taste and learn how to make Almost Instant Bean and Cheese Quesadillas, Nicole's Sustaining Tuna Salad, Chicken and Tofu Wraps and Fruity Yogurt Parfait. We guarantee higher test scores with these recipes. Come hungry.
1 Special price: $10 per person.

Savory Chocolaty Little Bites
for the Holiday Party

Tuesday, November 14, 7-9 PM
taught by Debjani Bhaduri
Holiday fun would be so much less without savory and chocolaty tidbits. Debjani's collection of side dishes twists the traditions just enough to brighten your holiday menu into something special. The afternoon alternates savory (vegetarian) menu pleasers - Spicy Vegetable Empanadillas, Potato Tikia (a fritter), and Garlic Shrimp with delights for the chocoholic - Chocolate Cranberry-Chutney Bites, Tuscan Chocolate Pudding, and a Hot White Chocolate Drink to indulge those chocolate cravings. These delicious finger foods (side dishes) carry big flavor in little packages and will set your taste buds popping.
$15 per person, $13 for co-op members & seniors.

Holiday Open House
Wednesday, November 30, 7-9 PM
taught by Bonnie Sparrman
Come and be inspired to host your own "Holiday Open House" by joining us for this class based on a festive menu of hors d'oeuvres. Bonnie will teach cooking and baking techniques as she prepares what you will sample. The menu includes: Jarlsburg Swiss & Onion Tart, Brie and Lingonberries baked in Puff Pastry, Gougeres (savory French cheese puffs), Smoked Salmon & Lemon Caper Canapes and for a sweet finish; Pecan Tassie Tarts. Each of these delicious items will be easy for you to duplicate in your own kitchen as you welcome guests for the holidays!
$15 per person, $13 for co-op members & seniors.

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