October Classes
Flavors of Korea
Tuesday · October 6 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Join us for a new chapter in Chef Nancy's ongoing love affair with Asian food. Nancy will start our culinary travel adventure with homemade Kimchi, a spicy, garlicky pickled napa cabbage, then turn it into Potato and Kimchi Flatcakes with Dipping Sauce. Then on to a very traditional meal-in-a-bowl called Bibimbap-a Korean rice bowl with assorted and wonderful toppings of Bulgogi Beef, Seasoned Vegetables, Fried Egg and Kochuchang Chile Sauce (This dish can easily be made vegetarian by leaving out the beef). We'll end with one of Nancy's famous sweet surprises!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Happy Tummy Herbs
Saturday · October 10 · 2-4pm
taught by Ocoee Miller
Poor digestion leads to a whole host of health problems: everything from heartburn, to poor nutrient absorption, poor immune function, bad skin, depression and brain fog, allergies, and possibly even colon cancer. There are many different aspects to good digestion and many different herbs you can use to help your food arrive where it is needed in good condition. Ocoee has new information to share on this important aspect of health.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Whole Foods Through the Whole Day - a limited hands-on class
Monday · October 12 · 7-9pm
taught by Hilary Kass
This is an experiential class for those new to cooking with fresh, whole foods. We'll use whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables to make breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to feed you and your family healthfully throughout the day. We'll wash, chop, simmer and saute with your help. You'll go home ready to make Whole-wheat Pancakes; Baked Teriyaki Tofu and Vegetable Wrap; and Turkey Burgers with Roasted Vegetables. And we'll want dessert, of course - how about a Perfect Chocolate Pudding Cake - from scratch!
$20 per person, $18 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Homeopathy - Part 2: The Safe Application of Remedies for Acute Illness
Tuesday · October 13 · 7-9pm
taught by Ursula Gilkeson
Homeopathy is a non-toxic and truly curative medical system and an excellent and inexpensive health care alternative. It is also a highly systematic study of health, the process of healing, and the laws of nature. Though homeopathy requires years of intensive study and training, homeopathic remedies for acute illness can be applied safely if you are familiar with the principles and laws of homeopathy. This class will build on the material taught in September. Participants will deepen and apply their understanding of the key concepts of homeopathy and learn how to select the correct remedy for fevers and colds, which will stimulate the body's ability to heal from within.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Spanish Tapas 2 - More and Different Little Bites
Wednesday · October 14 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
We're headed to Spain once again with Chef Paige to eat more delectable little Spanish appetizers or tapas. If you loved our first tapas class and want more, or if you missed the first class, start here for an evening of Spanish flavors. Enjoy Chicken Empanadas; Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with allioli and spicy sauce); Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Cabrales; Catalan-style Spinach; and Cauliflower Gratin with Manchego and Almond Sauce. Wow!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Dinner with Class: A Harvest Feast
Friday · October 16 · 6:30-7-:30pm demonstration · 7:30pm dinner served
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
We're back from our summer break with another wonderful Dinner with Class. Chef Paige brings the best of fall bounty to the table this evening, in a combination of cooking class and dinner. Paige will start with a cooking demonstration of the menu you'll be enjoying, followed by a very special three-course meal. You'll have recipes to take home, and a chance to visit with Paige while you dine. You are invited to bring a bottle of wine if you'd like. Our Harvest Feast will start off with Smoked Trout & White Bean Brandade with Garlic Toasts, served with a small green salad. Our main course will be Moroccan-Spiced Cornish Hens with Butternut Squash, Turnips & Olives accompanied by Couscous with Almonds & Dried Apricots. Our seasonal dessert is an Apple Spice Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting & Warm Apple Compote, served with tea and coffee. Limited to 16.
$85 per couple, $80 for Merc Owner & Senior Couples
$45 per individual, $42 for individual Merc Owners & Seniors
Osteoporosis & Naturopathy: Building Strong Bones Naturally
Saturday · October 17 · 2-3:30pm
taught by Amber Belt, ND
Osteoporosis affects more than 25 million Americans - mostly women past menopause. That's a frightening statistic, but bone loss is a condition that can be prevented and reversed naturally. In this class that covers the huge topic of bone loss, we will tackle a little bone anatomy and discuss risk factors for osteoporosis. Then we'll talk about solutions to bone loss such as lifestyle, nutrition, and supplements.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Cheese and Beer - the Perfect Partnership
Monday · October 19 · 7-9pm
taught by Elijah Hubbard and Jeff Jensen
When pairing cheese with a beverage, most people reach for the wine bottle. But for centuries, beer has been cheese's most constant companion. Come explore the exciting pairing options amidst our country's current renaissance of microbrews and artisanal cheese alike. See how the mixture of hop bitterness, malt sweetness, and palate cleansing carbonation in beer creates a natural pairing with some of the Merc's finest cheeses. Everything from soft-ripened triple creme brie like St Andre, to highly nuanced clothbound cheddars will be paired with complimentary beer tastings. Come with an open mind and willing taste buds to what promises to be a very fun evening. Must be
21 to attend.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & Seniors
How to Cook Grass-Fed Beef and Pasture-Raised Pork & Poultry
Tuesday · October 20 · 7-9pm
taught by Janet Majure - new presenter!
Here is a class you've asked for. You like our locally raised meats but you want to know more about how to cook them properly. Janet Majure is our answer. Beef, pork and chicken raised the old-fashioned way may be a little different from what you are used to cooking. Learn how to get the most flavor and best texture from these nutritionally superior meats that most people think taste better too. We'll make and sample a Better All-American Hamburger, a savory Chicken & Garlic Stew, Spicy Pork & Cellophane Noodles and Marinated Chuck Steak with Herb Sauce. Lots of info and great samples.
$23 per person, $20 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Moroccan Vegetarian
Wednesday · October 21 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Many of the traditional dishes of Morocco easily adapt to vegetarian.
We'll start with a quick run-through of some Moroccan condiments and seasonings while you nibble on a plate of mixed olives, flatbreads and dips. Then we will feast on Tofu Bstilla (I actually prefer it to the usual chicken!); Seven-Vegetable Tagine with Aromatic Couscous, and end with Almond-Stuffed Medjool Dates. Exotic, delicious, and fun!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Becoming a Better Baker: Homemade "Artisan Style" Bread Baking
Thursday · October 22 · 7-9pm
taught by Thom Leonard
If you like Wheatfields bread then you'll love this class. Taught by master baker Thom Leonard, you'll learn to make hearth baked ciabatta, boules, and baguettes in your home kitchen. The class will feature the use of commonly available kitchen accessories and simple, traditional techniques for making crusty, flavorful breads at home.
This is the first in the "Better Baker" series that Thom will teach.
Other classes will focus on using whole grains and whole grain flours, natural leavening, and heirloom grains.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Simple Dinners After Work
Monday · October 26 · 5:30-7pm
taught by Hilary Kass
Come hungry after work to this shorter class, early in the evening.
Come straight to the Merc after a busy day and learn to make three healthy dinners that take about 30 minutes each to prepare. Hilary will demonstrate and you'll get to sample Hearty Healthy Quesadillas; Easy Vegetable Curry; and Super Satisfying Sandwiches. You'll leave reenergized with new ideas and inspiration to cook healthy meals - even after a long day at work!
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & Seniors
A Paris Bistro Meal
Tuesday · October 27 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
You won't see the Eiffel Tower when you look out the front window of the Merc, but Paige's food is sure to transport you to Paris for the evening. Join us for a lovely Paris Bistro class beginning with Smoked Salmon Rillettes and Salade Dauphinoise (Curly endive with Gruyere, Bacon and Creamy Vinaigrette). Then enjoy Daube a la Provencale (Provencal Braised Beef) served with Classic Rice Pilaf.
We'll end our evening with a wonderful French Apple Tart. A great French getaway with no jet lag!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & Seniors
