Sunday, September 13, 2009

Monthly Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter is online. Full of monthly specials, recipes, ideas and news, it's a fun way for us to stay in contact with you.

If you would like to sign up for an email copy, please do so through our online form on our website.

To download the newsletter in PDF format please click here

October 2009 Cooking Class Schedule

Tuesday, October 6, 6:00pm
“Gourmet Comfort Foods” - $45

Tribute to the Barefoot Contessa

Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Turkey Meatloaf
Outrageous Brownies

Tuesday, October 13, 6:00pm
“Italian Favorites” - $45

Tribute to Giada De Laurentiis

Chicken Florentine
Fusilli with Sausage, Artichoke Hearts & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Braised Beef Short Ribs with Tagliatelle
Espresso Martini

Tuesday, October 20, 6:00pm
“Autumn Seasonal Favorites” - $45

Roast Pork Loin Stuffed with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey Butter
Baked Rigatoni with Eggplant and Sausage
White Coconut
Cake

All classes are hands on. Recipes will be provided.
We will sample and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Limit of 8 attendees per class. Pre-payment required.

Call 203-626-0005 or email for more information

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Long Day Today

We just finished up a long day. 4 parties went out today -- all perfectly.

The main event of the day was an outdoor engagement party in Meriden. We did a "Tuscan Table" complete with grilled vegetables drizzled with a balsamic reduction. The table also had cured meats, olive salad, bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, cheeses and marinated vegetables.

Passed hors d'oeurves included mini sausage and pepper calzones, stuffed mushroom caps, panko crusted chicken tenders with honey chipotle dipping sauce and Prosciutto wrapped shrimp.

Everyone was stuffed but we also had a carving station with roast beef au jus, whole herb roasted turkey and poached salmon.

Great event with great people... back to the grind tomorrow.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Cooking Classes with Us

Cooking Classes
May 2009 Schedule
Each class will be taught in our kitchen by Lou Mastropetre. Everything you need will be provided, from aprons to knives, recipes and all ingredients. $35 per person per evening, $100 for any 3 classes.

Classes will begin at 6:30pm, and will run about 2 – 3 hours. We will limit class size to about 10 and prepare at least three items around the evening’s theme. Once we are finished, you will sit and enjoy the fruits of our labor. We'll give you the recipes to take with you so you can continue to cook and enjoy with your friends and family.

CLASS SCHEDULE
All classes begin promptly at 6:30 PM

Wednesday, May 6: Stocks, Soups & Sauces
Delicious stocks and soups are the culinary foundations for so many finished dishes. Just adding a little stock in place of water in recipes can make all the difference and bring a so-so dish to the next level. We'll show how to make an easy vegetable stock, chicken stock, Marinara and Alfredo sauces, giving you the building blocks for stocking your freezer with delicious sauces and soups.

Thursday, May 7: Build a Better Brunch
Eggs Benedict, Sticky Buns, Potatoes, Bacon and more will grace your brunch table after this intro to an easy Sunday brunch. Just in time for Mother's day. We'll give you the basics for creating a memorable meal for your friends and family.

Wednesday, May 13: A Well Stocked Pantry
Cooking at home can be fun and easy if you have a kitchen stocked with all the basics that keep you from running to the store every day. We will show you how to spend less time preparing meals and more time enjoying them. We will prepare easy weeknight meals like Crispy Chicken Parmigiana, Penne with Vodka sauce, Chicken Piccata and healthy side dishes.

Thursday, May 14: Fire Up the Grill
Memorial day is upon us and it's the time to start cooking outdoors. We'll give you the basics so you can whip up fantastic grilled dishes and sides. No more boring over cooked chicken and burgers. We're going to make herb marinated grilled chicken breast, stuffed cheeseburgers, grilled red potatoes and a vegetable platter to die for. We'll also cover some rediscovered classics like pasta and potato salads.

CALL (203) 626-0005 to place your reservations.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Shopping and home cooking to save $$$$

Dining out has gotten increasingly expensive and unhealthy. Believe me there are times when I want a McDonald's double cheeseburger and fries, but when you look at the nutritional content, well, let's not do that.

Our cooking classes seek to give you confidence in the kitchen. We're going to create quick easy meals to save time and money. Not to mention the unhealthy levels of sodium and calories.

The key to saving time and money is meal planning. We're going to touch on stocking your kitchen with the basics to create your own meals in under 30 minutes for half the price of dining out.

It’s convenient to stop by your favorite place. You can pick something up and serve dinner without the dirty dishes, prep or hassle. But at double or triple what you could pay at the grocery store and don't you want to know what is in your food.

Cheeseburgers, fries, steaks, and Chicken fajitas are all the favorites we can make at home for half the cost. We're going to show you how to shop prepare and save.

Relax and truly enjoy a meal you prepared, knowing that you saved time and money while eating all natural, freshly made, real foods.

Best wishes and we can't wait to see you in class!!!
Lou

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Summer Ice Cubes

(Wallingford) - Entertaining in the summer is always a lot of fun. Whether you are celebrating a graduation, a birthday or the 4th of July there is always a need for drinks. A great way to keep your drinks cold without diluting them is by making ice cubes with things other then water. After you are done with your coffee, let it cool and pour it in an ice cube tray and your iced coffee will stay strong. Lemonade ice cubes are great in Iced Tea or just a cold glass of water. Cut up strawberries and add a little water to keep them together. Great in lemonade. These are just a few ideas. Enjoy and stay cool!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Appreciation for Mothers

I have been watching my daughter now a few nights a week while my wife has come back to work in the store. I can say with complete certainty -- as difficult as a culinary career can be, I'll happily sit in the kitchen and never compare my workload to hers.

My daughter Gabriella is 11 months old and a non stop ball of energy. Just when I think she is about to wind down and nap, she starts up again. Crawl, jump, play, point, scream, laugh, let's go and do it again.

This mother's day I am going to prepare Sandy a feast to show her how much I appreciate her job as a full time mother and I never intend to knock a woman's work again. I'm sure she will enjoy her favorite Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce, and breakfast potatoes, and whatever else I am inspired to make for her

So for all the moms out there young and old and in between, be sure to relax and enjoy your day -- you have all absolutely earned it.