February Newsletter from Culinary Events Northwest
In This Issue
Featured Recipes
Upcoming Classes
Mardi Gras Fact
Wine Notes
60% Off Coupon
February 2010 Newsletter
From Culinary Events Northwest, LLC   425-231-9239
Dear Culinary Enthusiast,

Culinary Events Northwest Takes to the Road
 
Culinary Events NW kicked off February with its first culinary excursion to WineStyles wine boutique in Bothell.  It was a packed house as 22 of our guests made the trek to enjoy a delectable array of appetizers, desserts and the delicious wines that pair with them.  Everyone left the evening with their appetites satisfied and with a greater understanding of wine tasting, wine varietals and the marriage of food and wine. Our thanks goes to the Scott family and their staff for hosting our inaugural journey for 2010. Keep an eye out for future excursions to WineStyles and other Northwest venues as we get closer to the summer months. 


Wine Styles Canyon Creek


February also saw the celebrations of Valentine's Day, President's Day, Mardi Gras and Chinese New Year!  We celebrated Mardi Gras with Chef Jemil Aziz and a sold out class.We enjoyed an in-depth "hands on" Creole experience that featured Shrimp Jambalaya, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Crawfish Ettoufee, and more!  


Mardi Gras

 












Chinese New Year will be observed in the upcoming Chinese Wok-a-thon (demonstration/partial hands-on) class taught by Chef Julie Little, to be held on Wednesday, March 3rd, from 6:30-9 pm.  Click on the tab to the left to view all of our March classes which will feature chefs and cuisines from all over the world!
 
Our featured Chef this month is Conni Brownell.  Continue reading to find her bio, classes and some of her favorite recipes.  Also find delicious wine pairings to try, a 60% off coupon for Calphalon Cookware, and interesting facts about Mardi Gras we discovered in class this month.

Featured Chef: Conni Brownell
Conni Brownell Chef/Owner, The Charmed Radish
Conni is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Seattle.  While in school, she interned with Rover's restaurant.  Conni then focused on opening her own personal chef service, The Charmed Radish, which specializes in providing clients personalized meals in the comfort of their own home. Conni has been a culinary instructor in the greater Seattle area for the last 8 years. Conni's classes in March include:

Quick & Flavorful Sauces
Thursday, March 18, 6:30-8:30 PM

Four Ways with Chicken
Tuesday, March 23, 6:30-8:30 PM 

(for details see the class listings below)
Featured Recipes:

Fresh Salmon Cakes

1      pounds salmon-small dice
1/4   cup fresh bread crumbs
2-3   tablespoons mayonnaise
2-3   green onions-thinly sliced
3/4   teaspoon salt
1      tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Zest from 1 lemon or lime
2       large eggs- lightly beaten
Olive oil
Panko

Lightly toss salmon with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onion, salt, zest, eggs, and lemon juice in medium bowl. Using hands form about ¼ of a cup salmon mixture into patties. Coat patties with panko and press. 
 
Heat olive oil over medium high heat and cook salmon patties with out crowding till golden brown on each side.


Macaroni and Blue Cheese with Fresh Herbs

1      pound elbow macaroni
4      tablespoons butter
1/4    cup all purpose flour
2       cups whole milk
1       cup whipping cream
3       cups grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2  cups crumbled blue cheese   
1       bunch fresh chives-sliced
2        tablespoons melted butter  
1/4      cup fresh bread crumbs


Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly (do not allow to brown). Gradually whisk in milk and cream.

Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, whisking occasionally, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup crumbled blue cheese. Whisk until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Stir in chives, season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Add cooked pasta to sauce; stir to coat.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Mix together remaining blue cheese, butter and bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the top. Bake until sauce begins to bubble, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with chives and serve.
Upcoming Classes:

Easy and Healthy Weeknight
Olaiya Land-Chef/Owner, Olaiya Land Catering
Wednesday, March 10, 6:30-8:30 PM                          $45
Join Chef Olaiya as she demonstrates how easy and tempting it is to eat healthy, wholesome, flavorful foods.  Her menus are suitable for every kind of meal, from weekday suppers to special occasions. Shrimp Stir-fry with Baby Bok Choy & Mushrooms; Easy Roast Chicken with Lemon & Rosemary; Roasted Root Vegetables with Poached Eggs; Smoky Guinness Stout Chili and Clementine-Pomegranate Salad with Pistachios & Halva.

Classic Southern Comfort
(HANDS-ON, Class limited to 16)
Jemil Aziz-Chef and Culinary Instructor
Saturday, March 13, 5:00-7:30 PM                             $55
Food of the American South is multicultural and steeped in tradition.  Embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and sate your belly!  Chef Jemil hails from New Orleans and is excited to share this authentic Southern Home-style menu with you. Southern Style Cornbread Fitters with Honey Butter; Buttermilk Battered Fried Chicken; Blackened Catfish; Best Ever Macaroni and Cheese; Southern Greens; and Red Velvet Cake.

Pizza & Calzones
(HANDS-ON, Class limited to 16)
Iole Aguero-Chef, Culinary Tour Guide--Italy
Wednesday, March 17, 6:30-9:00 PM                         $55
Although pizza is available in nearly every corner of the world, nowhere does it achieve the status bestowed upon it in Naples, where the modern pie was born.  Join Italian Chef Iole as she reintroduces us to this subtle masterpiece and its delectable cousins, Calzone and Focaccia, in this in-depth hands-on class.  Learn how to create the perfect crust, thin and crisp, yet chewy at the same time. We'll then select fresh toppings that honor the legacy of simplicity that separates the true Italian pie from its gaudy competitors. Pizza Margherita; Pizza with Pepperoni, Artichokes, Sweet Onions, Olives & Red Peppers; Ricotta, Mozzarella and Mushroom Calzone; Spinach Calzone; and Rosemary Focaccia.

Quick & Flavorful Sauces
Conni Brownell-Chef/Owner, The Charmed Radish
Thursday, March 18, 6:30-8:30 PM                               $42
Just what your winter meals need--the perfect flavorful touch!  A repertoire of satisfying quick sauces to give that special edge to your grilling, roasting and sautéing.   These elegant sauces that are neither complicated nor time consuming--ranging from sinfully rich to delightfully low in fat. On the menu this evening:  Chicken Marsala; Chicken with Lemon-Basil Sauce; Steak with Gorgonzola Sauce; Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms; and Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Pear Sauce.

Four Ways with Chicken
Conni Brownell-Chef/Owner, The Charmed Radish
Tuesday, March 23, 6:30-8:30 PM                               $42
Be it crispy, spicy, roasted, sauced or stuffed, chicken is one of America's favorite entrees.  In this class we'll cover new fast and fresh recipes for chicken breasts using internationally inspired ingredients easily found in your pantry. Tips for roasting, sautéing, stuffing and tenderizing discussed throughout.  On the menu: Southwest Grilled Chicken Breast and Lime Butter with Chipotle Black Beans; Cashew Crusted Chicken Breast with Pineapple-Basil Rice; Brie and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast with Wild Rice Pilaf; Sautéed Chicken Breast with Cracked Pepper Cream Sauce; and Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes.

Cool Mardi Gras Fact:


King Cake
 The traditional Mardi Gras colors Purple, Green and Gold have special meanings:

Purple--Justice
Green--Faith
Gold--Power

Wine Notes:

La Puerta Malbec
This delicious wine from Argentina offers aromas of mint & pepper, while flavors of ripe plum accompany. Smooth and sweet tannins. This wine is well balanced on the palate with a pleasant and persistent finish. Pair this wine with spicy, bold pasta dishes like Penne Puttanesca, or zesty Mexican dishes such as Beef and Chorizo Chili.  A Culinary Events Northwest customer favorite!   $13.99
 
Villa Sandi Prosecco
When in doubt about a wine pairing, try a bubbly. Bubblies are among the most versatile of wines. And the Villa Sandi Prosecco, made from Prosecco grapes, accompanies many foods nicely. The nose is fruity and flowery with hints of golden apple. It is dry, fresh and fruity on the palate. Terrific as a nice finish with apple pie, or with an assortment of cheeses. $20.99 now on sale at $14.99.
 
Find these delicious wine selections, friendly, knowledgeable staff and terrific prices at WineStyles 22833 Bothell-Everett Hwy., Bothell WA (425) 408-1031 and online at www.winestyles.net/CanyonPark
Blowout Sale: 60% Off
Visit the Caphalon Kitchen Outlet at the Seattle Premium Outlets and get 60% off of Caphalon One Nonstick open stock!!!*

Caphalon Kitchen Outlet
Seattle Premium Outlets
10600 Quil Ceda Blvd. Ste 416
Tulalip, WA   425-716-3143



*Cannot be combined with other offers-see sales associate for details.

Please call 425-231-9239 to reserve your classes. Remember to visit our website www.culinaryeventsnw.com for more information and upcoming classes.

Copyright 2010, Culinary Events Northwest, LLC.