Combine thoughtful instruction with a pinch of relaxation, a dash of laughter, and heaps of great food. Mix well. The result is Chef du Jour, an evening of fun and learning in one of a series of cooking courses from Ulster BOCES. The series includes courses in everything from “Fresh Summer Vegetables” and “Quick Meals from Soup to Nuts” to “Gifts from the Kitchen.”
Through Chef du Jour, Culinary Institute of America graduate Marcia Ginsberg and Woodstock Vital Foods’ chef Lucia Ferrante teach a variety of courses to eager chefs-in-training throughout Ulster County. Chefs Ginsberg and Ferrante encourage their students to roll up their sleeves and prepare to get up to their elbows in flour, sugar, or whatever else the delicious recipes call for.
The classes, which run about three hours each, are characterized by small workstations that give students the chance to learn about specific aspects of a particular meal. But don’t think that you’ll miss out on any of the fun by being taught this way— you are free to leave your station and explore what’s cooking throughout the room. The best part comes after all the hard work and dishes are done. At the end of the night, the class sits together and enjoys the fruits (or vegetables!) of their labor as they taste all of their creations.
“We gear the classes to be fun, as well as informative,” explains Chef Ginsberg. “We want the people in the classes to feel comfortable and most importantly we want them to go home with a recipe that they will make again on their own!”
Chef du Jour courses are offered in both Port Ewen and Ellenville. If you would like more information about Chef du Jour courses or other Adult Education courses offered through Ulster BOCES, log onto www.uslterboces.org or call (845) 331-0902.
Upcoming courses include:
(CTC=Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen l ELH=Ellenville High School)
“How to Hot-Smoke on Your Stove Top”
CTC • Jan 7 (Mon) / ELH • Jan 8 (Tues)
“Winter Warmth Caribbean Style”
CTC • Jan 8 (Tues) / ELH • Jan 10 (Thurs)
“Tofu Mania!”
CTC • Jan 22 (Tues) / ELH • Jan 24 (Thurs)
“Warm Winter Chowders”
CTC • Jan 28 (Mon) / ELH • Jan 29 (Tues)
“Warm Winter Soups”
CTC • Feb 7 (Thurs) / ELH • Feb 6 (Wed)
“Chicken Recipes to Enjoy!”
CTC • Feb 11 (Mon) / ELH • Feb 12 (Tues)
“Foods of Love”
CTC • Feb 12 (Tues) / ELH • Feb 19 (Tues)
“Pies and Tarts, Savory & Sweet”
CTC • Feb 25 (Mon) / ELH • Feb 26 (Tues)
“Taste of Mexico”
CTC • Feb 26 (Tues) / ELH • Feb 28 (Thurs)
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