Cooking classes with bookish themes...

Well, it’s official. I will be teaching six cooking classes at Stonewall Kitchen here in Portland over the next several months. All of my classes have a biblio-culinary theme and will be at offered at the dates shown and between 6 and 8(ish)pm. There are a considerable number of other classes as well…but will clearly not be as entertaining as my own (though the food might be better…who knows). All are welcome, contact Stonewall through the link above if you are interested…they really should be a riot. Mark your calendars and try to join us...fun will be had by all (except, perhaps, me *g*).

The Joyce of Cooking - January 31

A biblio-culinary adventure "…between gormandizing and gormeteering" (Finnegans Wake, 407, 1-2) Authentic Irish cuisine straight from the pages of James Joyce. Starting with royal sturgeon caviare (and a secret to "making" the Irish double cream needed for the crème fraiche) and centering on lamb with rosemary, the meal will be supported by Murphy's Puffs (potato), something in a traditional green and we will finish with Trifle Gabriel Conroy. Food is essential to Joyce's writing…we will seek similar inspiration.

Thou Shalt Not Grill - February 23

Another biblio-culinary adventure, here taking the Mystery out of the perfect grill…with a smattering of other culinary mysteries. From a crab starter, we will grill pork tenderloin with a variety of glazes supported by coconut grilled pineapple and squash and portabella mushrooms brushed with oils. We will finish with a simple, but delicious sweet.

Call of the Wild - March 6

This biblio-culinary adventure travels with Jack London off the usual paths to the wilder side. An appetizer of rattlesnake or some similarly tasty critter (with chicken for the more timid), followed by venison medallions in a Vidalia Onion and Fig sauce. Side dishes will include wild rice and special mushrooms. We will finish with a pomegranate treat. It will be a delicious walk on the wild side.

Jewels of Tropical Cuisine - March 23

The spices and flavors of Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe fill this biblio-culinary adventure. A starter of shrimp skewers leads us to tuna, pork and chicken with mango and/or coconut. Lemon-saffron rice, cucumber salad and Jamaican gingerbread leaving us a little room for our finish, bananas flambé.

The Art of Cooking - April 6

This biblio-culinary adventure brings the subtle genius of Sun Tzu into the kitchen, using the principles of Art of War to bring complex meals to the table with ease. We will start with lobster bundles and maki rolls then an entrée of lobster and tarragon brûlée. This wonderfully rich dish calls for simple, elegant side dishes, which will be tactical surprises. We will finish with date and apricot stuffed pears.

One Morning in Maine - May 4

This biblio-culinary adventure starts at mid-morning but can sate a hungry appetite at any time of day. Geared for assistance from young helpers, we will start with mimosas and then dine on ginger waffles, sausage strata, savory Irish cheese scones and a variety of other side dishes and treats (with blueberries, for Sal, of course). We will finish with a palette cleansing fruit salad.