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2010 Gatherings
*****
Chinese New Year
Saturday, January 16, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Don Rentfrow & Scott Duncan (NW Bradenton)
2.
3.
OK, so Chinese New Year isn't until February 14, but sometimes its nice to be free-thinkers. Plan to join us this month to explore the flavors of the Orient. Whether you're an old hand with a wok or want to expand your limited knowledge of the cuisine, this Gathering is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Come, help us ring in the Year of the Tiger.
Recipes
Chilled Lo Mein with Chicken or Shrimp
Poached Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Black Pearl Layer Cake
Photos
Chinese New Year
Saturday, January 16, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Don Rentfrow & Scott Duncan (NW Bradenton)
2.
3.
OK, so Chinese New Year isn't until February 14, but sometimes its nice to be free-thinkers. Plan to join us this month to explore the flavors of the Orient. Whether you're an old hand with a wok or want to expand your limited knowledge of the cuisine, this Gathering is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Come, help us ring in the Year of the Tiger.
Recipes
Chilled Lo Mein with Chicken or Shrimp
Poached Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Black Pearl Layer Cake
Photos
*****
Chocolate!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Carol Knight (River Woods-Parrish)
2. Sue & Al Schadel/Carolyn & Joe Benenati
(Country Village)
3.
It's a flavor that is coveted the world over. It has health properties that scientists are still discovering. It's an important part of most major holidays. It's chocolate!
The dessert options are easy, but how easy is it to incorporate this ingredient into savory dishes? Believe it or not, when the Spanish landed in Mexico, the Aztecs used it only as a savory drink. Join us for this Gathering and try your hand at extending the use of chocolate and cocoa. You'll be glad you did.
Recipes
Pain au Chocolate
Brie and Chocolate Puffs
Cocoa with Slow Roasted Pork and Onions
Photos
Chocolate!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Carol Knight (River Woods-Parrish)
2. Sue & Al Schadel/Carolyn & Joe Benenati
(Country Village)
3.
It's a flavor that is coveted the world over. It has health properties that scientists are still discovering. It's an important part of most major holidays. It's chocolate!
The dessert options are easy, but how easy is it to incorporate this ingredient into savory dishes? Believe it or not, when the Spanish landed in Mexico, the Aztecs used it only as a savory drink. Join us for this Gathering and try your hand at extending the use of chocolate and cocoa. You'll be glad you did.
Recipes
Pain au Chocolate
Brie and Chocolate Puffs
Cocoa with Slow Roasted Pork and Onions
Photos
*****
Julia Child
Saturday, March 20, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Kristin & Gerry Triolo-host selects menu (Peridia)
2. Carol & Werner Meier (Lakewood Ranch)
3.
What is there to say about the grande dame of the television chefs? I think it's safe to say that without Julia Child, the state of American cuisine would be vastly different today. This month's Gathering pays homage to the First Lady of the foodie world. So dust off your copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking (or one of her dozen other titles), and join us. Bon Appetit!
Recipes
Coq au Vin
Photos
Julia Child
Saturday, March 20, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Kristin & Gerry Triolo-host selects menu (Peridia)
2. Carol & Werner Meier (Lakewood Ranch)
3.
What is there to say about the grande dame of the television chefs? I think it's safe to say that without Julia Child, the state of American cuisine would be vastly different today. This month's Gathering pays homage to the First Lady of the foodie world. So dust off your copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking (or one of her dozen other titles), and join us. Bon Appetit!
Recipes
Coq au Vin
Photos
*****
Breadmaking 101 & a Picnic in the Garden
a Special Event
April 24, 2010
6:30pm
Bonni Bakes, Village of the Arts
Join us as our own resident baker, Bonni Brown, teaches us the fundamentals of breadmaking - including your own batch of dough to take home and bake yourself.
In addition to toiling away in the kitchen, we'll take advantage of the wonderful spring weather and have picnic appetizers in the garden.
So come, brush up on your baking skills and have some casual fun in Bonni's garden.
Recipes
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Crab & Shrimp Mousse
Photos
It's bad enough when you forget to bring the camera. But when you pack it and then forget to use it, you know you've got problems. Sorry!
Breadmaking 101 & a Picnic in the Garden
a Special Event
April 24, 2010
6:30pm
Bonni Bakes, Village of the Arts
Join us as our own resident baker, Bonni Brown, teaches us the fundamentals of breadmaking - including your own batch of dough to take home and bake yourself.
In addition to toiling away in the kitchen, we'll take advantage of the wonderful spring weather and have picnic appetizers in the garden.
So come, brush up on your baking skills and have some casual fun in Bonni's garden.
Recipes
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Crab & Shrimp Mousse
Photos
It's bad enough when you forget to bring the camera. But when you pack it and then forget to use it, you know you've got problems. Sorry!
*****
The Island of Sardinia
Saturday, May 15, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Joe & Mary Puncec (University Place)
2.
3.
A recent study showed that the longest-lived people in the world are currently the residents of the island of Sardinia. Along with their relaxed lifestyle, the classic Mediterranean diet they enjoy has a lot to do with it. Join us this month and discover some of the secrets to a long and happy life.
Recipes
Sardinian Parchment Bread
Saffron Lamb Ragu
Shrimp and Feta Cheese
Photos
The Island of Sardinia
Saturday, May 15, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Joe & Mary Puncec (University Place)
2.
3.
A recent study showed that the longest-lived people in the world are currently the residents of the island of Sardinia. Along with their relaxed lifestyle, the classic Mediterranean diet they enjoy has a lot to do with it. Join us this month and discover some of the secrets to a long and happy life.
Recipes
Sardinian Parchment Bread
Saffron Lamb Ragu
Shrimp and Feta Cheese
Photos
*****
Beachside Feast
we didn't have a volunteer to host, so we'll do this in 2011.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
So maybe we won't actually make it to the beach for this Gathering, but we can still enjoy the great food you find there - from lobster boils to clambakes to luaus, the choices are delicious. So don your flip flops, grab a beach chair and join us this month.
Recipes
Photos
we didn't have a volunteer to host, so we'll do this in 2011.6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
So maybe we won't actually make it to the beach for this Gathering, but we can still enjoy the great food you find there - from lobster boils to clambakes to luaus, the choices are delicious. So don your flip flops, grab a beach chair and join us this month.
Recipes
Photos
*****
BBQ
Saturday, July 17, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Warren & Jan Witte
2.
3.
Nothing says 'summer' like great barbecue! Debate the merits of dry rub vs. sauce; pork vs. beef; St. Louis vs. Carolina style. This month we'll tackle them all, because everyone enjoys sinking their teeth into a good barbecue. And don't forget the great side dishes.
This month, we'll do something a little different: you're going to prepare your favorite barbecue (no matter what style), and then prepare the best side dish to pair with it. Maybe we'll finally settle the age-old BBQ debates - but I doubt it.
Recipes
Photos
BBQ
Saturday, July 17, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1. Warren & Jan Witte
2.
3.
Nothing says 'summer' like great barbecue! Debate the merits of dry rub vs. sauce; pork vs. beef; St. Louis vs. Carolina style. This month we'll tackle them all, because everyone enjoys sinking their teeth into a good barbecue. And don't forget the great side dishes.
This month, we'll do something a little different: you're going to prepare your favorite barbecue (no matter what style), and then prepare the best side dish to pair with it. Maybe we'll finally settle the age-old BBQ debates - but I doubt it.
Recipes
Photos
*****
Wine Tasting,
a Special Event
August, 2010 (date TBD)
We're planning an evening of tasting and an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of selection and pairing. The details are fothcoming, so check back for the details.
(Special Events will require a registration fee)
Recipes
Photos
Wine Tasting,
a Special Event
August, 2010 (date TBD)
We're planning an evening of tasting and an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of selection and pairing. The details are fothcoming, so check back for the details.
(Special Events will require a registration fee)
Recipes
Photos
*****
National Mushroom Month
Saturday, September 18, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
Join us as we embrace a lesser known September event - National Mushroom Month. Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, we can now finally agree that our federal government is doing something worthwhile: recognition of this fabulous fungus is long overdue. Let's raise a glass and toast the versatile mushroom.
Recipes
Photos
National Mushroom Month
Saturday, September 18, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
Join us as we embrace a lesser known September event - National Mushroom Month. Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, we can now finally agree that our federal government is doing something worthwhile: recognition of this fabulous fungus is long overdue. Let's raise a glass and toast the versatile mushroom.
Recipes
Photos
*****
Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 16, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
Oktoberfest is a lot more than just brats and beer (OK, brats and beer have a lot to do with it). Come with us this month as we explore the zeitgeist of this German tradition.
It would be sacrilege to serve wine at this Gathering, so bring the beer that best pairs with the dish you prepare (lederhosen are optional).
Recipes
Photos
Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 16, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
Oktoberfest is a lot more than just brats and beer (OK, brats and beer have a lot to do with it). Come with us this month as we explore the zeitgeist of this German tradition.
It would be sacrilege to serve wine at this Gathering, so bring the beer that best pairs with the dish you prepare (lederhosen are optional).
Recipes
Photos
*****
Cooking Skills,
a Special Event
November, 2010
Broaden your culinary skills and have a good time while you do it. We're planning a fun-filled event to kick off the holiday season. Check back for the details a little later.
(Special Events will require a registration fee)
Recipes
Photos
Cooking Skills,
a Special Event
November, 2010
Broaden your culinary skills and have a good time while you do it. We're planning a fun-filled event to kick off the holiday season. Check back for the details a little later.
(Special Events will require a registration fee)
Recipes
Photos
*****
Hors d'Oeuvres Morphing
Saturday, December 18, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
What's your favorite dish of all time? Have you picked it? Good - now figure out a way to turn it into finger food. Stretch your imagination and impress your friends.
Once you've chosen your appetizer, plan a cocktail that would compliment the flavor.
Invite a couple of friends to come with you and plan on joining us for an enjoyable evening to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year.
Recipes
Photos
Hors d'Oeuvres Morphing
Saturday, December 18, 2010
6:30pm
Hosts: (volunteer to host this Gathering)
1.
2.
3.
What's your favorite dish of all time? Have you picked it? Good - now figure out a way to turn it into finger food. Stretch your imagination and impress your friends.
Once you've chosen your appetizer, plan a cocktail that would compliment the flavor.
Invite a couple of friends to come with you and plan on joining us for an enjoyable evening to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year.
Recipes
Photos
