School's out but kids still cooking
The final bell has rung for the school year (or will very soon). For parents still wondering how to keep the kids busy this summer, local cooking school provide plenty of tasty options.
At Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School in Barrington, kids as young as 6 can learn how to create meatballs and pasta dishes or specialties from China and Mexico. Instructor Mary Rose Hoover also offers a series for teens heading off the college. One-day and four-day sessions are available. See maryrosecooks.com.
Simply Homemade in Crystal Lake offers kids 7 to 13 the chance to mix up summer treats, learn how to cook with fruits and vegetables and make their own pizzas during one- or three-day cooking sessions. See simply-homemade.com.
If your child has a taste for cooking, check your local grocery stores, markets and park districts as well; many offer culinary programs for youngsters not just during the summer, but year-round.
High-schoolers who want to get more immersed in all things culinary can attend weekend classes in baking, American classics, International cuisine and more at Kendall College in Chicago. See spiceup.kendall.edu.
Don't forget that you are your child's first teacher. Spend some time this summer teaching your kids (or grandkids) how to make your family's favorite dishes. Involve them in summer meal planning and prep and you might get a bit of break yourself later this summer.
Frugal fishing
Want an extra $5,000 in your pocket?
Come up with a family-friendly tilapia meal that costs no more than $15 to prepare and that money could be yours.
Regal Springs Tilapia, the world's largest producer of this mild-tasting, popular fish, is looking for creative and cost-conscious cooks with original recipes. The meal must include a tilapia entree, salad and vegetable or fruit to feed a family of four for no more than $15. Recipes will be judged on creativity, ingredients, thoroughness of instructions.
For complete details and inspiration, head to regalsprings.com.
Wine and roses
Sample wines from more than 40 wineries while enjoying the gardens and lakes at the Chicago Botanic Garden during its Wine Festival this weekend.
From noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 7, novices and experienced wine enthusiast alike can develop their palates with seminars and demonstrations conducted by wine experts, Chicago area chefs, restaurateurs and specialty food shops owners.
The festival takes place on the West Meadow behind Evening Island. A musical stage will feature jazz, blues and light rock performances. Tickets cost $25 in advance; $28 at the door for Garden members; $30 at the door for nonmembers. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, 10 tasting tickets, program guide and access to all demonstrations, seminars and musical entertainment. Designated drivers tickets cost $10. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. A trolley will operate between the Garden and the Glencoe Metra station during event hours. Round-trip tickets cost $2; free for Garden members. For details call (847) 835-5440 or (847) 382-1480 or see chicagobotanic.org/winefestival.
Exploring Indian cuisine
Personal chef Shoba Havalad will lead a series of three demonstration classes exploring ingredients and techniques of Indian cooking. Each class includes samples and wine pairings provided by Vintagers in Arlington Heights.
From 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday June 16, Havalad will present an overview of foods and prepare a chicken curry. Registration ends June 10. The second class runs 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, and students will learn how to make plain yogurt at home, grilled flat bread and kebabs. From 7 to p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, Havalad will discuss the country's regional cuisine and prepare dishes from some of India's 28 states. Class costs $35 and will be held at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 798 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights.
The series will conclude with a six-course wine dinner at an area Indian restaurant to be announced. Register at Bestchefs.com or (630) 359-4600.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at (847) 427-4524 or food@dailyherald.com. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends on "Restaurant Radio Chicago" from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560-AM.