Summer party dishes cooking class July 21 at Waterleaf in Glen Ellyn
Executive Chef Jean-Louis Clerc will host the second in a series of hands-on cooking classes on Saturday, July 21, at Waterleaf's fine-dining restaurant in Glen Ellyn.
“Summer Party” will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a group lunch featuring dishes prepared during class. Participants receive hands-on instruction from Chef Jean-Louis on the preparation of summer favorites, from hors d'oeuvres to entrees and sides to desserts.
“This was a fun, informative experience with great camaraderie among the participants,” said Sandy Heinemann of Aurora, who attended the Caribbean Cooking class in June. “Jean-Louis was very patient with all of our questions regarding his cooking technique and the use of fresh herbs in the recipes.”
Fellow Caribbean Cooking student Anna Orozco-Grimaldo of Naperville said she appreciated the Chef's attention to detail.
“Chef Jean-Louis provided extensive information about the ingredients,” she said. “Knowing this extra information was very helpful in terms of duplicating the recipes at home. Also, enjoying the food we prepared together at lunch gave us an additional chance to ask Chef Jean-Louis questions we might have overlooked while in the kitchen.”
Caribbean Cooking classmate Lisa Pastore of Lisle also enjoyed the introduction of unique ingredients during the course.
“This was a very hands-on class. We had the opportunity to smell and taste while we were cooking, which was great,” Pastore said. “Also, we had a nice time experimenting with different types of peppers, and we learned how to skillfully prepare a chicken. This was a very fun and interesting experience.”
The Summer Party menu includes Mexican Deviled Eggs, Beer Barbecued Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetable Salad, Jalapeno Corn Muffins, Peaches with Lemon and Brandy, and Vanilla Ice Cream & Molasses Cookies. Guests will also mix the featured “Jamaica Farewell” cocktail, a delicious blend of rum, lime juice, bitters and apricot brandy liqueur.
Following the group instruction, participants enjoy the meal they prepared together at Waterleaf, with specially selected paired wine (21 and over). In addition, the students are provided with take-home gifts that include the printed recipes and a special Waterleaf apron.
The price of the Summer Party cooking class is $85 per person. Reservations are required and places are limited. Please call (630) 942-6881 to book.
For more information please visit www.Waterleafrestaurant.com.
Click here for photos from the “Caribbean Cuisine” cooking class hosted last month.