Des Plaines Park District offers cooking classes

Posted October 24, 2013 10:23 am

Submitted by Des Plaines Park District

Chef Ed demonstrates his knife skills with zucchini and eggplant for the Giambotta sauce in the Thursday, Oct. 3, cooking class at Prairie Lakes Community Center. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

The Des Plaines Park District hosted the first of four Fall Cooking Classes with Chef Ed Thursday, Oct. 3.

Chef Ed prepared a four-course Italian gourmet meal, including a classic bruschetta appetizer; a caprese salad; two entrees: spaghetti with Picchio Pacchio sauce and Penne alla Giambotta; and Biscotti Regina for dessert.

The hands-on cooking classes are designed for the home cook looking to increase their culinary skills and recipe portfolio, and the more advanced foodie interested in new twists on old favorites.

“Chef Ed’s style of teaching is very accessible,” said Karyn Roth, recreation supervisor. “He is relaxed, encouraging, and eager to share his vast knowledge with the class. He has years of experience catering weddings and corporate events, and cooking for private parties.”

In addition to making the recipes for the class, Chef Ed demonstrated basic cooking techniques, including how to cut and chop fresh vegetables, the use of fresh spices and olive oils, and how to choose the right cuts of chicken for a recipe.

“Cooking should be fun, creative, and enjoyable,” said Chef Ed. “My recipes are designed to be customized to your family’s tastes and preferences. You can add a little more or less garlic, or a little more or less heat, and still have a delicious, authentic Italian meal.”

Classes take place in the kitchen at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515, E. Thacker St., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. The schedule for fall includes Soups and Stews Oct. 24; Thanksgiving with Flair Nov. 14; and Holiday Cookies and Biscotti Dec. 5. Registration is required.

Recipes made in each class are posted on the Des Plaines Park District website, www.DPParks.org, after the class.

For information, call (847) 391-5700.

Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.

Chef Ed checks his spaghetti for his Picchio Pacchio sauce in the Thursday, Oct. 3, cooking class at Prairie Lakes Community Center. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

Chef Eds Penne alla Giambotta, with chicken, sausage and fresh vegetables. The recipes from the Italian Gourmet cooking class are available at DPParks.org. Courtesy of Lisa Haring

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