Simple Gourmet from A - Z: The Series

Today we dive right into a classic with a gourmet twist. The class simple titled "Treat Yourself" brings familiar flavors to the for-front of the table. Tonight we made:

Chicken Marsala

Cauliflower and Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinairgrette

Banana Chocolate Rounds

We really did enjoy tonight.

Simple Gourmet from A - Z: The Series

Pan Pacific Our Way

Bring out the chopsticks because tonight we are making food from the Pan Pacific. The class has been all around the world with food fare from every part of the globe. Tonight we delighted our taste-buds with Pan Pacific. The menu tonight:

Asian Meatballs with Dipping Sauce
Sweet & Sour Cucumbers

Asian Slaw
Black Bean Chicken with Vegetable Stir Fry
Chinese Fruit Salad

So many flavors and textures jumping around in the mouth. These dishes are easy to make and easy on the budget.

Simple Gourmet from A-Z: The Series

Easy Dinner for The One You Love

Tonight instead of the traditional steak & lobster LOVE dinner I decided to go diagonal with an amazing dinner fit for anyone in love or anyone trying to be in love. The class was so amazed and I too was extremely pleased with the results. Topping the menu tonight was:

Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiked Peach Compote
Savory Couscous with Golden Raisins & Green Pepper
Warm Mushroom Tomato Salad over Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate Dipped Lady Fingers

Can you say love. Can you say simple. Can you say mouth-watering delight. When dinner was complete and everyone was sitting down eating a silent blanket covered the room. Everyone was so busy savoring the meal. One that is easy, simple, non-traditional and very gourmet.

Chef Bev Giving Back: NV Childhood Cancer Foundation

Sending out a great big HUG to Karen Egloso, her team and the amazing parents of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. You ROCK!

I had the unique opportunity to share my knowledge and love for food with parents who have children who suffer with some form of childhood disease. What a humbling experience. I entertained these wonderful parents with a cooking demo showing them how to take $20 and serve a family of 4. WOW! Yes, it can be done and I did it for the amazing parents who deserve it most. We all had a wonderful afternoon and wonderful food.

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation is a 501 c 3 and their mission is simple, to work side by side with the medical community to provide social, emotional, educational, financial and psychological support services and programs to families of ALL children diagnosed with a life threatening or critical illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders and other immunologic diseases. Contact them at http://www.nvccf.org/ for more information. A great organization to be apart of and I am so grateful that they chose me to put a smile on the parents face.

On the menu for this day I prepared for them:

Vegetable & Meat Hot Pockets
Spring Greens with Roasted Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mini Banana Cream Pies with Fresh Raspberry Sauce

A meal fit for royalty, easy on the eyes, satisfying to the stomach and pocket friendly.

Thank you NVCCF.

Simple Gourmet from A-Z: The Series

Gourmet Game Food

Tonight the class took traditional game day favorites and re-invented them to a very unique gourmet level. The menu tonight was

Creamy Spinach Dip with Green Chili's in Phyllo Cups
Zesty Sloppy Joe's topped with an Arugula & Red Onion Salad
Italian Sausage Wontons with a Cheesy Marinara Sauce
Hummus with an Olive Tomato Parsley Relish
Turkey Cranberry Wraps
Vegetable Orzo Stuffed Pastry Cups
Chocolate Phyllo Cups filled with Cookies N Cream

What a night and what a great spin on game day favorites. No wings here, just simple, tasty, and easy gourmet finger food. Enjoy the game and enjoy the food.