Presenting the 2017 Centerpiece Display Chicago Toy Soldier Show @ Woodfield Hyatt. 

This is the same castle I use for my Medieval Meals Cooking Program.  Currently 50% complete:)

                               

 

                              

Special rates are applied to non profit and public library hosts.  Programs include all flatware, plates & napkins.  The programs are fire code compliant, health code compliant and fire code compliant.  I do take requests if you have an interest that is not listed here as long as it is in my field of expertise.  Portions are substantial in size when served.  Children’s classes, teen and adult programs are suitable for all skill levels.  No kitchens are needed, just banquet tables , electric outlets and occasionally running water.  The programs are guaranteed to be held if for any reason a situation occurs that inhibits or prevents the program from taking place including weather.                         

Hosting a dinner party, brunch or special occasion like a baby shower or bachelorette party?  Accommodations can be made.   Exceeding your expectations is where my bar is set.   Customizing a menu to suit tastes, cuisine, budget and occasion only takes one phone call.

                  NO PRICE INCREASE FOR PROGRAMS OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS!!

 

                                                                  NEW PROGRAMS!

 

Savory Pancakes

This program gives the all too familiar pancake a major upgrade with simple and comfortable tuning to please all of the hungry friends & family at your table. Make the mundane into a much-anticipated meal. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Layered French Toast Breakfast

The sky is not the limit, it’s your appetite! This mouth watering approach to serving a morning favorite meal will be an instant hit at your table. Interesting and familiar flavor combinations will be served and explored. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

In Home Condiments for Your Table.

Why buy seasoning blends and table top condiments when you can put together better versions for much less money? Shelf stable seasoning blends without the fillers and cost.   Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Cooking With Not So Common Fresh Herbs and Extracts.

An introduction to fresh herbs and extracts that fly below the general public radar. The varieties will be handled and prepared in familiar dishes. Combinations and varieties are determined by availability seasonally. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Stuffed Beignets with Wonderfully Addictive Fillings.

Get your creative juices flowing with savory and interesting flavor combinations matched up with different consistencies like fruit purees, butters and cream fillings.   Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Serving Hybrid Vegetables & Their Cousins.  

You may see them in the markets and keep on going. Here is your opportunity to learn more about their handling, preparation and serving and serving. From the local markets to your table this program will give your table top meals an interesting side dish twist. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Protein Rich Grains.

Here is an instant boost to your diet in a familiar flavor profile. Straight forward preparation methods will make pleasing all palates a done deal. No matter served as a side dish or an entrée these fiber and protein rich dishes will round out a healthy diet. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Artisan Ice Cream.

Indulge in summer’s arguably favorite dessert. No machines are needed. Utilizing familiar flavors in uncommon combinations this classic dessert will not fail to deliver the satisfaction we have fallen in love with. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Savory Chocolate Desserts.

Decadent yet quite simple and straightforward to prepare mouth watering chocolate recipes and their application. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Heirloom Vegetables.

The preparation and serving of various heirloom vegetables is the focus of the program. Brief history and nutritional values plus their storage & handling are reviewed. Variety and dishes served are subject to market availability and the season the program is presented. Appropriate for all kitchen skill levels.

 

Extreme Milkshakes.

Dairy and non-dairy combinations will be prepared and sampled. A better understanding of how to achieve texture and consistency will be presented. Expand your horizons with an over looked way to satisfy your need to chill this summer. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Baked Potato Frenzy

We are taking the idea of the baked & double baked potato and running with it. Fast savory upgrades, preparation methods, myth busting and combinations will take this simple side dish to new levels of enjoyment.  Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

 

The Dessert Triple Crown of Fruit, 1 of 4 choices per program:

Jackfruit – Lime – Kiwi.      

Hibiscus – Strawberry – Banana.          

Cherry – Guava – Plum.

Blood Orange – Tangerine – Peach

This program opens the door to familiar desserts though with great combinations of flavors. Prepared recipes will change with the seasons. Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

Bacon Take Over.  

This program features some slick twists to traditional dishes using both American and Canadian bacon. How to incorporate bacon and its preparation are keystones to expanding the use of arguably American’s favorite meat. Tastings center around appetizers and mini sandwiches. There will be a fair amount of myth busting and pro tips in the cooking & handling of bacon!  Appropriate for all food preparation skill levels.

 

 

                        

SERIOUS CHILI TO WARM THE SOUL               9 VERSIONS       ADULT

HEARTY & HEALTHY POLISH COOKING            3 VERSIONS     ADULT

UBER COOL GINGERBREAD HOUSES             CHRISTMAS AND HALLOWEEN VERSIONS     ADULT & YOUTH

DOMINATE YOUR GRILL                                       INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VERSIONS              ADULT

CHOCOLATE OVERDOSE                                   6 VERSIONS   ADULT & YOUTH

CREATING ICE CREAM DREAMS!                       3 VERSIONS  ADULT & YOUTH

HOLIDAY SIDE DISHES                                         3 VERSIONS        ADULT

A HEALTHIER APPROACH TO EATING                 ADULT

COSTA RICAN COOKING                                      ADULT

FRENCH NOUVELLE CUISINE                             3 VERSIONS     ADULT

PASTA LOVERS                                                    3 VERSIONS     ADULT

MARDI GRAS FEASTIVAL                                     4 VERSIONS     ADULT

TIMELESS BRUNCH FARE                                    3 VERSIONS    ADULT

COOKING WITH SPIRITS                                       3 VERSIONS     NICE FOR HALLOWEEN

SPRING BREAK FEAST                                          2 VERSIONS    ADULT

FABULOUS SORBETS                                             3 VERSIONS   ADULT & YOUTH

GLUTEN FREE COOKING BASICS                          2 VERSIONS   ADULT

RUN YOUR KITCHEN LIKE A RESTAURANT            ADULT        INCLUDES KITCHEN UTENSIL AND EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

SENSATIONAL SALAD DRESSINGS                         2 VERSIONS    ADULT

BATTER BREADS!                                                      ADULT

ORGANIZING YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST                       ADULT

ENHANCING YOUR MEALS                                         ADULT

PROFESSIONAL SAUCE MAKING                               ADULT

PROFESSIONAL SOUP MAKING                                ADULT

APPETIZERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS                         2 VERSIONS     ADULT

SUMMER PICNIC & BARBECUE SIDE DISHES           2 VERSIONS    ADULT

COOKING DURING THE CIVIL WAR                            HUGE PRESENTATION INCLUDES DIORAMAS, ARTIFACTS AND MUCH MORE  

ADULT & YOUTH

MEDIEVAL MEALS                                                     HUGE PRESENTATION WITH ONE OF A KIND CASTLE     ADULT & YOUTH

PIZZA PIZZA!                                                                2 VERSIONS                    ADULT AND YOUTH

COOKING WITH CHEESE                                          2 VERSIONS                   ADULT

INTERNATIONAL CHEESE TASTING                          3 VERSIONS                    ADULT

SURVIVAL OF THE FOODIES                                      YOUTH GAME SHOW STYLE PROGRAM

RETURN OF THE TOY SOLDIERS                             HUGE PRESENTATION – YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAM

KITCHEN MYTH BUSTING!                                           ADULT

PARTY PLANNING – HOT CHOCOLATE BUFFET        ADULT AND YOUTH PROGRAM

SOUTHWESTERN COOKING                                       ADULT

A FRESH APPROACH TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY           ADULT

INDULGING VALENTINE’S DAY                                      ADULT

FUSION COOKING                                                         5 VERSIONS  ADULT

ITALIAN SAUCES                                                            3 VERSIONS

REGIONAL U.S. COOKING                                          SOUTHWESTERN, SOUTHEASTERN, MIDWEST, NORTHEASTERN, NORTHWESTERN

  2 VERSIONS OF EACH

COMFORT FOOD FOR ALL                                          2 VERSIONS

NUTS ABOUT FOOD                                                      2 VERSIONS, COOKING AND BAKING