April Classes
Everyday French
Tuesday · April 1 · 7-9 PM
taught by Paige Vandegrift
We're off again on travels with Chef Paige; this time to France. Paige will use the freshest seasonal produce to cook up a menu that includes a classic French Chicken Saute; Asparagus & Gruyere Tart; Salad of Warm New Potatoes with Camembert & Bacon; Seared Salmon with Asparagus, Peas & Fresh Herbs.
And for dessert, Lemon Cake with Strawberries! Ooo la la. Another class you won't want to miss.
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Homemade Medicine Using Herbs
Saturday · April 5 · 2-4 PM
taught by Ocoee Miller
Making medicine is fun, easy and economical. In this class on tinctures Ocoee will explain how to handle different plant parts (roots, leaves & flowers), the difference in handling fresh plant material and dried plant material. We'll also explain how to choose your liquid extraction agent.
Ocoee will demonstrate some processes in class so you can see exactly how it is done. You can't imagine how satisfying it is to be able to make the medicine your family needs right in your own kitchen.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & seniors
Divine Little Cakes a.k.a. Cupcakes
Tuesday · April 8 · 7-9 PM
taught by Bonnie Sparrman
Bonnie will demonstrate four different cupcakes ranging from rich chocolate and classic vanilla to carrot and spices. To top these nostalgic and lovely creations Bonnie will teach you to make chocolate espresso Ganache icing, lemony cream cheese frosting, a raspberry butter cream, and one more icing that pipes beautifully. Be prepared to learn several variations to customize your cupcake plus tricks and tips that will make your cupcakes as celebrative and pretty as they are delicious to eat!
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & seniors
Kitchen Magic
Wednesday · April 9 · 7-9 PM
taught by Jayni Carey
Jayni Carey, host of 'Jayni's Kitchen' on Sunflower Cable Channel 6, will teach you how to banish boring meals from your table! Learn how to add a magic touch to your meals with a little culinary 'slight of hand' in the form of condiments and special ingredients. On the menu is Chili-Glazed Shrimp with Jasmine Rice & Peas; Pan-Seared Steaks with Potato, Sun-dried Tomato & Arugula Salad; Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Raspberry Chipotle Glaze served with Southwestern Corn Pudding.
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Empowering Thoughts
Thursday · April 10 · 7-9 PM
taught by Marybeth Bethel, MS
You've probably noticed how negative, doubting and fearful thoughts often interfere with your efforts to change. However, you can diminish the influence of negative thoughts as you develop more effective, empowering thinking habits. In this class, you'll learn strategies to help you move from weakness to strengths in your thinking and behavior. The class will be interactive, with written exercises and discussion, along with a guided imagery exercise.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & seniors
Earth Day Movie "The Future of Food"
Tuesday · April 15 · 7-8:30 PM
"The Future of Food" examines the revolution happening in the farm fields and on the dinner tables of America, a revolution that is transforming the very nature of the food we eat. The film is an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled U.S. grocery shelves. From Saskatchewan, Canada, to Oaxaca, Mexico, this film gives voice to farmers whose lives and livelihoods have been negatively impacted by this new technology. The health implications, government policies and push towards globalization are all part of the reason many people are alarmed about the introduction of genetically altered crops into our food supply. The film examines the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world's food system. The film explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture, placing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm crisis today.
Non-GMO popcorn provided. $5 donation requested which will be donated to the Community Mercantile Education Foundation to help support the Locally Grown JAMS summer project. Please preregister and prepay for this movie as for any Merc class.
Special price: $5 per person
A Look at Sweeteners
Thursday · April 17 · 7-8:30 PM
taught by Amber Belt, ND
Sweeteners can be a tricky issue, especially when you consider the ever-changing world of sugar substitutes. This talk and discussion group will help you navigate the world of sweeteners and introduce you to some natural sweeteners that may be new to you. Samples of natural sugar substitutes will be provided and Amber will be baking something delicious in the kitchen, so come to this class and prepare to have your sweet tooth satisfied! Bring your questions about sweeteners too because there will be plenty of time to discuss them. (Please note this is not a cooking class.)
Special price: $5 per person
French Tarts - Savory & Sweet
Tuesday · April 22 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
Five tarts (2 savory), (3 sweet) + Chef Paige = culinary heaven! We hardly need to write a description to tempt you into this class. We know without a doubt it will be fantastic. But to give you a little idea of just how good it will be, imagine this: One of the tarts will be a Savory Leek Tart and one of the sweet tarts will be an Apricot Cream Tart and there is rumor of a classic Lemon Tart. You'll learn to make two different tart doughs and you'll leave class with your own French tart pan! Don't wait to sign up for this one. A 9-inch French tart pan is included in the price of the class, so you can start making tarts at home.
$25 per person, $23 for Merc Owners & seniors - Price of class includes a 9-inch French tart pan
Healthy Eating 101
Thursday · April 24 · 7-9 PM
taught by Nancy O'Connor, Nutrition Educator
Here's a basic class to get you started on the road to healthy eating. Part discussion, part cooking demonstration, this class will offer two hours packed with ideas and information, sampling and recipes. We'll spend the first part of class talking about basic nutrition concepts then we'll put them into practice with real food. We'll sample some Simple Roasted Vegetables, Brown Rice and Teriyaki Tofu. We'll grill up Bean and Cheese Quesadillas, served with Red Quinoa. For dessert, a simple Whole Wheat Gingerbread topped with Vanilla Yogurt.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & seniors
Exotic Moroccan
Monday · April 28 · 7-9 PM
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Join Chef Nancy for an exotic culinary journey. We'll head to Morocco where we'll enjoy flavorful foods spiced with Arab and Persian influences. Nancy will create and you'll taste: B'stilla (crisp filo pastries with spiced chicken); Baked Fish w/ chermoula and preserved lemons; Tagine aux Sept Legumes (lamb stew with seven vegetables) served with couscous and harissa (hot sauce); and Oranges and dates with orange blossom water. Our world just got bigger.
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
Easy Salmon Everyday
Wednesday · April 30 · 7-9 PM
taught by Debjani Bhaduri
All dishes in this class are quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a busy life, and are so flavorful that healthy eating becomes a pure pleasure.
We'll start with Grilled Salmon on Green Salad (with Sesame Seed Vinaigrette), followed by Seared Salmon with Warm French Green Lentils, Oven Roasted Wild Salmon with Tomato Chutney (served on Wilted Spinach), and Broiled Salmon Fillets with Sauteed Onions, Zucchini, and Sun-dried Tomato (served on Lemon Linguini). This health-conscious menu is sure to please anyone.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & Seniors
