April Classes
All About Paneer
Saturday · April 4 · 2-4pm
taught by Debjani Bhaduri
Who knew paneer (chhana in Bengali) could be easy to make at home and one
can make a host of delicious dishes with it? Learn how to make fresh paneer
then create a whole menu with it, including a yummy dessert. Let Debjani
take you from an appetizer (paneer-kabab), to main course (paneer-luchi -
puffed breads stuffed with paneer; shaag-paneer - paneer cubes in
mouthwatering spinach gravy; paneer-dalna - a traditional Bengali
preparation made with paneer, potato, and green peas), followed by a dessert
(baked-sondesh) with this Bengali classic. It's a paneer primer you won't
want to miss.
$15 per person, $13 for co-op Owners & Seniors
Everyday French
Tuesday · April 7 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef 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
What's for Breakfast?
Monday · April 13 · 7-9pm
taught by Hilary Kass
This most important meal of the day often gets passed by. Join Hilary as she cooks up several nourishing grains - from Amaranth to Quinoa - to serve along with a Hearty Egg and Vegetable Skillet. Hilary will also show you how to make delicious, affordable Homemade Yogurt (no special equipment required).
There will be lots of simple additions and suggestions to inspire you to put breakfast back in your life.
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Sugar, Sugar - Natural Strategies for Blood Sugar
Wednesday · April 15 · 7-8:30pm
taught by Amber Belt, ND
As of 2005, over 20 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes and that number is rising. If you or someone you love has diabetes or any condition related to blood sugar regulation, this is the class for you. We will discuss the basics regarding what goes on in the body when it cannot control blood sugar. Then we will address strategies for regulating blood sugar including food and diet. We will also briefly talk about herbs and specific nutrients that can help support normal blood sugars.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Still More Mexican
Thursday · April 16 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
In this installment of Mexican cooking classes we will explore flour tortillas and delicious things to do with store-bought corn tortillas. Learn how to make Fresh Flour Tortillas from scratch (you will never go back!). Then enjoy Queso Fundido, a hot gooey cheese dip - yes! Savor Tortilla Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips; Red Chili Enchiladas with Chicken; and the finale - Mexican Chocolate Flan. There's nothing more to say, except don't wait to sign up!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Kids Make Tiny Pies in The Merc Kitchen
Saturday · April 18 · 1-2:30pm
taught by Connie Detweiler
Here's a class for young chefs, ages 7-12 years old, who would like to make (and eat) their very own simple, fun, delicious tiny pies. Connie will show kids how to make oil-based tiny pie crusts and an assortment of fillings. Kids will try their hand at shaping a crust and make a Tiny Pie with their choice of filling.
$15 per child, $13 for children of Merc Owners
Low Impact Vegetable Gardening
Monday · April 20 · 7-8:30pm
taught by Bob Lominska
This class will provide information on vegetable gardening without chemicals. Information will be specific to growing in our region. Class will begin with a discussion of general gardening principles, then move on to specifics. Following the presentation we will allow ample time for interaction and questions & answers. Bob will also include resources to help you achieve your "botanical desires". Class content will be aimed towards beginning gardeners, but experienced gardeners are welcome as well.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & Seniors
French Tarts - Savory & Sweet
Tuesday · April 21 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
Here's a class that will take you to culinary heaven with five tarts made by Chef Paige - two savory and three sweet! You'll learn to make two different tart doughs, five different fillings, and leave class with your own tart pan! Enjoy a fabulous Mushroom & Leek Tart and a Classic Savory Quiche for starters. Then get ready for dessert with Amandine (a divine dried fruit and almond frangipane tart), Tarte Citron (a classic lemon tart) and a Fresh Raspberry & Custard Tart. Price of class includes a mini trip to France and a 9-inch French Tart pan.
$25 per person, $23 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Organic Flowers for the Garden & Vase
Wednesday · April 22 · 7-8:30pm
taught by Lyn Byczynski
Create your own cutting garden this year - grow flowers that look great outside and provide plenty of stems for making your own floral designs. This workshop will cover everything you need to know to succeed with cut flowers:
organic growing practices, the best flower varieties for eastern Kansas, harvesting techniques, and post-harvest handling to insure a long vase life.
$12 per person, $10 for Merc Owners & Seniors
Wheat-Free / Gluten-Free Baking
Thursday · April 23 · 7-9pm
taught by Mari Ruck
We're always glad to welcome Mari back into our kitchen. We know we can count on lots of practical cooking and baking tips, and delicious results. In this class, Mari teach you how to make great tasting baked goods without wheat or gluten. She will cover the basics of wheat-free breadmaking, and you'll get to taste the results. You'll also leave class confident that pizza can still be on your menu with a yummy pizza recipe you get to sample. For that sweet tooth Mari will bake Gluten-free Tollhouse Cookies. Wheat-free can be delicious!
$15 per person, $13 for Merc Owners & seniors
Dinner with Class:
Springtime Dinner with an Italian Accent
Friday · April 24 · 6:30-7:30pm demonstration · 7:30pm dinner served
taught by Chef Paige Vandegrift
The response to our first Dinner with Class was so positive that we've
scheduled another. This is a new type of class - part cooking class, part
special dinner. We'll begin with a demonstration of the menu you'll be
enjoying, followed by a wonderful three course meal. You'll have the
recipes to take home, and a chance to visit with Paige while you dine.
You are invited to bring a bottle of wine if you'd like. Our seasonal
Italian meal begins with Roasted Artichoke & Fontina Bruschetta. Our
main course will be Herb Roasted Chicken, with Parmesan Pudding, and
a Ragout of Sugar Snap Peas, Asparagus, and Spring Onions, served
with local artisan breads. Dessert is Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp with
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream served with tea and coffee.
Limited to 16.
$75 per couple, $70 for Merc Owner & senior couples
$40 per individual, $37 for individual Merc Owners & seniors
Fruit Desserts for Springtime
Thursday · April 30 · 7-9pm
taught by Chef Nancy Stark
Come learn how to make three delicious, creamy, fresh fruit desserts for the
season. We will start class with a light supper of Spring Vegetable
Minestrone Soup served with Fresh Homemade Bread. Then sit back and enjoy
demonstrations and samples of Panna Cotta with Strawberry Rose Gelee; Tres
Leches Cake with Tropical Fruits; and Creme Brulee with Fresh Raspberries.
Sounds perfect!
$18 per person, $15 for Merc Owners & seniors
