The Spice and Tea Exchange on 67th Street in Ocean City has announced this summer’s line up of Easy Cooking Creations classes. The four part chef series, hosted by Chef Jill Siena, kicked off last Wednesday and we got to partake. Read on to learn more about the classes and see what we thought of part 1: Pasta Possibilities!
When we first entered the shop, Brenda and Kathy greeted us happily and immediately offered us refreshments (read: wine). We browsed the shops fantastic assortment of spices, herbs, teas, and sugar blends. They even have powdered cheeses (we were instantly craving popcorn!).
After everyone arrived, we were seated and Chef Jill started the class. She stood in the front of the room and explained the night’s menu: Italian Wedding Soup, Ricotta Gnocchi with Checca con Pomodori Secchi, Ravioli con Granchio e Funghi with Crema d’Aglio, and Tiramisu. The names of the menu items instantly had us thinking “there is no way I’ll ever be able to make these things at home!”
Well, Chef Jill put our minds at ease and made everything seem so easy! She walked the pots and pans around to show the class exactly what she was doing, she invited us up to peak at the items on the burners, and she answered all 9 million of our questions. Ravioli con Granchio e Funghi with Crema d’Aglio, which is Crab and Mushroom Ravioli with a Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce, suddenly didn’t seem so intimidating. She even taught us how to make our own pasta from scratch!
As each course was completed, Kathy and Brenda served us samplings of what we’d just watched Chef Jill create. Everything was so delicious. The best thing about the recipes is that most of them only used a handful of ingredients. Chef Jill really made her recipes home kitchen-friendly. Even better, was that we got to end the night with the most delicious, yet super easy, tiramisu. We certainly left full and happy!
The Spice and Tea Exchange is offering 3 more cooking classes this summer. Apps with Attitude on Wednesday, June 14th, Grilling & Chilling on Wednesday, July 19th, and Taste the Summer Season on Wednesday, August 16th. Each class runs from 6 PM to 8 PM and includes the chef cooking demo with menu tastings for only $25 per person. Call the shop at 443-664-5822 to make your reservations today!
