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All About Pesto
Basil is in good supply, so it's time to make pesto! It's such a versatile condiment that can be used in numerous preparations. When cut basil is exposed to oxygen, it eventually blackens (this is called oxidation). A good idea is to use a ceramic knife which prevents oxidation.
If you have to make pesto ahead of time, cover the top of the batch with a about ¼ inch layer of olive oil and press a piece of plastic wrap evenly over the surface. Refrigerate. Leave the pesto out to reach room temperature before adding to a recipe.
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Dog Days Entertaining
If you can't stand the heat... come into our kitchen! It's nice and cool because Ken Hoyt has planned ahead. Learn his summer entertaining secrets in this fun class.
And, for another kind of dog days cooking, we are pleased to announce that our popular Cooking for Canines class is Back. Check it out here. |
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uc French Cooking
comes to the Pearl this summer!
Susan Herrmann Loomis is back, by popular demand. Her classes are always packed full of good advice, handy tips and - most importantly - delicious food! Come and enjoy one of her mcuh sought after classes, without having to go all the way to France.
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 What's in Season?
August is a peak growing season in Oregon; it seems like the farmer's market is overflowing with a rainbow of Oregon's Bounty. On every table, there are bright red strawberries and raspberries, orange and green bell peppers and yellow and green squash, lots of greens, lettuces, and forest green zucchini, blueberries, blackberries and marionberries, plums, peaches, melons of all varieties, and baby new potatoes. Giant tomatoes are piled next to baskets of cute cherry tomatoes, and yellow pear tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes and more. Ears of corn beg to be eaten. They're sweet enough that you could eat them raw, but a quick roast on the grill with a bit of sweet herb butter takes them to a whole new level.
My mind starts to spin with ideas for simple preparations for everything I see. One of the best parts about summer produce is that it needs very little attention. Which means you can spend more time dining on the deck (or on the grass or on the beach or at a park) than in the kitchen.
Here are some creative ideas for using some of the season's best.
on August 20. |
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Mediterranean Fresh - Joyce Goldstein
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean in one of two classes taught by Joyce Goldstein. She has created these menus to showcase the Mediterranean lifestyle, using the best of our fresh local ingredients.
The first menu highlights favourites such as Tuna Salade Nicoise, a Turkish Chicken Salad, and a Gazpacho Bread Salad to name a few.
The second menu revolves around seafood, so delicious and light at this time of year. Joyce will show you how to make a wonderful paella salad, followed by scallops with potatoes and green beans, and a salad featuring tuna.
Find out more about Joyce's classes:
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Salt of the Month
This month we've selected a rich Applewood Smoked Sea Salt as our salt of the month. It has a dense, sweet and fruity flavor that complements many foods. Add it to soups, salads, pork and chicken recipes. Or try this simple recipe:
Sautéed Corn with Smoky Salt
- serves 6
4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
3 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Applewood Smoked Sea Salt
Cut the kernels off the cob. In a small sauté pan, heat the butter. Add the corn, cook for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with pepper. Remove from heat, sprinkle with Applewood Smoked Sea Salt and stir to combine. |
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Indian Curries & Breads
Learn how to make authentic Indian curries and breads, including the ever-popular naan bread. In this hands on class, Leena Ezekiel will teach you everything about making traditional dishes.
Monday, August 4 at 6:00 pm
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Cocktails anyone?
Make great cocktails with our new Flip-top Cocktail Shaker. This attractive stainless steel shaker is easy to use and makes excellent cocktails. It's this summer's "bar necessity". It has a flip-top design with built in-strainer. Because of the double wall construction, the shaker never gets cold. Even better, it's dishwasher safe.
It's also our product of the month (see coupon below).
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