My Autumn Saturdays of old are so very different from my Saturdays of today.
Before they usually unfolded along these lines:
5:15 AM – wake up
5:20 AM – wake up M and H
5:40 AM – head out the door for swim practice.
6:00 – 7:00 AM – observe swim practice from hard bleachers inside stuffy, chlorine infused pool
7:00 – 9:00 AM – grab quick breakfast and coffee with M and then watch H participate in water polo practice and game
9:30 AM – home to make breakfast for M and H
11:00 AM – head out the door for H’s soccer game which is invariably held on a wet, cold, drizzly day.
2:00 PM on – put out fires created by two exhausted squabbling children, recover from the effects of too much coffee, play around with dinner making etc.
***
With both my children away at university yesterday’s Saturday was very different.
11:00 – 2:00: The Taste of India Cooking class taught by Chef Cindy Low at the Gourmet Warehouse in Vancouver.
I’d been looking forward to this class for weeks. It didn’t disappoint. As with most of the classes here it was a demonstration class. My job was to sit, drink wine, observe and take home the recipes. SO much fun. Chef Cindy was lovely. Quiet, low-key and professional she tolerated the class chitchat and welcomed all questions. No question was too silly, which is perfect in my books.
Here’s what she whipped up for us to enjoy:
Indian Caesar Salad with Spiced Naan Croutons and Ginger-Garlic Dressing – Outstanding for its crisp, refreshingly light taste.
Tamarind Prawns – Heavenly appie with undertones of garlic, ginger and tamarind pulp.
Palak Paneer – Cubes of Indian Cheese in a silky spinach sauce.
Butter Chicken – The meltiest and most delicious I have ever tasted. Ever.
Masala Chai -Milky sweet and spicy tea.
If you live in Vancouver or are planning a visit, make sure you pop into the wonder that is The Gourmet Warehouse. Not only are the classes superb but their inventory on offer is beyond compare for variety, uniqueness and functionality. For all things to do with cooking I heartily recommend it.
Here’s a birdseye view of the Gourmet Warehouse.
Pots, pans,ingredients, dish soap, table linens, stocking stuffers.
All here.
Kaleidoscope wall of Le Creuset Accessories – of course any variety of their cookware is also available.
It would be remiss of me not to mention another reason I love attending these cooking classes. My friend Jane. I can’t imagine not having her with me. We met on the Sunday soccer pitch sidelines (the girls here play on Sundays) several years ago and I treasure our friendship. She’s a kindred spirit in so many ways. Looking forward to our February “Comfort Foods” session at GW, Jane!
I’ll leave you with a photo of the Butter Chicken. It speaks for itself.
Do you have a Saturday highlight or perhaps a cooking class story to share? Love to hear about it!
15 Responses
Kelly. Well this post confirms it: the empty nest is filling with some tasty eggs. What a delight! Jane and an Indian meal that you learn how to prepare. My mouth waters wondering how to make that ginger-garlic salad dressing. Yum. No cooking class stories, but I want one. Thanks for the motivation.
“…the empty nest is filling with some tasty eggs.” – love it. You certainly have a gift with words Susan. Yes, the dressing for the caesar salad is amazing. Made with yogurt – it’s light and refreshing. I couldn’t believe the size of the portions they gave us. Huge. It was heaven.
Oh I remember those Saturday mornings well – 3 boys and swimming lessons…. Earlier this year I treated my son and his girlfriend to an Indian cookery class – they enjoyed it very much …..I was hoping they’d cook for me but it hasn’t happened so far!
Three boys and swimming lessons. Oh that must have been something! I’m am sorry you haven’t been treated to an Indian meal yet by your son and his girlfriend. Wish you lived closer – I’d make room at the table!
Oh, how I wish I could join you! That class looks delectable. Now I’m craving masala chai… off to the kitchen!
It was delectable Harmony. So much fun too. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make the masala chai. Love what we learn in these classes!
This looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing, especially the empty plate at the bottom. Love that 🙂
I thought of you yesterday (Saturday) as I was up a ladder clearing out gutters and trimming back foliage. SO much fun because it was so satisfying to see two huge green garbage bins filled up with our efforts, which I’m sure you can relate to. Miss ya so it’s nice to see what you’re up to in this delightful blog. Thank you!
Chels! I miss you too! Good on you get up the ladder and tend to the gutters. I’m not surprised though as I remember how gung ho you were whilst painting our kitchen walls. Love to have you both over for some Butter Chicken and Caesar salad when you next are up for a visit. “Bee ya boon!”
The butter chicken sounds totally delicious! What a fun way to spend a Saturday! :)-Ashley
It surely is – on both counts!
What fun! I love the picture of the butter chicken. What is it that they say? A clean plate is the best compliment a chef can get!
Haven’t heard that compliment before Mo. Love it! So true in this case – it was the meltiest meltiest. Does that make sense? I learned something at the class that you may know. The name “butter chicken” came from the consistency of the chicken rather than from the amount of butter used.
And now, if it’s possible, the dish sounds even more delicious!!
Doesn’t it?