Change Up Your Cooking Game

Those who attend Seafood 101, held at Ricks’s Seafood Restaurant in Mahopac, will get a chance to explore the cases in a fish-by-fish run-through. Some of the best chefs began their careers with a taste of a delicious dish that they wanted to re-create. There’s no denying the fun, as well as the exhilaration, of a truly gourmet outcome. But for the rest of us, those not destined to be chefs, those (like myself) who hardly romanticize their own daring in the kitchen, a cooking class can be a great way to build your repertoire of meals and give you a little more certainty.

A number of classes throughout the area are designed to help you explore new options, even with more unusual home-cooked cuisine.

Everyday Asian Taught by Marnie Henricksson, Chef and Owner of Marnie’s Asian Kitchen in Putnam Valley. Mon. Sept. 13 7-9pm. Kitch n’ Kaffe, Rt. 6, Mahopac.

Asian with a refreshing twist, and noodle dishes that are light and flavorful have made Henricksson’s restaurants an attraction, first with her popular restaurant Marnie’s Noodle Shop in Greenwich Village, New York City, and now with her newly opened Marnie’s Asian Kitchen.

Henricksson did not start cooking until college, and she didn’t start cooking Asian food until she moved to Japan some years later. After experimenting with the cuisine in Tokyo, she began adding her own touches, which has made her so well-known in the Asian food circle.

During the class, she will demonstrate her “Thai Lemongrass Soup with Shrimp,” “Chinese Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Cucumber,” and “Green Tea Ice Cream,” all popular dishes on her menu. “These three things are very easy to make, it doesn’t take a lot of skill,” said Henricksson. “It’s just different, not difficult.”

She will also be available after the class to autograph her book Everyday Asian.

To make a reservation for the class call Kitch n’ Kaffe at 845-621-3535.

Marnies’ Asian Kitchen is located at 64 Pudding St., Putnam Valley. 845-603- 5055.

Seafood 101 Taught by Fishmonger and Owner of Rick’s Seafood in Mahopac. Wed. Sept. 29, 6:30-9pm Rick’s Seafood, Rt. 6, Mahopac.

Preparing, and even buying, fish can be a bit scary, but Rick will lead an educational cooking class that includes recipes and preparation suggestions, as well as a discussion on current environmental events impacting seafood. Rick has owned Rick’s Seafood for nine years, and has been a hit with diners for his wide selection of fresh seafood topped with unique flavor combinations.

Presented through Culinary Collaborations, a local organization providing cooking classes and other food-related events, the class will include a full tasting menu, an introduction to the fish that Rick keeps in his own restaurant, and an open dialogue when it comes to seafood questions and concerns.

“Hopefully, this will give them confidence when buying fish, and taking it home and putting it on the table,” Rick mentioned as one of his goals for the class.

To register contact Deb and Patrice at Culinary Collaborations Patrice@ culinarycollaboration.com.

Healthy Brown Bag Lunches Taught by Kris Boyle, Nutritionist and Health Educator. Thurs. Oct. 7, 7-8pm Patterson Library, Rt. 311, Patterson.

How to pack a well-balanced lunch is the focus of this cooking class, which will delve into recipes and quick ideas for both kids and adults. “We’re going to address nutrition and how to create a low-fat, healthy lunch and save money in the mean time,” said Lillie Muscente, who’s in charge of programming at the Library. Part of the Library’s “Healthy Living Series,” which also includes other family oriented cooking lessons, the class teaches proper portions and general nutrition tips you can incorporate into your busy morning.

To register call Patterson Library at 845-878-6121.