Master Cooking Classes #whatsonyourplateblogchallenge

#whatsonyourplateblogchallenge

My talented blog friend, Donna at Retirement Reflections, has teamed up with Deb at Widow Badass to invite all of us to a monthly virtual dinner party. The goal is to spread meal inspirations and share dishes that we have recently enjoyed. Breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner, dining in, dining out… all ideas are welcome.

I didn’t cook for #whatsonyourplateblogchallange but I did spend a morning at a cooking demonstration. The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival was underway a few days before Matt and I drove back to New York. My daughter scored me tickets to the Master Classes at the Omni on Ocean Lane. It was a lovely outdoor setting, complete with a light ocean breeze under a shaded patio. 

First up was Chef Andrea Reusing, who whipped up a beautiful crab cake. Now, I consider my crab cakes made from fresh blue claw crab I pick myself, as excellent. Andrea’s recipe was like most crab cakes, although her mayo and mustard added a tangy, sharp finish. The best part was watching her technique in mixing and handling the crab meat and shaping into delectable patties. Sommelier Larry O’Brian presented interesting wine insights and history. He paired the crab cakes with a light refreshing, not too citrus-y Kendall Le Creme Sauvignon Blanc—absolutely perfect.  

I could not wait to “sip” the Margarita first.

Next was Chef Hugo Ortega, who told a fascinating story of his culinary roots, cooking with his abuela in Mexico and saying “yes” to all opportunities that crossed his path. He grounded corn and mixed, shaped and baked the tortilla. A tasty combination of swiss chard, mushroom and potatoes filled the blue corn tortilla (no one said anything about the missing seafood). The dish was paired with a delightful Margarita, concocted by Maria Tequila herself, the Herradura Tequila representative. OMG! The drink not only looked festive, it was amazingly delightful. I’ll NEVER go back to Margarita mix Margaritas again. 

Not only did I have a wonderful morning learning and meeting these talented chefs and wine and spirit experts, a signed copy of the chefs’ latest cookbook came with the event!

Too bad that the Gullah Geechee demonstration with Chef Matthew Raiford was canceled. I do love a spicy soul food shrimpy dish. The chef’s flight was delayed and eventually scrapped because of the big snow that covered the northeast. Next year. 

Thanks a bunch again to Donna at Retirement Reflections and the Widow Badass, Deb .

Never miss a story, book event, or life musing. Take your seat at the Stories Served Around The Table News to Nosh Newsletter.

Hope you are hungry. Becoming America’s Food Stories recalls the tales that have been told around my family’s dinner table. The histories explain the motivations over bowls of macaroni, antics play out while slurping soup, and laughter echoes throughout the dining room. Pull up a seat. There’s always room.
The Heart of Bakers and Artists is set in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, 1911. The story follows nine-year-old Lily, an American-born child of Sicilian immigrants, who wants to prove she is not a little kid. To be a big kid in the crowded tenement neighborhoods, she must tackle bigotry, bullies, disasters, dotty bakers, and learn to cross the street by herself
The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers picks up where The Heart of Bakers and Artists left off.Lily has big dreams to sing out with her powerful voice, but must do EVERYTHING, since Mama fell into a deep depression, the baby is sick, and the “Black Hand” terrorizes the neighborhood, threatening her chance to sing at the New York Highlanders Fourth of July baseball game.
Antoinette Truglio Martin is the author of Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer. The memoir is a wimpy patient’s journey through her first year of breast cancer treatment.

7 thoughts

  2. So, I have been trying to pull myself out of bed but….I always just sneak in one more blog post.
    This one finally did the trick. It made me soooooo hungry that I am now fleeing my bedroom and headed for the kitchen,
    I will check out those cookbooks. Especially The Street Foods of Mexico! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Pingback: News to Nosh -a Writer’s Journey Newsletter – Stories Served Around The Table

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