CUISINE
Hungry for School
By Suzanne Corbett
Here are a few suggestions on where to begin. Each offers a variety
of classes to help fill your plate.
St. Louis Community College: Counted among the oldest
community-sponsored cooking classes are those offered through St.
Louis Community College. The fall schedule mixes the proverbial
pot with a range of hands-on classes on everything from knife skills
to cheese making to exploring flavors from places like Marrakech and
Memphis. Classes are held throughout the city and county at high
schools, sponsored businesses and the college's Culinary Arts Houseon
Hampton Avenue. stlcc.edu/programs-academics/continuing-education
Turkish American Society of Missouri: How does one better
understand and embrace one’s neighbor? Share a meal. Sharing food
and table builds friendships. It’s a fundamental concept the Turkish
American Society of Missouri practices as it continues its slate of
cooking classes that spotlight its cuisine and table traditions. Held on
select Sunday afternoons throughout the traditional school year, these
ladies-only demonstration classes present classic Turkish recipes, which
culminate with a hearty sampling of the featured dishes served with great
conversations over cups of Turkish tea. tasom.org/cooking-class
Hatice Cavdar
demonstrates the art
of Turkish cooking
during a class at the
Turkish American
Society of Missouri.
60
GAZELLE
photo
Inns
C
ontrary to the calendar and conventional thinking, the
New Year doesn’t begin on Jan. 1 - at least for those in
the academic world. The New Year begins in August,
when students file back into the classroom. It’s also the
time when many foodies are inspired to do the same -
pulling out the pots and pans and taking a class.
Often called recreational cooking classes, these programs promise
"edutainment," an entertaining experience that teaches something. For
the culinarian, they provide more than new recipes and techniques for
the novice or seasoned cook. They present a flavorful mix of traditions,
cultures and food styles, often enhancing community involvement,
skill sets and recipes - some old school or new - designed to enhance
culinary prowess. This allows for the ultimate take home - foods one
can replicate for family and friends to create flavorful memories.
Cooking classes today offer as many options as ingredients in a
stew. Some are taught in classrooms, while some are held in kitchens
inside shops and stores. Some have become part of a weekend getaway
at destinations where food passions are indulged like New Orleans or
Kansas City. All have their merits. And no one leaves a class hungry.