COOKING CLASS SUNDAY

This Sunday I am teaching a class on pizza.  It is all about the crust and the many ways you can make pizza dough. So if you ever wanted to know the best way and the best short cuts come by the Williams Sonoma in Green Valley at The District in Henderson NV Sunday at 12 noon.

I will also show you a few other recipes that you how you can use pizza dough to make some great appetizers.  So drop by.

AUTUMN HOUSEKEEPING

Now that fall is almost here we all think about the change in menu. For most that means more oven coking and using the indoor appliances more. But at the same time you need to look at your spice cabinet.  Most spices only have a 2 year shelf life. That includes the time from manufacturing, shipping and setting on a stores shelves.  Look at your spices. If they are ground such as Cinnamon or other spices, they may need to be replaced.  Paprika will loose it red color over time. This does not affect the taste until it approached the 2 year mark but can affect how it browns food.  If you plan to make chili when the weather gets cold, are you spices too old to due your recipe justice?

Oil also has a shelf life. Check those too. Use the change in seasons to check your seasonings. Hopefully you also have fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Does it need to be recharged?

Fall and winter are usually very busy times in the kitchen.  Use this time to be prepared and you will enjoy cooking more.

Food Processors

Recently I purchased a new food processor. The one I got has three bowls and lots of horse power.  It has all bells and whistles. During my research on which one to buy, I did find some very good information.

We all know that there are a lot of gadgets out there and lot of different prices.  What I found out that was news to me is what a difference the right blade makes.  If you have one that has a "Dough Blade" use it.  I never paid much attention until I found out that the longer blades actually cut the gluten when you are kneading the dough with a processor.  If you have made pizza dough or bread in a food processor and had so so results that is most likely why. 

So as you can see no matter how long you have been cooking, you can always learn.  If you have a tip pass it on.  It will help someone.