Oy VAY! I did it to you again, D! I edited your post by accident. I have this STUPID button on my computer because I'm an administrator of the site. I'm SO sorry.

Can you repost your post? I owe you!

I was just trying to give you my two cents: Stick with recipes you know. Stick with what you love. They must have tried your food and have saught you out for what you've shared with them. Keep it super simple.

What's "common" and perhaps "boring" to you will be thrilling to them. Coordinating planning, list making, shopping and prep is a lot of work. Cooking to teach and impart techniques and tips can be richly rewarding but it requires more time, attention and energy than every day cooking.

Preparing recipes you know inside and out your first time "out" will save you in many ways. Trust me

Congratulations and have FUN!

kd

In case D - doesn't see this for awhile - She logged on and asked for your ideas on what to prepare for in home cooking classes she'll teach to friends who really enjoy her cooking. She specializes in Tex Mex and wants to emphasize healthy cooking.

In the meantime, I'm going to computer class to learn which buttons NOT to push! UGH!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kd,

The casseroles are a great idea, Sandy; in fact, one gal has a spectacular chicken enchilada casserole that I feel certain raised my cholesterol 100 points last time I had it, it'd be great to get her recipe and knock it down a couple of notches.

(I'm okay with finding the library, I forget sometimes that you all can't hear my tone of voice & inflections or feel me nudging you with my elbow as a cue to laugh at my not-always-funny jokes. . .it's all so clear in my head. . . . . . .but you're both sweet to help me out!)

D

D,

Most public libraries do use the Dewey Decimal System. And, most of them are nice enough to at least give you an idea of what numbers are on what shelves. Some even tell you what subjects there are on those shelves, but in case none of yours do, I included the numbers. You should be able to get all kinds of ideas from the cookbooks there.

Have fun!
Laura

D,
Sounds like a great plan- a great way to come togther with friends in a postive way. Since you knowledgable about tex/mex (?) cooking, how about creating someething like kd's chicken taco casserole and variations of tasty casseroles that mom's can have in the freezer and ready to pop in the oven for easy dinner ideas.

quote:

---

Originally posted by D in St Pete:
Laura, I will go to the library. As soon as I figure out where the nearest one is. Do they have a Dewey system for looking up library locations?
D

---

Try doing a Google search for St. Pete library and you should find some.

I discussed it with the biggest supporter (or perhaps she was just voted the most likely to talk me into it. . .) last night, and I thought that perhaps if we could alternate between people for theme "ideas", I should be able to concoct a general menu, then have everyone bring items for "their" dish. No way would I do a "demo" of the cooking, I kinda hoped they'd want to make their assigned dishes and get a chance to actually cook. I think all I'd require is that I not get stuck with the big costs (and these are good people, I don't think I would) and that they all bring containers with them to take enough home that we don't have leftovers taking over the fridge.

Tapas would be fun, and a good excuse to go to all of the local tapas bars, yes? For research purposes, of course!

Jen, I have the KD cookbooks, and I like the stuff in there a lot, it's kind of how I've written recipes for friends. . ."Do this to make it faster, add this if you don't have that", etc. I'll check out Health Magazine, I haven't heard of it.

Laura, I will go to the library. As soon as I figure out where the nearest one is. Do they have a Dewey system for looking up library locations?

Denise, I hadn't thought of brunch, but I could certainly do that one! Thank you!

D

I thought that your slimmed down brunch sounded great. Even the really simple tricks of half as much bacon and serve smaller pieces.

The ideas posted below are very good!

Makes me wish I lived in FL!

Denise

Hey D, that sounds like fun! My mom and I had been considering doing something similar, but more like, people who are foodies, but not professionals, get together to cook, then feast.

Have you ever seen CookWorks, also on FoodTV? I'm not sure if it's still on, but it might be a good place just to watch how she teaches.

I guess perhaps don't focus a whole lot on technique, but more on time savers (a la Rachael Ray), light alternatives (a la kd), different cooking methods, seasonings that are appropriate to different cuisines, etc. That way they leave with a lot more theory = flexibility.

I'd also consider how involved you want them to be. Will it be more a demonstration, or hands-on? And if it's hands-on maybe ask them to bring a chef's knife and a cutting board at least.

Also, will they be contributing, either with cash for supplies, or with bringing ingredients? Or is their payment doing the clean up?

Perhaps pick a theme, and then make an appetizer, a side dish, and entree and a dessert or accompanying beverage.

A cool one might be tapas. You could make sangria, a few dishes (like chorizo, portobellos, garlic shrimp, tortilla espanola) plus some sort of cold salad. That way, everyone can be working on a dish, and all you have to do is get them started and give guidance.

Go with your resources...KD's books, your local library for a wealth of healthy cooking cookbooks (to save you time look in 641.563 to 641.563847 if your library uses the Dewey Decimal system), etc. Start with recipes that you'd enjoy, then encourage them to play with the recipes, as KD does.

Laura

ps...No one would ever guess that I work in a library, would they?!?

It sounds like a really fun way to get together with friends and try some new things. I say go for it!

I have lots of cookbooks but I have been using KD's and the Weight Watchers cookbooks most lately since I'm trying to emphasize healthy eating. I also like the recipes in Health Magazine and have saved several in a photo album that I use as a cookbook by putting in recipes that I like.