Four local chefs and cooks are collaborating to lead the Frugal Gourmet Cooking Group which begins on March 6. Bob Sorenson, Maryse Berube, Crystal Sorenson and Paula Murphy, sponsored by Yellowhead Community Services, bring over 105 years of experience in creating magic in the kitchen. This even includes the experience as a French pastry chef, restaurant owners and much sought after caterers.
They’ll be leading the budget friendly cooking group which will focus on fun, learning, saving money and wisdom sharing. The group will have options for you to choose from.
The first option is for those who want to learn the basics. You’ll be taught how to be safe in the kitchen, what tools you need to make your life easier, and how to make your budget go further. You will learn how to make things like really good gravy, homemade soups, great meats and vegetables, meat carving and meals that are easy and fast.
You’ll learn how to make the best use of the local grocery store and local producers while developing good working relationships with them and learning how to save money.
The second option is for those who would like a more specialized experience. Based on interest, there are options to offer classes on cooking vegetarian, gluten free, diabetic, heart healthy, celiac, low sodium, weight loss, French pastry, decadent desserts only, foods that relax you, cooking for a group, how to make the best fluffy bread, appetizers, etc.
The third option is to do theme nights for affordable entertainment, learning and some great socializing. The possibilities are endless, but may include things like cooking New Orleans food while listening to blues music, creating romantic dinners, wild meat party, canning night, game day feasts, chili cook-offs, etc.
At each session you will cook, have a brief educational session, eat part of what you’ve made and take the rest home with you. You don’t need to prepare or bring a thing. It will all be supplied for you.
Just relax and bring yourself. The first sessions held on March 6, at the Ridge in Barriere will be free. There will be a session at 9:15 a.m., and one at 7 p.m. Of course there will be some free appetizers and snacks cooked by the chefs at these sessions for you to try out.
These first sessions will determine what dates and times work best for the groups and which options the groups are interested in.
The regular sessions will begin March 13. There are expected to be eight sessions over four months ending in June. At the regular sessions, there will be a nominal fee which will be payable to Yellowhead Community Services in advance of each session.
Spaces are limited to the size of the cooking space so please register early by calling 250-672-9773 or email info@frugalgourmet.com .
Turn plain groceries into money saving taste-bud tingling delights at the Frugal Gourmet Group starting March 6.