Big Week

A fast week.  I can't believe it is Friday and I haven't written all week! 

Monday started with issues.  I am teaching for Culinary Business Academy next week, we have a full class and the space where we had class last month was closed by some person in authority in Decatur.  I'm not in charge, but my friend Cathy is so I was helping her find a place where we could have cooking class and also lecture for the 8 students who will arrive Sunday.  Crisis averted, Cook's Warehouse in Decatur has graciously allowed us to use the kitchen there!

Monday I also had a conference call with a chef in another state.  She has agreed to do a kid's cooking camp this summer and she had some questions for me as a veteran of kid's cooking.  I have never met her, I think she is in Michigan, not sure.  We had a good talk and she said she feels more comfortable.  I love being a part of an association where I can meet so many people, give help and get help. 

Monday I also made and delivered a meal to a neighbor.  I don't know many of our neighbors since years of corporate work left me little time to go outside of our house and meet others.  I'm starting to get to know some now thanks to another neighbor Rycca who is in Jazzercise and also has a daughter Katie who sells Girl Scout cookies and cat sits.

Tuesday I finished up my class info for the kid's series of summer cooking that starts June 18th.  I delivered that to Cook's Warehouse in Midtown so they can copy and binder and have it ready for the kids.  We're doing Food Network as the theme this year with Thursday being Iron Chef Day so I also had to finalize judges for Thursday.  There are many wonderful people willing to help with kids!  My judges for the first week will be Virginia Willis and Elisa Gambino. 

I've heard of Virginia for several years since she also teaches at Cook's Warehouse but our paths had never really crossed.  I got to know her better at the last Women Chefs and Restaurateur conference last year in Atlanta.  I am so glad that I am getting to know her. 

I met Elisa several years ago on a tip from a kid's class mom.  The mom told me about the best pasta she had ever had so I had to try it.  It is wonderful, my favorite is the braised leek but it all is good.  I met Elisa at her shop and again she's the nicest person.  You have to try the pasta.  It is quick and simple for summer.  Really anytime, but it's summer now!

Wednesday was cleaning day.  I had no excuse that I could use to avoid it.  I also made a great dinner on the grill.  It was simple but had great flavor.  I used some lemon oil and Greek seasoning on chicken breasts, grilled some foccacia bread from DeKalb Farmer's market and made Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers.   So good!

Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers from Pillsbury

• 3 large red bell peppers
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 slices (1/4 inch thick) fresh mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1. Heat grill.  When ready to grill, place bell peppers on gas grill over medium-high heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium-high coals.  Cook 10 to 13 minutes or until all sides are blistered and charred, turnign every 3 to 4 minutes. (I have a charcoal grill, so I just charred the peppers over my stove flame while I unloaded the dishwasher)
2. Place peppers in brown paper bag; fold down top.  Let stand 5 minutes.
3. Carefully peel as much skin from peppers as possible.  Cut in half lengthwise; remove stems, seeds and ribs.  Sprinkle with salt.
4. Place 1 slice of cheese in each pepper half; drizzle with oil.  Return pepper halves to grill; cook an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Sprinkle with basil.  Cut each pepper in half again.  Serves 12.
5. I did put my peppers on the grill and let the cheese melt while I grilled the chicken.  I had pounded the chicken pretty thin so it only took about 2 minutes per side. 

Thursday I actually worked!  I had a cooking day and it was much easier than the rest of the week.  I cooked for the client that won the bid at the Big Brother/Big Sister Fund Raising Gala.  I cooked dinner for us also, a pasta recipe with tomatoes, a little cream, prosciutto, garlic, parsley, very good.  I didn't follow the recipe, so I have to write down what I really did in case I want to have it again.

Today of course is knitting class day.  I finished my navy blue sweater!  I finished sewing it Wednesday night.  Back to the socks.  The socks are getting close to being called "dreaded socks".  I'm stubborn now and want to finish them because they've tormented me so much. 

Also it looks like rain.  I really hope we get it all day.  Tomorrow I am attending the World Tea Expo and taking some classes.  Should be fun.