Ever since living in Mexico years ago (and possibly before that too), Jared has really, REALLY loved good Mexican food. So, for his birthday... (here's where a nicer wife probably would have taken him out to a good Mexican dinner or cooked one for him, but he had to do it himself...) I took him to a Mexican cooking class! We learned how to do a few things and had a great time.
It was at the Institute of Culinary Education, and our teacher was Chef John Ash, who runs a restaurant out in California wine country, has won some awards of some kind (the cooking kind, I'm sure) and has also done stuff on the Food Network TV. I hadn't heard of him before, but he was a great teacher and even though we sometimes felt like we were on Top Chef or Hell's Kitchen, he never yelled or swore at us.
There were about 10 students in the class and we split up into teams to make different dishes. Jared and I were on separate teams so the competition got a little heated between the two of us, even though there was nothing to really compete over. The whole room was going a little crazy toward the end when everyone was scrambling to finish their dishes so we could eat. But our big reward was tons of amazing food! And knowing how to make it!
the kitchen/classroom/dining room
avocado fries with chipotle aioli
wild mushroom quesadilla with charred tomato salsa
new world shrimp cocktail
tomatillo, poblano and hominy chowder with cilantro pesto
achiote roasted sea bass with citrus salsa
grilled steak tacos with chipotle lime sauce
and of course, Mexican corn on the cob
The food was clearly more gourmet than the good and authentic Chihuahua fare that Jared ate every day for 2 years, but we didn't mind.
Ironically, the only dish I didn't get a picture of was the one I made. Probably because it was THE BEST and it got scarfed up too quickly (see? I'm getting competitive again). I was in charge of the Capriotada (Mexican bread pudding with caramel sauce), and it was pretty amazing. Even the people who didn't normally like bread pudding cleaned their plates. I maybe shouldn't take all the credit because I was only following a recipe, and got a lot of help from the chef, but I think I will anyway.
the new Mexican chefs (in a super smoky kitchen)
You KNOW you shouldn't have told us!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you're coming here for a visit with nothing to do....and a whole kitchen or two at your disposal...I can't wait!!!!!!!!
That looks so fun! And what a great idea. You two always think of the most original yet perfect-for-the-person gifts. I am very impressed and desire to be more like that. Too bad you couldn't have been on the same team, the best part of cooking is being together. Did the give you the recipes at the end or do you just have to remember them? Oh, I just realized this is a baby-free post? What?! No twinners? Wow, you really were on a date weren't you. YESSSSSS!
ReplyDeletePS: The plateing of these dishes is amazing, such an artform. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I loved reading about your cooking class, especially since Rich got us a cooking class a few weeks ago, and we were thinking of redeeming it soon. I think ours is Italian food; super excited!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO going on my bucket list. What a great way to celebrate. And thanks for sharing your leftovers:)
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