Just...Get Cooking!

We had a busy, but oh so enjoyable weekend!  Friday night we had two couples over for drinks and pasta, Saturday was filled with errands and then off to dinner at a friend's house and Sunday, we found ourselves as willing participants on a pilot cooking course!  Yes, we met a lovely and talented lady who is just launching her new company, GET COOKING, and she was kind enough to invite us into her home and newly installed commercial kitchen for a absolute wonderful afternoon of casual company, great food, wine and fantastic instruction - what a treat!

Kathryn Joel, chef and entrepreneur relocated her blended family to Edmonton about a year and a half ago and has submersed herself into the local food scene.  But more than just a chef, she believes in supporting local businesses, farmers and retailers with one simple goal - cook with as much high quality, local food as possible.  Needless to say, we have more in common than just our given name: follower of the slow food movement and a believer of using quality ingredients in simple, straight forward applications which yield a delicious end product on your plate.

Not only talented in the kitchen, she is well versed in the local scene and can share with you her top restaurant pics, favorite stalls at the local farmers market, great butchers, food retailers and where to find new ingredients finally emerging in Edmonton!

Take a look at her website:

http://www.getcookingedmonton.com/

Our 2.5 hour cooking class was in a classic chef's table style, and food on the menu was inspired by French Bistro cuisine:

Gougeres - a french-style cheese puff made from choux pastry

Celeriac and Green Apple Salad with Creme Fraiche - another fantastic recipe using celery root, think a new twist on your favorite slaw recipe!

Moules a la Mariniere - mussels steamed with wine and fresh herbs

Roast Rack of Lamb with a Fresh Herb Crust - beautiful and easy to make!

Bananas and Pears en Papillote - literally fruit steamed in paper.  A perfect end to a fantastic meal!

Here are some pictures (not mine, the better photographer!) to pique your interest:

Our friend Al with Chef Kathryn, learning how to make choux pastry - lots of beating.  Today, Al is at the gym working on his other arm!

Local Creme Fraiche, found at The Italian Centre Shop

Hubby, ever so patiently prepping and cleaning the lamb bones - great job!

Mussels in the pot with wine and fresh herbs

A perfect Farmers Market pear, ready for dessert!

Roasted lamb resting before cutting, notice the nice prep job on the bones!

Students getting involved prepping the salad and gougeres!

I think safe to say, a good time was had by all!  Thank you Kathryn for opening up your beautiful home and stunning new kitchen, your warm hospitality and natural ability to teach was a breadth of fresh air!  David and I look forward to attending more classes in the near future and being regular readers of your website - a great place for all things food and local!