Bayview School Of Cooking Offers Free Useful Tips

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By Katie Hurley

Lee Ann Ufford (left) and Paula Leichty educate a full class of students at Bayview School of Cooking’s free In The Kitchen session.

On the first Thursday of each month, food fans flock to Bayview School of Cooking for their free In the Kitchen classes to learn useful tips and sample new recipes.  The 2-hour program is offered twice during the day, at 9 am and 1 pm.

A crowd of 40 people enjoyed October’s morning class featuring 3 different types of scones – two sweet scones and one savory scone.

Instructor Barb Agee demonstrated two of the recipes, giving helpful hints as she cooked; hints that usually aren’t printed in a recipe, but are based on extensive experience and experimentation in the kitchen.   There are many opportunities to ask questions about the ingredients, the recipes and the preparation.  Agee and her assistants Paula Leichty and Lee Ann Ufford expertly fielded all sorts of questions about different flours, butter substitutes, and using different liquids in the recipes.  There were lots of laughs, some stories of epic baking failures, and some useful suggestions from guests as well.

Samples of the scones were served with different flavors of jams from Ila’s Foods.   “I like to feature local products whenever I can,” says Agee.

Debra Kilcup of Ila’s Foods makes 42 different products herself in Hoodsport, Washington in small batches.  98% of her ingredients are locally sourced, including berries from Spooner Farms.  Kilcup told the group how she started her business and how she develops and names her recipes.  For this class, she selected her Caramel Apple Butter to serve on Oat Apple scones, and her Black River Blueberry Marmalade for the Candied Orange and Raisin scones.

Debra Kilcup of Ila’s Foods discusses how home cooks can incorporate her products into recipes.

Served along with the scones were samples of fresh Florida grapefruit and fresh Concord grapes, a rare treat because of their very short season.   For In the Kitchen classes, Agee focuses on what is fresh and in season whenever possible and often consults experts in Bayview’s Produce Department for suggestions.   Eyes around the room lit up as people tried the tiny Concord grapes.  “I’ve heard of the Concord grape jelly and juice, but I’ve never actually seen them before,” said one taster.

Carol Ames is a frequent attendee at In the Kitchen classes.  “I come whenever I can because of the various cooking ideas I get,” she said.  “It broadens your horizons to different types of cooking.  Just to come and get new ideas is tremendous,” she said enthusiastically.   In addition to coffee, tea and sample tastes of all of the recipes, guests take home copies of the recipes and a coupon good for 10% off a purchase at Bayview Thriftway that is valid for one week after the class.

After the class, armed with their 10% discount coupons, some were shopping for weekly groceries, some were purchasing items specifically to make the recipes demonstrated in the class, and others were perusing the housewares department looking for new kitchen gadgets and tools.    By noon, the store’s supply of Ila’s Caramel Apple Butter was dwindling as inspired students went home to duplicate the recipes for their families and friends.

The next In the Kitchen classes are on Thursday, November 1 at 9 am and 1 pm and will feature a perennial favorite Fall ingredient… pumpkin.  Recipes will include Moroccan Pumpkin and Turkey Couscous, Pumpkin-Pear Bisque, and Pumpkin Chai Blondies with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting.    Seating is limited, so arriving a few minutes early is recommended.

Bayview School of Cooking is a local, family-owned owned business, located inside Bayview Thriftway.

516 4th Avenue West

Olympia, WA 98502

360.754.1448

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