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City of Aurora Cooking Classes April 2021
CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS Aurora Cooks Live!
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How do Virtual Classes Work?
March Virtual Cooking Class Schedule
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Classes for Families and Adults
Budding Chef Basics
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Youth Virtual Afterschool Cooking Classes ! W NE
Double Duty Meals Spring into Fresh Healthy Eating
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Soba Noodle Salad
Youth Cooking Activity
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Baked Wonton Quiche Cups
Adult Virtual Custom Cooking Classes
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Virtual Cooking Birthday Parties
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REGISTRATION
Call 303.326.8650 or login to your account at CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com to browse and register for classes.
AURORA COOKS L IV E!
VIRTUAL COOKING CLASSES APRIL 2021
Dear Aurora Cooks Guests, It has certainly been a while since we have been able to cook, learn and laugh with all of our Aurora Cooks guests! We miss each and every one of you, from our tiniest tots to our most seasoned chefs, and can’t wait to be cooking together again. Over the past few months, our team worked hard to re-imagine the Aurora Cooks experience. While we hope to someday have you back in our kitchens, we have reworked classes to bring you Aurora Cooks LIVE! virtual cooking classes. Our hope is to continue to make cooking empowering, practical and fun through this live, interactive virtual platform. Scroll Down to see our upcoming list of engaging LIVE classes. Classes can also be viewed and registered for at CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com. Upon registration, our team will send you everything you need to prepare for your class including shopping and equipment lists, recipes and a registration link to join the class. At the time of your class, guests simply open the registration link and connect in real-time with our chef instructors. Our talented team will walk you through the entire menu, sharing our tips and expertise, and allowing time for questions and providing opportunities to virtually connect and share the dishes we create together. Classes will be conducted through Microsoft Teams. If you don’t have the desktop app downloaded, click here to download now! All classes are $15 and will be 2 hours in length. Aurora Cooks LIVE! virtual classes are non-refundable and all purchases are final. Please call 303.326.8634 or email arainvil@auroragov.org to discuss allergies or dietary restrictions, prior to enrolling. We are excited for you to join us on this new virtual journey! - The Aurora Cooks Team
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AURORA COOKS LIVE! INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL COOKING CLASSES Let us bring our teaching kitchen to into the comfort of your home! Join us for a 2-hour class where you can cook along live with one of our talented chefs. We’ll walk you through the entire menu, sharing our tips and expertise while providing opportunities to virtually connect and share the dishes we create together. Each participant will receive a copy of the recipes, ingredient list, and shopping list along with the virtual registration link for each class. • All classes are $15 and 2 hours unless noted. • Price includes registration link for entire household. • All classes are virtual and will take place in YOUR home. • All classes will be conducted through Microsoft Teams and no account or login is required. • Following registration, participants will receive an email with recipes, shopping & equipment lists in order to prepare for class. • All classes are non-refundable and all purchases are final.
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PARENT/TOT Curriculum designed for youth ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $15 • Price includes registration link for entire household.
DON’T WORRY, BE HOPPY
YOU MAKE ME DAISY
Hop into Spring with fun Easter treats that any bunny would enjoy! Menu: Spring Herb Hummus with Carrot Sticks, Chocolate Pretzel Nests & Hummingbird Muffins. 36855 April 3 • Sat., 2:30-4 p.m. • Instructor: Mia Randall
As our gardens begin to come alive with the seeds of spring, join us in making some fun picnic treats to enjoy in the garden. Menu: Cucumber Flowers with an Everything Bagel Dip, Jellybean Flower Cookie Cups and Strawberry Garden Sprinkler Punch. 36856 April 17 • Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
PARENT/FAMILY Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $15 • Price includes registration link for entire household.
LET’S HOP TO IT
FRIDAY NIGHT FAMILY FUN: PIZZAFARRI
Every bunny is invited to brunch with us in this fun Easter themed menu. Menu: Hash Brown Bacon & Cheddar Quiche, Carrot Cake Pancakes with Spiced Syrup, & Oreo Easter Egg Truffles. 36860 April 3 • Sat., 10 a.m.-noon • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
Get the wild ones in the kitchen and jump onboard the Pizzafarri, where we’ll prepare some fun and delicious animal inspired dishes. Menu: Lion Head Hummus, Chunky Monkey Banana Nice Cream, Spotted Snake Pissssssa. 36879 April 30 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Instructor: Ryan Schaefer
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BUDDING CHEF
BASICS Curriculum designed for youth ages 8-12-years-old. $5 • Price includes one registration link per household.
Join us for a virtual afterschool cooking class from your own kitchen! Our talented staff will connect with students virtually and guide them through a 1-hour class where they’ll develop essential skills to confidently cook at home. Youth will prepare a snack or simple meal with 10 ingredients or less in each class. • Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. • Instructor: Mia Randall 36890 April 7 – Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes 36891 April 21 – Personal Pizzas
Call 303.326.8650 or login to CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com to register. 5
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TEEN Curriculum designed adults ages 13-15. $15 • Price includes registration link for entire household.
TASTE OF ITALY Hand over the reins and let your teen takeover the kitchen. We’ll walk youth through the basics of making these nourishing Italian staples for a meal the whole family will enjoy. Menu: Three Cheese Lasagna Rollups with Marinara, and a Simple Caesar Salad. 36955 April 17 • Sat., 2-4 p.m. • Instructor: Andrea Rainville
ADULT 15+ Curriculum designed adults ages 15 years and older. $15 • Price includes registration link for entire household.
RETRO DINER Transform your kitchen into an oldfashioned diner and join us for a blast from the past, as we prepare some classic and comforting American diner staples. Menu: Smashed DinerStyle Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions and Special Sauce, Classic Home Fries, and a Chocolate Malted Milkshake for dessert. 36956 April 2 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Instructor: Ryan Schaefer
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N EW ! DOUBLE DUTY
MEALS Cook once and eat twice! Tired of recipes that make way too much and leave you eating leftovers for days? Join us for a 1-hour class using 10 ingredients or less where we’ll help you liven up your dinner routine and teach you to prepare a delicious 2 portion meal. We’ll also include a recipe and short video on how to use the ingredients you prepared for another exceptional meal later in the week! • Fridays, 3-4 p.m. • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
36852 April 2 – One Pan Spanish Chicken with Artichokes & Lemon Bonus Recipe for Leftovers: Greek Pulled Chicken Pasta Salad 36853 April 30 – Baked Italian Meatballs and Cheesy Polenta Bonus Recipe for Leftovers: Simple Chili and Cornbread Biscuits
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ADULT 15+ Curriculum designed adults ages 15 years and older. $15 • Price includes registration link for entire household.
FRY BREAD FEAST
THE PESTO’S YET TO COME
A taco by any other name…crispy, chewy and complex in flavor. Join us as we dive into this Native American staple. Beef Navajo Tacos topped with a Green Chile Crème and an Osage Hominy Salsa, and Fry Bread Nuggets with Honey Butter for dessert. 36957 April 8 • Thu., 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
Elevate your go to chicken dinner with this simple yet gourmet spread. Menu: Spatchcock Roast Chicken with Herb and Almond Pesto, Tangerine Rice, and Honey and Chile Glazed Brussel Sprouts. 36959 April 24 • Sat., 2-4 p.m. • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
GNOCCHI YOURSELF OUT!
PAELLA MAESTRO
See just how versatile gnocchi can be! With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to make this fancy dish with some ease at home. Menu: Crispy Potato Gnocchi Primavera and Chocolate Ricotta Gnocchi with Berry Compote. 37005 April 29 • Thu., 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Instructor: Mia Randall
Join us on the streets of Valencia and learn to make this iconic Spanish dish. Menu: Traditional Paella and Blistered Shishito Peppers with Lemon Aioli. 36958 April 10 • Sat., 2-4 p.m. • Instructor: Mia Randall
OH, MY SHAWARMA! We’ve heard that Shawarma is the epitomy of middle eastern cuisine. Join us in making this takeout favorite at home. Menu: Beef Shawarma, Homemade Naan, and Roasted Cauliflower. 37004 April 22 • Thu., 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
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ADULT 21+ Curriculum designed adults ages 21 years and older. $15 • Price includes registration link for entire household.
POP & POUR
WHISKEY BUSINESS
Wine is not just great for drinking, but also cooking! Learn how to make impressive wine-infused dishes while sipping on your favorite wine. Menu: Chicken Marsala, Creamy Parmesan Polenta and Red Wine Poached Pears with Crème Anglaise. 36960 April 1 • Thu., 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Instructor: Mia Randall
Enjoy & prepare an elegant meal inspired by Irish whiskey. Menu: Coriander and Fennel Rubbed Pork Loin with a Whiskey Pan Sauce, Ginger Mashed Carrots & Individual Maple & Whiskey Pudding Cakes for dessert. 36961 April 10 • Sat., 6-8 p.m. • Instructor: Kirsten Hall
STEAK DINNER ARGENTINA
Want to teach your typical steak dinner a new dance? Partner up and let’s tango in the kitchen to transform your standard meat & potato dinner with an Argentinian twist. Menu: Chilean Spiced Flank Steak, Classic Chimichurri Sauce, Roasted Brussel Sprout and Fingerling Potatoes with Red Chimichurri Vinaigrette, Rojo Pisco Sour. 36962 April 9 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Instructor: Ryan Schaefer
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DATE NIGHT: MEDIEVAL FEAST
Let’s not fight over a dragon fire forged throne of swords. Instead, learn to cook and eat like kings and queens! Replace your sword and armor with an apron and chef knife and join us for an unrivaled, romantic and rustic dinner for two! Mede beer pairing suggestions provided. Menu: Roasted Lemon and Rosemary Cornish Game Hen with Herb Pan Sauce, Whipped Turnip & Yukon Gold Potatoes with Roasted Mushrooms and Leeks. 36964 April 23 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Instructor: Ryan Schaefer
FIESTA BRUNCH Spice up your weekend with authentic Mexican brunch paired with refreshing Palomas. Menu: Chorizo Huevos Rancheros, Homemade Corn Tortillas, Salsa Verde and Palomas. 36963 April 24 • Sat., 10 a.m.-noon • Instructor: Mia Randall
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SPRING INTO FRESH HEALTHY EATING... By: Mia Randall
With Springtime here, take advantage of the abundance of fresh vegetables available and incorporate them creatively into your diet. Think outside the box of your everyday salad and try something fulfilling, fresh, and flavorful, like this Asian-style Soba Noodle Salad.
Soba Noodle Salad SERVES 4
DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients and reserve.
DRESSING:
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles for 5-6 minutes, until tender. Drain in colander and rinse under cold water.
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce 3 scallions, sliced
3. Toss the noodles with half of the dressing. 4. Julienne all vegetables. 5. Toss together noodles, vegetables, chicken, and remainder dressing. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve and enjoy!
NOODLES: 8 ounces soba noodles 2 large red cabbage leaves 1 small red bell pepper 1 medium carrot 1 hothouse cucumber 1/2 small red onion 1 cup shredded cooked chicken Cilantro leaves, for garnish
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WONTON QUICHE CUPS By: Kirsten Hall
How much more fun and delicious are things when we make them small? These Wonton Cups are a fun, easy and delicious addition to the breakfast or Easter brunch table to make with your family.
SERVES 6 (12 QUICHE CUPS) INGREDIENTS: 12 wonton wrappers 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled 1/3 cup red pepper, small dice 6 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Cut the bacon into small strips. In a medium sauté pan cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside. 3. Line each cup with 1 wonton wrapper, using your fingers to press the wrapper into to corners and up the sides of the muffin cavity. 4. Cut the red pepper into a small dice. Set aside. 5. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. 6. Divide bacon, red pepper and cheese between the wonton wrappers. 7. Spoon egg mixture into wonton cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until eggs are fully set. Enjoy!
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ADULT CUSTOM COOKING CLASSES Adult ages 18 and older • $20 per registered household with a $100 minimum
Celebrate
your next birthday, anniversary, corporate team building event or special occasion with a virtual custom cooking class! Take this opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones who may be scattered across the country or just down the street. Enjoy a 2-hour class where our talented chefs will guide guests through their choice of menu in the comfort of your own home. Call 303.326.8634 or email arainvil@auroragov.org to book your Aurora Cooks LIVE! custom virtual cooking class today.
MENU OPTIONS: • Dim Sum • Street Tacos or Tamales • Gnocchi or Homemade Pasta • Spanish Tapas • Weekend Brunch • Taste of Thailand
For availability and booking information, contact arainvil@auroragov.org or call 303.326.8634. 13
VIRTUAL COOKING BIRTHDAY PARTIES Youth ages 7-12 years old. •$100 for 10 participants
Become
a chef on your next birthday and cook up a party with Aurora Cooks! Connect with all your friends for a 90-minute virtual cooking class where our talented chefs will walk you through a delicious birthday celebration. After choosing your menu, our team will send you everything you need to prepare for your in-home virtual cooking party. We’ll guide youth step-by-step through the recipes with personalized instruction, allowing time for questions and celebrating. The last 15-20 minute will be reserved for enjoying the delicious meal the budding chefs have worked so hard to create.
MENU OPTIONS: • Cupcake Mania! • Bean & Cheese Taquitos • Personal Pizzas • Quiche Cups & Fruit Kabobs • Crispy Veggie Wontons & Sesame Dipping Sauce
For availability and booking information, contact arainvil@auroragov.org or call 303.326.8634. 14
GIVE THE GIFT
OF COOKING!
GIFT CARD
Do you have an aspiring chef in your life? Cooking classes make great gifts! Call our registration office at 303.326.8650 to purchase a gift card. AuroraGov.org/Cooking
