City of Aurora Cooking Classes July 2021
CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS Aurora Cooks Kitchens are Open!
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How do In Person Classes Work?
Upcoming In-Person Cooking Class Schedule
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Classes for Families and Adults
Adult Cooking Recipe
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Chiles and Lime
Youth Cooking Activity
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Red, White, and Blue Tarts
Adult Virtual Custom Cooking Classes Virtual Cooking Birthday Parties
REGISTRATION
Login to your account at CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com to browse and register for classes.
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AURORA COOKS IS BACK! COOKING CLASSES JULY 2021
Dear Aurora Cooks Guests, We are so excited to welcome you back into our Expo and Central teaching kitchens! We have loved cooking with you virtually this past year and want to say a big “thank you” for supporting our virtual cooking program. Aurora Cooks will be hosting youth summer camps in July, so we will be offering limited in-person cooking classes and will be taking a break from virtual classes. Aurora Cooks LIVE will resume in August and we can’t wait to welcome back our virtual cooking warriors! Below are the changes we have made to our in-person classes: • Per the state mandate, fully vaccinated individuals may attend class without a mask; unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals must wear a mask. • Smaller class size • No shared equipment or food • Adult 15+ & 21+ classes are priced per pair (2 people) • To-go containers will be available to consume food at home, if desired Our cooking classes are designed to develop age-specific skills, promote community, demystify scratch cooking across cultures, and promote fruit and vegetable consumption. We can help you become a confident home cook with our approach to cooking: empowering, practical and fun! Scroll Down to see our upcoming list of in-person classes. Classes can also be viewed and registered for at CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com. Please email auroracooks@auroragov.org to discuss allergies or dietary restrictions, prior to enrolling. Things may look a little different in our kitchens, but we are excited to offer a safe and fun experience for all! -The Aurora Cooks Team
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PARENT/TOT Curriculum designed for youth ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $30 • Price includes registration for one adult and one youth.
DINO-MITE BITES Jurassic times call for Jurassic measures! It is time to get YOU and your little dinosaur into the kitchen for a prehistoric party. Grab your cooking spot before they’re extinct. Menu: Cheddar Fossil Crisps, Roasted Parmesan Broccoli Trees & M&M Dinosaur Nests. 40424 July 31 • Sat., 9:30-11 a.m. • Central Recreation Center
PARENT/FAMILY Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $50 • Price includes registration for one adult and one youth.
NA-CHO AVERAGE BURGER Step up your family cookouts by combining the best of both worlds: summertime burgers and ballpark nachos! We’ll share tips to cooking juicy burgers and how to make a killer nacho cheese sauce. Menu: Nacho Burgers topped with Cheese Sauce & Avocado Pico de Gallo and Chile Lime Watermelon. 40425 July 31 • Sat., 3-5 p.m. • Expo Recreation Center
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KIDS Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-9. $25 • Price includes registration for one youth.
RED, WHITE AND BARBEQUE
NOT THE SUSHI All the Sushi fun without any of the fish! Come make some fun kidfriendly takes on sushi. Menu: BLT Sushi, Cucumber California Rolls, Fruit Sushi Roll Ups, and Rice Crispy Dessert Nigari. 40427 July 8 • Thu., 2-4 p.m. • Expo Recreation Center
Raise your tongs, lower your chef hat and let’s hear it for the red, white and barbeque. Join us as we celebrate a star-spangled menu that is sure to leave you feeling Yankee Doodle Dandy! Menu: Tangy Blueberry Barbeque Chicken, Strawberry Basil and Toasted Almond Couscous and Yogurt Dipped Fruit Sparklers. 40426 July 1 • Thu., 2-4 p.m. • Central Recreation Center
TEEN
Curriculum designed adults ages 10-14. $30 • Price includes registration for one youth.
CUPCAKE CREATIONS
DINNER DETECTIVES: IMPRESSIVE IMPOSTERS
Channel your inner Pastry Chef and join us in making some show stopping cupcakes. Menu: Chocolate Pretzel Cupcakes with Pretzel Butter Filling, Chocolate Icing and Pretzel Bark and Strawberry Lemonade Cake Pops. 40428 July 1 • Thu., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Expo Recreation Center
Attention Dinner Detectives: Things are not what they seem! We have an unsolved dinner that we need your help to make in order to solve the mystery of the impressive imposters. Have fun and learn to make a delicious yet healthy meal to help solve this dinner mystery! Menu: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, Southwest Black Bean Sliders, and Mini Flourless Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies 40429 July 7 • Wed., 1-4 p.m. • Central Recreation Center
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ADULT 15+ Curriculum designed adults ages 15 years and older. $70 • Price includes registration for two adults.
CURRY ME CRAZY Let’s take a trip to Thailand with this creamy, sweet and spicy curry dish. Menu: Panang Chicken Curry, Coconut Jasmine Rice, and Thai Shredded Salad with Peanut Lemongrass Dressing. 40430 July 8 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Expo Recreation Center
BLAME THE BREAD, NOT THE BUTTER: KETO 101 Looking for the KETO feeling healthier? Join us as we learn about the basics of preparing a delicious and keto-friendly meal. Menu: Roasted Broccoli with PeaNOT Sauce, Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai and Lemon Cream Frozen Bites 40431 July 31 • Sat., 1-4 p.m. • Central Recreation Center
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ADULT 21+ Curriculum designed adults ages 21 years and older. $80 • Price includes registration for two adults.
TAPAS & SANGRIA
GORDITAS & MARGARITAS
Unwind after a long workday and enjoy preparing Spanish-inspired small plates while sipping on Sangria. Menu: Chorizo Mussels, Charred Cauliflower with Romesco, Pancetta & Manchego Tortilla with Red Sangria to sip. 40471 July 8 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center
These Plump, crisp yet tender corncakes are sure to put a fresh spin on taco night. Menu: Ancho Chicken and Poblano Homemade Gorditas with a Creamy Tomatillo Avocado Salsa, Charred Cauliflower and a Margarita to drink. 40433 July 9 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Expo Recreation Center
RUSTIC CAJUN COOKIN’
COFFEE, COCKTAILS & DONUTS
Learn how traditional ingredients and techniques are used to make Cajun cuisine so tasty. Menu: Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage & Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatillos, Remoulade Sauce, and a Mint Julep to sip. 40432 July 9 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center
Coffee and Donuts? Yes, please! In this class we will learn to make some top shelf donuts and a delicious cocktail perfect for dunking or sipping while you enjoy your efforts. Menu: Salted Caramel Crunch Old Fashioned Donuts, Blueberries and Cream Filled Donuts with a Cardamom- Vanilla Coffee Cocktail. 40434 July 31 • Sat., 10-1 a.m. • Expo Recreation Center
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JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN WITH CHILES AND LIME By: Kirsten Hall
Make a week night dinner a trip to the islands with this quick, flavorful and spicy chicken dish from our Why is the Rum Always Gone Class.
INGREDIENTS: 1 teaspoon whole allspice 4 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup green onions chopped 1⁄4 cup soy sauce 1 lime, juice and zest 2 serrano pepper or scotch bonnet 2 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon molasses 2 tablespoon avocado oil 1 tablespoon thyme 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 clove garlic 1 tablespoon fresh ginger 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg 8 pieces chicken, drums
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking dish with foil. 2. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the allspice, clove and cinnamon until fragrant or 2-3 minutes. 3. Transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder and finely grind. 4. In a blender or food processor, combine the ground spices, scallions, soy sauce, lime juice and zest, chiles, vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, salt, garlic, ginger and nutmeg, and process until smooth. 5. Place the chicken and marinade into a zip top bag. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken making sure the chicken is covered in marinade. Set aside to marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. 6. Place the chicken onto the prepared baking dish. Spoon the extra marinade over the top of the chicken. Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F and is cooked through and golden.
or thighs
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RED, WHITE & BLUE TARTS By: Mia Randall
Celebrate Independence Day making these cute and tasty patriotic tarts.
INGREDIANTS: 6 ounces cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 egg, beaten
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. 3. Cut puff pastry into 6 rectangles. 4. Spread each rectangle with generous layer of the cream cheese mixture, leaving a ¼-inch border. 5. Mound the blueberries and raspberries over each pastry, pressing them into the cream cheese to adhere slightly. 6. Fold the edges of the pastry inward to enclose. Crimp the edges with a fork and brush with beaten egg. 7. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden. 8. Serve and enjoy!
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VIRTUAL ADULT CUSTOM COOKING CLASSES IN-PERSON CUSTOM COOKING CLASSES COMING SOON! 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. Email auroracooks@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, email auroracooks@auroragov.org 9
VIRTUAL COOKING BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN-PERSON COOKING BIRTHDAY PARTIES COMING SOON!
Youth ages 7-12 • $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, email auroracooks@auroragov.org 10
GIVE THE GIFT
OF COOKING!
GIFT CARD
Do you have an aspiring chef in your life? Cooking classes make great gifts! Email us at auroracooks@auroragov.org to purchase a gift card. AuroraGov.org/Cooking
