From the Editor

Welcome to the new Simple Gourmet Newsletter! We are thrilled to have another outlet to share our culinary passion with all of you. Over the years, we've been your caterers, cooking class instructors and teambuilding leaders. Now, we'll be checking in with you monthly with culinary tips, tools and trends that reflect our mission to get everyone eating fresh, seasonal, delicious food. We were excited to start off 2009 with the opening of The Simple Gourmet Kitchen, our new cooking class and private party venue in Redondo Beach. Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Taji & Melanie

Spring is here and that means green veggies are taking the farmer's markets by storm. Asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, sugar snap peas, leeks.....take your pick! Remember -- even though we are lucky enough to see most of these veggies in the market year-round, eating them at the peak of their season means better flavor, cheaper prices and a smaller carbon footprint. Have kids who are picky about eating their greens? Try this easy "no recipe" soup that everyone will love:

CREAMY SPRING VEGGIE SOUP - Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss about 2 cups of halved potatoes and 4 cups broccoli florets or chopped asparagus with olive oil. Spread out the potatoes on one sheet pan and the green veggie on another. Roast until tender -- the potatoes will take longer. In batches, blend the roasted potatoes and green veggie with just enough chicken stock to make smooth. Pour the puree into a pot, add a splash of heavy cream, salt and pepper. Heat until just warm and serve. Yum!

The economy is on everyone's mind these days and while we're  waiting for the Stimulus Package to "stimulate" our lives, there are a few simple, smart things we can all do -- and they start in the kitchen.

EAT COMFORT FOOD -- "Comfort" may mean different things to different people, but one thing is certain: eating comforting foods awakens all the "happy" chemicals in our brain and just makes us feel better. It's good news for your pocket book, too -- one-pot meals like stews, soups and braises can be a great way to stretch your dollars. Try our Creamy Couscous Chicken Soup (recipe attached to this email) the next time you need a little happy.

COOK "RESTAURANT FOOD" AT HOME -- Eat at restaurants is usually one of the first things to get cut from the family budget. But this doesn't mean you have to miss out on your favorite restaurant foods. Have kids help make homemade pizza with store-bought dough. Declare friday night "Fiesta Night" with a fun build-your-own-taco spread. Check out our Fast & Fab Asian Flavors class this month to get some quick, tasty recipes that bring home those Thai & Chinese flavors we all love.

The Simple Gourmet Kitchen is open!! We are so excited to have a South Bay location to offer more cooking classes and special events. Interested in a Private Cooking Party? Contact us at 310-318-6484 for our Seasonal Menus.

Fast & Fab - Asian Flavors - A class for anyone who wants to create those Asian flavors we all love quickly and easily at home.

Wine-Pairing Couples Class - WAITLING LIST ONLY - Bring a date (or just a friend!) to a fun evening of cooking and wine! Sign up early for next month's Couple Class.

Simple Gourmet Kids - St. Patty's Day Class - Kids ages 8-13 will cook up a Irish feast in this hands-on workshop.

For menus and class details and to register for a class, go to our website.

Join us for our popular COUPLE'S CLASSES every Friday night in the Simple Gourmet Kitchen. Bring a date (or just a friend!) for a night of cooking and eating. Each month we partner with a local wine or beer sponsor. In April we're excited to present a Beer & Cheese Pairing Couples Class. Gourmet beer is the hottest cuilnary trend right now and in this class you'll taste microbrews, sample cheddar cheese from Cabot Creamery and whip up some easy food that match perfectly with a cold glass of beer.

Visit our website to reserve your spot today.

Book your Spring or Summer Corporate Teambuilding Event by March 30th and receive 10% off the Event Fee. Contact us at 310-318-6484 for Corporate Event Options.