From the Editor

Maybe it's the warmer weather and all the new life that Spring brings, but it seems to us that people are smiling more lately. The economic times are tough, but we're encouraged to see how it's been bringing people together. Couples are having date-night at home, families are gathering in the kitchen and around the table, and friends are finding ways to help each other. In The Simple Gourmet Kitchen, we are inspired by our classes as we look around the table at our loyal customers and friends. We hope you'll continue to join us around the table as we inspire you with classes that celebrate the season.

You haven’t tasted the sweetness of Spring until you’ve had a Gaviota strawberry. For those of you who think all strawberries are created equally – you are in for a surprise!! Gaviotas are super sweet, deep red in color and very low in acid. If you’re been waiting for a good excuses to hit your local Farmer’s Market, here’s your chance. Gaviotas are typically only available at Farmer’s Markets and are primarily sold by our favorite farm, Harry’s Berries. Check out their website to see if they are at your local market.
While these berries stand alone, we think they make a pretty amazing Strawberry Shortcake– the quintessential Spring dessert.
For all of you wanting to celebrate the bounty of Spring, come to our Vegetarian Cooking Classes in April and learn recipes that will get everyone to eat their veggies.
 

Easter is around the corner, and that means it's egg season! The sugar-filled Cadbury kind, the plastic candy-filled kind and best of all, the hard-boiled kind. After all that Easter egg dying, you’re inevitably left with a dozen hardboiled eggs. That can only mean one thing: egg salad.

Here’s our favorite Egg Salad recipe: In a medium bowl, mix together 6 hard boiled eggs (chopped), 1 minced shallot, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard and lots of fresh ground pepper. Top your favorite cracker or crusty bread with this delicious salad. YUM!

Before you go buying your Easter eggs, check out our blog on the differences between free-range, organic and Omega-enhanced eggs.
 

Did you have fun at your last Simple Gourmet class, team event or catered event? Please go to our Yelp page and tell everyone about Simple Gourmet !!

Fast & Fab Vegetarian - Celebrate Spring with easy and delicious recipes that will get everyone to eat their veggies.

Chicken 101 - Learn three new ways to prepare this favorite everyday staple.

Beer & Cheese Pairing -- Make simple, delicious recipes that feature artisinal cheese and wash it all down with the perfect beer pairing.

Wine Pairing with Bacchus Wines -- Back by popular demand! Taste five wines perfectly paired with a five-course dinner.

Latin Party Favorites - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all month long with these festive recipes.

Beef 101 -- One of our favorite classes to teach!! Learn what to buy, how to the read labels and how to prepare each cut of beef to perfection.

Sushi & Kirin Beer -- We are excited to offer a hands-on sushi workshop, topped off with Japanese Kirin Beer.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Cookin' Stuff -- named the Best Cooking Store in the South Bay in 2008. Come to any Simple Gourmet cooking class and receive a Cookin’ Stuff  $10 gift certificate!!

Have a friend who hasn't been to our cooking classes yet? Now's the time to bring them to our kitchen! Bring a "newbie" to a class in April or May and receive a $20 coupon to use towards a June or July cooking class.