From the Editor

Can you believe it's almost summer?!? At The Simple Gourmet Ktichen, we're getting ready with Grilling Classes, Kids Summer Cooking Camps and a Special Event with seasonal eating expert, Amelia Saltsman. Join us around the table as we take time to stop and enjoy the very best of the season with recipes to share with your families and friends. We are looking forward to a Summer full of cooking with adults and kids alike!

Nobody knows seasonal Southern California eating like Amelia Saltsman, author of  "The Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Cookbook." Her book is a celebration of this famous market, it's dedicated farmers and the delicious fruits of their labor. A frequent guest on KCRW's Good Food, Amelia is truly a market expert and loves to share her knowledge.

We are excited to bring Amelia to the Simple Gourmet Kitchen for a Special Event Cooking Class where she will share some of her favorite market finds and kitchen tips. Best of all, the price of class includes a copy of her book, filled with inspiring, simple recipes.

  Thursday June 25th, 2009    6:30pm - 9:00pm   

  Check our website for menu details and to register for this class.

The weather is getting warmer and that means it’s time to fire up those grills! We are celebrating the on set of Summer with a Mediterranean Grilling Class that features some of our favorite flavors brought to life on the grill.

Here are some tips for perfectly grilled meats and seafood at home:

1.    Grilling is always a high-heat activity. Be sure to get your grill SUPER hot so it can sear in juices and flavors.
2.    Never oil your grill!! Instead, rub the meat or fish that you are grilling with olive oil. This way the oil is only where you need it and won’t create extra smoke.
3.    The real trick to avoiding sticking: Place the meat on the grill and WALK AWAY…at least for a few minutes. Leaving the meat or fish in one place until it easily releases from the grill, ensuring perfect marks. When the meat can easily be lifted from the grill, it’s time to turn it.

Check out our blog for a simple grilling recipe: Grilled Salmon with Kalamata Olive & Greek Yogurt Sauce from our Simple Springtime Seafood Class.

We are excited to offer Kid's Cooking Camps this summer. These 5-Day camps are for kids 8-14 years old and include fun recipes, nutritional insight and weekly walks to the Redondo Beach Farmer's Market.

Simple Springtime Seafood - Learn the basics to perfectly cooked seafood with recipes that highlight the bright flavors of Spring.

Mediterranean Grillling - Summer is around the corner and it's time to get grilling! We will take our favorite flavors to the grill in this popular class.

SPECIAL EVENT with Amelia Saltsman - Join this well-known cookbook author and Farmer's Market expert for an evening of fantastic market finds, easy recipes and simple cooking tips. A copy of Amelia's book, "The Santa Monica Farmer's Market Cookbook" is included in the price of the class!

Check out our website for menus, times and to register for a class.

Cooking with Bourbon - Bring a friend or a date for a fun evening of cooking and eating! We are excited to bring back Matt Thomas, our local beer & bourbon expert. You'll taste bourbons, learning to idenitfy the very best, and enjoy recipes that feature this great American spirit.

Did you have fun at your last Simple Gourmet class or event? Please go to our Yelp Page and spread the word about Simple Gourmet.