Private cooking lesson

Stefani and Josh wanted to learn how to prepare some quick and easy meals for their family.

Stefani & Josh M., Framingham, Massachusetts

Private cooking lesson

"Thank you so much. Our lesson was very informative and fun. Christian and I have definitely enjoyed the fruits of our labor! Thank you again,"

Morgan S., Newton Centre, Massachusetts

Berries with Balsamic Vinegar

© "So Easy, So Delicious"

1 pt strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or combination
2½ T light brown or granulated sugar
1 T balsamic vinegar

Wash, remove stems and slice berries. Toss with sugar and vinegar. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This is delicious by itself or it may be served over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Hint: This is an elegant and refreshing dessert that is effortless to prepare.

Variation:

Caramelized Nut Topping for Balsamic Berries

2 T granulated sugar
3 T pine nuts or slivered almonds

Combine sugar and nuts in a small fry pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar melts and nuts are golden and glazed, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a foil-lined plate or cookie sheet and cool. Scoop vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt into fruit dishes or champagne glasses. Top with balsamic berries and caramelized nuts.

Private cooking lesson

Mike's wife gave him a private cooking lesson as a birthday present...."Hey Ellie I just wanted to say thank you for everything, we really enjoyed having you in our house to cook with us. We enjoyed a delicious meal later that evening prepared by us, with your instruction, and it was worth the wait!
Just want to say thanks again for everything."

Mike A., Danvers, Massachusetts

Kid's cooking birthday party

Ally W., Melrose, Massachusetts

Kid's cooking birthday party

"Thanks Ellie,
Everyone did have a great time."

Mary B. Nahant, Massachusetts

Girls' Night Out

"Thanks so much for the "Easy Spring Suppers" lesson for my Ladies Night gathering. The recipes were very easy and were a big hit! My family especially enjoyed the meatloaf and soup we made. My son Paul would like you to come back and teach a lesson to him and his friends!
Thanks again,"

Kerry M, Milton, Massachusetts

Chicken with Artichokes

© "So Easy, So Delicious"

1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1½ pieces
2 to 3 T flour
Black pepper, to taste
1 to 2 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano
13¾ oz can artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half
3 T lemon juice
¾ C white wine or chicken broth
3 T parsley, chopped

Combine flour and black pepper on a piece of wax paper or in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken pieces in this mixture. Heat the oil and garlic in a fry pan and cook until the pan is hot. Add the chicken and oregano and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the artichoke halves, lemon juice and wine or broth. Cover the pan and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Sprinkle with parsley.

Hint: This tastes great over linguine or spaghetti.

Private cooking lesson

"In preparation, we were in constant communication about cooking supplies and what we hoped to achieve during our lesson. We were well prepared when Ellie arrived, but she had exceeded our expectations with consistent coaching and the results! The food was amazing! Her passion and enthusiasm for cooking motivated us throughout and we plan on having her back again to take our cooking to another level. Thank you, Ellie"

Katie G. & Nick T., Watertown, Massachusetts

"We very much enjoyed the lesson and finally got through the remaining left overs last night!"

Nick T., Watertown, Massachusetts

Kid's cooking birthday party

"Lily and the girls had a blast. She said on a scale of 1-10 it was an 11!"

Nancy A., Pembroke, MA

Mini-Reuben and Mini-Rachel Sandwiches

Mini-Reuben Sandwiches
© "From Ellie's Kitchen to Yours"

2 loaves cocktail rye bread
¾ lb Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
1½ lbs corned beef
16 to 24 oz sauerkraut, well drained
6 to 8 oz Thousand Island or Russian salad dressing
Butter or margarine

Spread several pieces of bread on counter at a time. Spread one side of each sandwich with salad dressing. Top with cheese, sauerkraut and corned beef. Place other half of sandwich on top. Place in frying pan or on grill and cook in butter or margarine until cheese melts and sandwich is crispy. Instead of grilling these, they may be baked at 400° for 5 to 7 minutes, or until sandwiches are hot and the cheese melted.
..................................Yield: 42 to 44 mini sandwiches


Mini-Rachel Sandwiches
© "From Ellie's Kitchen to Yours"

Make these the same way as the Reubens except substitute turkey breast for corned beef. To make the Rachels lower in cholesterol, fat and sodium, substitute low fat Swiss cheese, low salt turkey breast and low calorie or fat free Thousand Island or Russian salad dressing.

Hint: The sauerkraut that is packed in jars or Cryovac, usually kosher or deli style, is much tastier to use in this recipe than canned sauerkraut. Use coleslaw as an alternative to sauerkraut.

Kid's cooking birthday party

"We had alot of fun yesterday. Caroline and her friends really enjoyed it and hopefully learned a few things.....how to separate an egg etc.
Thanks again for everything."

Nancy B., Clinton, MA

Private cooking lesson

"Thanks for the wonderful lesson. We learned some great recipes and helpful tips and definitely had a lot of fun doing so!"

Greg & Beth S., Charlestown, Massachusetts

Cooking birthday party for a 9-year old and her friends

"Hi Ellie it’s Francesca, I just wanted to thank you for my party. I think it’s the best party I ever had. At one point in the party some of my friends came over to me and said “Francesca this is awesome!” Making the salad dressing, and chicken was a blast! It also came out delicious! The chef hats and sushi hats were cool. The cookie cake was awesome! I love those kinds of cakes. It was a pleasure meeting you. Maybe I will get to see you if my little sister chooses a cooking party, and if she does I just know we will call you. Thanks again and have a wonderful rest of the weekend!"

Francesca C., Braintree, Mass.

Temple Beth Avodah Preschool Parents' Group

"It was so nice to meet you too!! I think it was the perfect amount of items for the event and we all learned a great deal. I especially enjoyed the microwaveable items. Everyone commented that they were going to try and make a few of the dishes. Thank you so much!!"

Susan W., Newton, Mass.

"Wanted to let you know how much I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Your recipes were simple and easy, I wish I had a chance to taste the recipes but they all looked delicious! It was a pleasure to see you in action!"

Rebecca B., Newton, Mass.