Yippee!!! Be sure to tune into NH Chronicle on WMUR TV, channel 9 tomorrow night on November 22 at 7:00pm. They will feature our cooking retreats and classes, as well as the other types of activities here at the Inn. This was so exciting to have them contact me and they will also open the show from the Wakefield Inn for the entire week. Tom and Tiffany, the hosts of the show, were fantastic to talk to and enjoyed the time they spent here filming the segments. So tune in to Channel 9 tomorrow night for the piece on the Wakefield Inn, and tune in every night of this week to see all the great information on what is new and interesting in this great state of New Hampshire.
Posts Tagged ‘cooking class’
10 reasons Wakefield Inn’s Cooking Classes are so much fun.
June 15th, 2011 by janelmartin
Now that I am in my fifth season of teaching cooking classes at the Inn I have had the opportunity to meet and teach some great people. SO without further adieu here are the ten reasons taking one of my classes is a blast.
1. Learn a new skill My hope is that even the seasoned cook can take away some new knowledge from my class.
2. Meet new people In this age of texting and computers, the human element of just talking and meeting seems sometimes lost. The cooking class brings people together on common ground.
3. Try new foods “Variety is the spice of life” and my classes have lots of spice and herbs too!!
4. Getting to play with your food If your Mom was like mine she said to stop playing with my food….in this class it is not only allowed, it is encouraged.
5. Work with SHARP knives Okay, maybe that sounds scary, but I will show you how to work that knife like a pro, and to maintain the edge for a sharp and safe cutting experience.
6. Play 20 questions I love questions, and the more that are asked the more others learn, so bring it on, and try to stump the chef!!
7. Aromas My staff comes in the kitchen asking what smells will I be teasing them with today, since the aromas waft through the house. We not only get to smell the food, we get to eat it as well.
8. Using some new gadgets Try it before you buy it right here in my kitchen.
9. Eating and Drinking We get to eat the fruits of our labor along with a glass of wine selected to pair with the meal.
10. DESSERT!! Need I say more.
A cooking class makes a great activity to do together with friends, is a great gift for the epicurean in your family and who knows, maybe you will even get a laugh or two while you are here.
We have classes going all the time, and the days, and times vary, just give us a call and we can discuss what day would work best for you, and what it is you really want to learn.
Easy Thanksgiving recipe for Stuffed Turkey Breast
November 18th, 2010 by janelmartin
The Thanksgiving Bootcamp Culinary Weekend was great fun. I had a blast with the group, and even have a new breakfast strata recipe, what a bonus. The theme for the weekend was how to make the feast and still be able to enjoy the day. Tips on what can be done ahead, about how to plan the day, and make-ahead recipes to take the stress out of holiday cooking.
One recipe we made was for Turkey Breast stuffed with Caramelized Onions, Apples and Dried Cranberries, which is great when a whole turkey is just too much.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
- 2 turkey breast, approx 3 lbs each, deboned and butterflied
- 3 onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup (or more) apple cider, very hot
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 apples, cored and diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in saute pan over med-high heat until foaming and add onions and allow to develop a caramel color before stirring. The trick to great caramelized onions is to allow the natural sugars in the onions to brown, and then stir just enough to get the onions pieces with no color in contact with the bottom of the pan. Stir just enough each time to allow all the onions to get color, and adjust heat to prevent burning. You want a nice dark color, this is where the amazing flavor comes from.
While the onions are caramelizing, place the cranberries in a metal bowl and pour hot cider over and allow to set for 20 minutes. This allows the cranberries to plump.
Once the onions are done, add in the apples, panko crumbs, herbs, salt and pepper. Squeeze the cranberries and add to mixture, then stir together.
Place turkey breast, skin side down on work surface. Spread the stuffing all over and pat down. Roll up the breast and place seam down. Tie with butcher’s twine and place on a rack. Carrots make a great homemade rack that can fit any size pan, and add flavor to the pan juices. Roast in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes, then turn temperature down to 325 and roast until the internal temperature is 160. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 25 minutes to allow the juices to settle back into the meat, then carve and enjoy.
Want a great sauce. Reduce a gallon of cider to about 3/4 cup, add butter and bourbon (about 2 tablespoons), and 1 tablespoon dijon mustard. Pour over the top, or serve on the side.
Happy Thanksgiving All!!!
Cooking Classes for All, hands-on learning and tasting.
August 9th, 2010 by janelmartin
The summer is going by fast, and my mind turns to the fall and beyond, and putting together the schedule for the cooking classes. This year I will offer 3 different days and times for the classes to allow more flexibility for the busy lives everyone leads. There will be a Wednesday Evening class from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, a Saturday morning class from 10:00 am-1:00pm and a Tuesday morning class from 10:00am-1:00pm. The classes are set in a series of six to eight, and can be taken in succession or just one or a few and the cost is $50. I cover different french techniques in each class, so one could take just a specific class that they were interested in without taking the whole series.Some of the classes will have a theme and others will focus on a type of cooking, or food group. Of course I am always open to suggestions and am willing to put together a customized class. The 2 hour class is hands-on, with some techniques demonstrated and then those who wish can try their hand at it. All the classes are for any experience level, and each class offers something for everyone. Following the cooking portion of the class is an hour of enjoying all the wonderful items made paired with a wine, and Q&A session as well. Everyone will leave with recipes and enthusiasm to go home and try something new.
Fall class of apple stuffed pork
The class schedule is updated often, and new classes are added throughout the year, so check back often. Summer will be the only time that classes will not be offered, since the kitchen is just too hot for most people, and we are busy serving our summer dinners as well. We will also offer kids classes during school breaks and are for ages 8-14.
Please feel free to call and discuss any specific questions or concerns you might have or to register for one of our classes. Our classes are also a fun bridal shower or girlfriend get-away, and we would be happy to put a weekend package together for your group.
Kids Cooking Classes at the Wakefield Inn Bed and Breakfast
February 2nd, 2010 by janelmartin
New for 2010 we are offering cooking classes for kids. Your child will learn how to make pizza dough, bread, puff pancakes, chocolate mousse, and so much more. One class will even focus on making dinner for the family.
Pasta Making
To start the kids classes off we have acheduled 2 classes for each of the school vacation weeks. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am- 1:00 pm. Space is limited to 10, and pre-registration is required. The cost is $25, and includes lunch at the end of class.
Any child between the ages of 8-16 can attend these classes, all that is required is listening skills, respect for each other and the teacher and a willingness to learn about cooking. I promise to make the class entertaining, informative and fun. For more information visit the Classes at the Inn tab under The Inn tab or click on the link.
Feel free to contact me if you need additional information or if you wish to schedule a class for a group of kids at a different time.
2010 Cooking Class Schedule to come out soon.
November 18th, 2009 by janelmartin
I am currently in the process of putting together the cooking class and culinary retreat schedule for 2010. I am always open to suggestions on food items to teach.
NH Maple Syrup Producers Weekend March 24 &25
Cross Country Skiing in Wolfeboro
Gift Certificates for Wakefield Inn now available on line
