Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Classes on Indian Cooking and Culture in Rochester, NY

Scheduled

*See the Brighton Continuing Education Brochure for details when ready.

Masala Madness (title to be changed)
Have you ever wondered what comprises the garam masala, sambar powder or rasam powder that spices your dhals, curries, stews and soups at Indian restaurants? Do you want to learn how to make your own fresh made all-spices mixes inspired by the authentic family traditions of India? These easy to make powders can be used to make specific ethnic North or South Indian dishes or to Indianize your American dishes just begging for another layer of taste temptation! We will make spice mixes and have a few dishes to taste with the mixes cooked in! Bring a plastic container for any leftovers. (Materials fee of $20 paid to the instructor at the first class)

India- Inspired Gluten-Free Pancakes
Gluten-free diets are on the rise. Luckily for people interested in trying new kinds of foods; the cuisines of India offers opportunities to eat many different kinds of gluten-free, protein- packed pancakes and crepes made with rice and lentil (dhal) flours. In this class, you will learn how to make the “besan ka cheela” or chick pea crepe/ eggless- omelets, a mixed lentil and rice crepe known as an “adai” and the “pesarattu” or moong-bean crepe. (Materials fee of $10 paid to instructor at first class)

Dining Out - Cuisine of India
Many of us have our staple menu choices at any restaurant, but maybe more so at our favorite ethnic Restaurants. Have you strayed from your staple choices at the Indian restaurant? Maybe you have yet to try food of the Indian subcontinent because you don’t really understand the names of the dishes. Sure, menu writers translate the dishes into English, but sometimes that may not be enough. Have you wondered if the name of the dish refers to the ingredients in the dish, a preparation style or something else?
Let’s dissect menu options from various local restaurants to learn a little more about India, Indian cuisine and Indian culture!


Flexible Offerings

These classes can be given at any time in the Rochester (Monroe County, Wayne County, Ontario County, Orleans County). More details Here.

Classes with cooking demos are $50 per student
Classes without cooking demos are $30 per student
Special Promo- If you find four friends (total with you, 5), you can choose one of two discounts-

Promo 1. With each four students you recruit, $5 is off individual tuitions (5 students, each gets $5, 10 students, each gets $10 off. If you get the cap of $12 for a cooking class, each of you can get $12 off!)

Promo 2. Travel fee of up to $25 can be waived (regardless of number of students, even if 1 student or 10 students)

More about travel fees here.

Cultural Classes
*Classes without cooking and spice demos are $35 per student


Dining Out - Cuisine of India
Many of us have our staple menu choices at any restaurant, but maybe more so at our favorite ethnic Restaurants. Have you strayed from your staple choices at the Indian restaurant? Maybe you have yet to try food of the Indian subcontinent because you don’t really understand the names of the dishes. Sure, menu writers translate the dishes into English, but sometimes that may not be enough. Have you wondered if the name of the dish refers to the ingredients in the dish, a preparation style or something else?
Let’s dissect menu options from various local restaurants to learn a little more about India, Indian cuisine and Indian culture! (2.5 hr)

Hindu Holidays - From a Multi-Cultural Perspective
*This class is best done in a space that has facility for powerpoint.
I lived in India for two years and now I am married into a cross-cultural, multi-faith family. I have intimate knowledge of Hindu holidays from different parts of India and often observe and celebrate them here in US (besides the celebrations when I lived in India). Want to learn about how Hindus celebrate their holidays in India and America? This is the class for you! (2.5 hr)
I gave this class in 2007 at Hillside Children's Center. Read here for details/feedback/testimonials.

Hindu Temples of Kanchipuram
*This class is best done in a space that has facility for powerpoint.
Kanchipuram is the town of a thousand Hindu temples in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. I have spent extensive time there living with a local family when I lived in India. In this slideshow presentation, I can share with you about a few unique temples in the town, some of the reasons people visit them, the history, culture and mythology of the temples and some of the wonderful festivals and observances of some of the temples.(2.5 hr)

Introduction to the Indian Grocery Store
The exotic aroma of spices from far lands and tempting foods with layers of flavors and textures tempt any foodie at the Indian store! A plethora of spices, rices, lentils (dhals), flours, snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, ready-made and frozen foods can make even an experienced shopper’s head spin. Want to learn about the items for sale in an Indian grocery store and be tempted to try something new?
This class meets directly at India House Grocery Store (999 S. Clinton Ave)
1 session, 2 hrs, $20

Life and Times of Everyday People in India
*This class is best done in a space that has facility for powerpoint.
Want to know a little about the social and historical make up of the India? For centuries foreigners, including me, have been mysteriously transplanted into India for various reasons, but few would deny spirituality and cultural interest in those reasons for traveling to the subcontinent. Having lived in India a few years, studying, working and living as the only American, I can share with you some practical information on the modern lifestyles of Indians of different backgrounds and a bit about the history of modern India. (3 hr)

Welcome to America and Rochester!
Exploring your surroundings and taking inventory of yourself helps in adjusting to a new environment. Recent newcomers to Rochester are welcome to this unique seminar on lifestyle and cultural adjustment to the Rochester region. The main aim of this two-part seminar is to help you integrate into Rochester life through exploring your interests and cultural adjustment concerns to ease transition into our ethnically diverse community. (2.5 hr)


Cooking Classes with Demos
*Classes with cooking and spice demos are $50 per student

India- Inspired Gluten-Free Pancakes
Gluten-free diets are on the rise. Luckily for people interested in trying new kinds of foods; the cuisines of India offers opportunities to eat many different kinds of gluten-free, protein- packed pancakes and crepes made with rice and lentil (dhal) flours. In this class, you will learn how to make the “besan ka cheela” or chick pea crepe/ eggless- omelets, a mixed lentil and rice crepe known as an “adai” and the “pesarattu” or moong-bean crepe. (2.5 hr)

Mystery of Indian Cuisine – Demystified!
Have you savored the multi-layered flavors in Indian cuisine and wondered how to accomplish this yourself? Indian cooking is flavorful, but it doesn’t have to be hot. I will demo a full meal of three menu items. Students can have the opportunity to try their hand at cooking also. Students can bring an apron and empty containers to take home any leftovers. (2.5 hr)

Masala Madness (title to be changed)
Have you ever wondered what comprises the garam masala, sambar powder or rasam powder that spices your dhals, curries, stews and soups at Indian restaurants? Do you want to learn how to make your own fresh made all-spices mixes inspired by the authentic family traditions of India? These easy to make powders can be used to make specific ethnic North or South Indian dishes or to Indianize your American dishes just begging for another layer of taste temptation! We will make spice mixes and have a few dishes to taste with the mixes cooked in! Bring a plastic container for any leftovers. (2.5 hr)

The Seduction of Spice
Recently, the healing powers of turmeric, a main ingredient in an Indian spice cupboard has gained notoriety. Turmeric, along with the aromatic and healing powers of a wide variety of other spices, lentils, rices and flours creates an unforgettable layered sensory experience in any Indian dish. Come to this multi-sensory workshop to experience a wide range of ingredients: their uses and noted health benefits. (2.5 hr)



If you'd like to follow my schedule of classes via calendar and get updates easier, join my Facebook page.

More about Authentic Journeys Services, Classes and Products.

Thank you for spending time on my blog.


(India culture and cookery classes available in Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Wayne counties: Rochester, Penfield, Pittsford, Chili, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Holley, Albion, Perinton, Brighton, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Webster, Spencerport, Brockport, Palmyra, Lyons, Canandaigua, Farmington, Macedon, and others.)