12th Annual Adults-Only
'Usdan University'
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12th Annual Adults-Only
'Usdan University'
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The Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts is primarily a day camp for children, however Usdan University offers something for everyone as adults were invited to experience Chef LaMarita's cooking class. This year's edition was called "Simple Summer Food" where students learned how to cook authentic dishes from India.
Chef Richard LaMarita is an innovative chef that dabbles with culinary creations from all over the world and has been teaching at the Natural Gourmet Institute for over 20 years. He began the class by handing out booklets with recipes of the street foods of India. Students delighted in the opportunity to create an appetizer, entree, and dessert in true Indian style while Chef LaMarita guided them.
As soon as the cooking began, exotic smells permeated the room. Exquisite, yet simple dishes were made like the Chaat Salad and the Aloo Chaat. The Chaat Salad is a perfect dish for the healthy consumer who doesn't mind a little heat with ingredients like carrots, apples, and chili pepper while the Aloo Chaat is a traditional Indian plate of baby potatoes, cliantro, and a myriad of spices. Traditional Dosa was then cooked on a hot griddle where students poured a ladle of batter onto the center of the pan. Once the Dosa was created, everyone devoured it filled with cauliflower and spinach curry.
For Dessert, a simple Indian Rice Pudding recipe was made step by step. It was hard to believe such an easy dish could taste so wonderful, as the raisins, sliced almonds and basmati rice came together to create a sweet but light rice pudding.
Chef LaMarita outdid himself in this exciting edition of Usdan's Adults-Only Cooking Class 'Simple Summer Food' . Everyone went home satiated on delicious food and new ideas on how to spice up their every day meals. All dishes were unique, delicious and satisfying. The class was an enjoyable learning experience with a friendly atmosphere. To participate next year, contact Usdan Center at 631.643.7900 or visit Usdan's website and click the Alumni Section for information and reservations. Click here to see last year's Cooking Class
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