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Registration Info

• Unless otherwise noted, class participants must be 18 or older.
• Hands-on, Basics and Kids classes are designated. All other classes are demonstration and include recipes and samples.
• Most evening classes include wine pairings. Please limit your consumption to items served in class
• Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Late arrivals will be seated in available spaces.
• To avoid being charged the full price of the class, cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance.
• Menus are subject to change.
Graduate Summa Cum Foodie! Cooking School Introduction
Whatever your level of expertise in the kitchen, you’ll always learn something new and exciting at Central Market Cooking School. We’ve earned a reputation for world-class instruction by offering culinary expertise from our talented chefs as well as a diversity of local, regional and nationally known award-winning chefs.

 

Upcoming Classes and Cooking School News

 

Cheryl Forberg, nutritionist for NBC’s “Biggest Loser,” joins us in most of the schools next week to give you the nudge to start taking better care of yourself. That might mean shedding a few unwanted pounds or just eating right in order to slow down the aging process. While her menus are filled with food that is good for you, we can attest to the fact that the recipes are clearly written, easy to follow and produce delicious results.

Called the Cowboy Sommelier, Guy Stout is back with down-to-earth suggestions on how to enjoy one of the world’s most popular grapes – Pinot – with everyone’s favorite - pizza. If you’ve taken a class with Guy before, you know that while he has one of the most respected palates around, he enjoys wines that range from value-priced to the most exclusive vintages. Pick up tips on improving your pizza-making skills, learn more about pairing food with wines and enjoy an evening of insider tips.

North Texans will want to note that Paula Lambert, a local, award-winning cheese maker, will be teaching in Southlake and Plano. She will show you how to incorporate the great taste of cheese into your dishes. Having had just enough time to unpack from her most recent trip to France where she also teaches cooking lessons, she should have wonderful stories to accompany a menu that you won’t want to miss. For details, check out the class descriptions for Cheese, Glorious Cheese on June 25 in Southlake and July 9 in Plano.

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Video Contest

Dallas Cooking School KIDS CAMP Alum Won Last Year

 

Back by popular demand, the National Mango Board announces the launch of the second annual Rising Mango Star Video Contest, a cooking contest for aspiring chefs ages 8-14. Talented young chefs will create mango masterpieces to compete for a trip to the finals at California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Program, Pasadena/Hollywood and possibly earn a cash prize and the title of the 2009 Rising Mango Star.
 

“The most important thing for me with the contest was just to be myself and to put my own mango twist on a tropical recipe my family loves,” says Dean Sturt, winner of last year’s Rising Mango Star Video Contest and a participant in our CM Summer Kids Cooking Camp.
 

Take note that another Kids Camp alum was also a finalist! (We’re not taking credit, but do seem to see a pattern here. You might want to not only enter the contest but also call to see if there are any spaces left in our summer classes.)
 

Kids ages 8-14 get creative by making an original dish featuring fresh mango. They then create a seven minute video demonstrating how to make their mango marvel, upload it on YouTube.com and submit their entry on www.mango.org/risingstar. Contest ends 6/30/2009!

  

Kid's Camp is Back!

 

Click on your store below for details.

Austin-North Lamar
San Antonio
Houston
Dallas
Plano
Fort Worth
Southlake
Recent guest chefs include:
 
  • Martin Yan   camera icon
  • Mario Batali
  • Michelle Bernstein
  • Rick Moonen
  • Nick Malgieri
To enroll in classes, call:
 
  • Austin-North Lamar – (512) 206-1014
  • Austin-Westgate – (512) 899-4300
  • San Antonio – (210) 368-8617
  • Houston – (713) 993-9860
  • Dallas – (214) 361-5754
  • Plano – (469) 241-8389
  • Fort Worth – (817) 377-9005
  • Southlake – (817) 310-5665
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Help them keep their pantries full of the good stuff. Treat them to Central Market gift cards!*
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Cooking School Calendar
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You are viewing all classes for the month of July at the Austin North Lamar store.

Knife Skills 101

- $65
Sunday, July 5, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
CM Cooking School Staff
BASICS, HANDS-ON. Learn to slice, dice, julienne and chiffonade with confidence and skill. Note the characteristics of a quality knife and how to care for and handle this prized tool of the kitchen. Bring a chef’s knife from home or purchase a discounted knife on the night of class. A light meal will be served.

Couples Cook: Healthy & Hearty Flavors

- $125
Monday, July 6, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Cindy Haenel, CM Cooking School Chef
HANDS-ON. Price is per couple. Spend an evening with your sweetheart preparing these healthy, satisfying dishes: CM Chicken Sausage Skewers; Oven- Roasted Chicken & Vegetables; Stove-Top Smoked Salmon with Garlic Aïoli; Baked Shrimp & Tomatoes with Feta Cheese; and Oatmeal Granola Berry Cobbler with Vanilla Frozen Yogurt.

A Night at the Movies

- $65
Tuesday, July 7, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Christina Lee, CM Cooking School Chef
HANDS-ON. Create these signature movie dishes: Croissants (“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”); Slice of Heaven Pizza (“Mystic Pizza”); Fried Green Tomatoes; Ratatouille; and Chocolate Truffles (“Chocolat”).

International Seafood: Feast of Fiji

- $55
Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Scot Loranc, CM Cooking School Chef
Scot will conduct this delicious cruise throughout the year as we celebrate international seafood specialties. Tonight’s stop, Fiji: Kadoka (Mahi Mahi in Coconut Cream with Tomatoes & Chiles); Lovo-Style Snapper (Slow Baked in Banana Leaf over Coconut Husks); Lovo-Style New Caledonia Shrimp; Sweet Potato & Pineapple Bake; and Banana Cassava Cake.

Worldly Chicken Delights

- $45
Thursday, July 9, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Sahar Arafat-Ray, CM Chef
Add this eclectic collection of recipes to your repertoire for exciting weeknight dinners and affordable entertaining: Chicken Fra Diavolo (Devil’s Chicken, Italy); Coq au Vin (Chicken in Wine, France); Mussakhan (Baked Chicken on Bread, Lebanon); Gallina en Pitoria (Chicken in Almond Saffron Sauce, Spain); and Classic Fried Chicken (USA).

Carillon Summer Dinner

- $70
Friday, July 10, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Josh Watkins, Exec. Chef, Carillon Restaurnat at the UT Hotel
Chef Watkins returns with this elegant, vibrant menu: White Gazpacho with Minus Eight Vinegar, Grape Gelée, & Marcona Almonds; Celery Root & Apple Salad with Roaring 40’s Blue Cheese, Valencia Orange & Chive Emulsion; Veal Cheek Ravioli with Mascarpone, Hazelnuts & Preserved Lemon; and Slow Cooked Beef Tenderloin with Green Olive Purée, Roasted Garlic & Heirloom Tomatoes.

Dinner with Tre

- $70
Saturday, July 11, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Tre Wilcox, Personal Chef & Bravo's "Top Chef" Contender
One of Austin’s favorites is back to share these recipes showcasing our favorite seasonal ingredients in his innovative cuisine: Seared Rare Bigeye Tuna with Avocado, Radish & Grilled Tomato Foam; Poached Maine Lobster with Scallion Risotto & Citrus-Beet Vinaigrette; Cilantro Marinated Chicken with Jicama Slaw & Chipotle Sauce; Grilled Berkshire Pork Chops with Tuscan Kale, Mushrooms & Truffled Potato Sauce; and Strawberry Shots.

International Wine & Food: Spain

- $60
Sunday, July 12, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Robert Jenkins, CM Cooking School Chef & Paul Schunder, CM Chef & Wine Expert
Price is per class or $160 for three-class series. Explore the enchanting flavors of Spain complemented by memorable Spanish wines. Menu includes: Tapas Plate (Red & White Table Wines); Clams in Tomato & Saffron Sauce (Cava & Albariño); Veal with Sherry & Brandy Sauce over Chard with Raisins & Pine Nuts (Navarra, Rioja & Jumilla Regional Wines); and Crema Catalana (P.X. Sherry).

Everybody Must Get Stoned Fruit

- $60
Monday, July 13, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Terry Conlan, Author, Exec. Chef, Lake Austin Spa Resort
Chef Conlan works his low fat magic on the tastiest of summer fruits in this menu: Chilled Peaches ‘n’ Cream Gazpacho; Nectarine Salad with Arugula, Fresh Mozzarella & Balsamic Syrup; Matagorda Mixed Grill (Quail, Shrimp & Wild Boar Sausage) with Peach BBQ Sauce; BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Plum Salsa; and Buttermilk Cheesecake with Apricots.

Sweet Summertime with the Pastry Queen

- $55
Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Rebecca Rather, Author, Pastry Chef/Owner, Rather Sweet Bakery
The Texas Hill Country’s reigning culinary queen, Rebecca Rather, is back to share recipes and preview her highly anticipated third cookbook. Menu includes: Campechana (Mexican Seafood Cocktail) with Tortilla Chips; 4th of July Fried Peach Pies; Emergency Fruit Crostatas; Peanut Butter Banana Treat; and Petite Pavlovas with Lemon Cream & Fresh Fruit

Seafood from the 'Reef'

- $70
Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Bryan Caswell, Chef, the reef Restaurant, Houston
FEATURED CHEF. Unfortunately, Lucy Buffett will not be able to join us. But in her place, we have one of Food & Wine magazine's "Best New Chefs" and a Texas native. We have borrowed him from Houston's reef restaurant where he sources an outstanding array of seafood, then prepares it using techniques he mastered while cooking around the world. Come join us and taste: Watermelon Gazpacho with Crab;Baked Grouper with Corn Pudding & Caramelized Peaches; Red Snapper Carpaccio with Grapefruit Agra Dolce;Grilled Wahoo with Plantains & Pomegranate Jus; Spring Roll Shrimp with Basil, Hot & Sweet.

Salmon: A Study of the Fish & Applications

- $75
Thursday, July 16, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Tyson Cole, Exec. Chef Paul Qui, Chef de Cuisine Philip Speer, Pastry Chef
Recently voted one of the country’s top ten sushi spots, Uchi is always a delight. Chef Tyson Cole will reveal some of the secrets of his success as he focuses on the lovely salmon in this menu of: Salmon Crudo with Compressed Watermelon, Pickled Rind & Shiso Vin; Cured & Smoked Salmon with Green Apple, Cilantro, Watermelon Radish & White Balsamic; Pan-Seared Rice Bowl with Celery, Brussels Leaves, Katsuobushi & Roasted Grapes; and Grapefruit Sorbet with Fennel Confit & Avocado Cream.

Summer Wine Dinner

- $60
Friday, July 17, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Taylor Hall, Chef/Owner, Dinner Party Services
Chef Taylor Hall, who began his career at some of the top restaurants in San Francisco, will present this elegant summertime menu of food and wine pairings: Chilled Summer Gazpacho with Crab & Avocado Salad (Spanish Cava); Mixed Field Greens with Champagne Vinaigrette, Poached Peaches & Crispy Camembert-Stuffed Crêpe (Chenin Blanc/Viognier); Seafood Paella with Pan-Seared Red Fish, Sofrito Steamed Littleneck Clams & P.E.I. Mussels (Spanish Rosado); and Lavender Crusted Lemon Tartlet with Raspberry Coulis & Fresh Berries.

Summer Fruit Desserts

- $40
Saturday, July 18, 10:00 - 12:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Robert Jenkins, CM Cooking School Chef
Learn to create delicious desserts from summer’s bounty: Blueberry Pie; Peach Cobbler; Summer Berry Pudding; Nectarine, Raspberry & Blackberry Crisp; and Strawberry Shortcake.

Steakhouse Series Part 2: Flank Steak

- $55
Saturday, July 18, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Cindy Haenel, CM Cooking School Chef
Price is per class or $150 for the series. Part 3 is August 15. Celebrate the deliciousness of beef as you learn about different cuts and the best methods for preparation. Tonight’s menu features flank steak with these mouthwatering selections: Steak Tacos with Mexican Crema; Spinach-Stuffed Flank Steak; Marinated Flank with Herb Salad; and Grilled Flank with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce. Orange Supremes with Vanilla Ice Cream will round out the menu.

Summer Night in Morocco

- $50
Sunday, July 19, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Ginette Jordan, Caterer, Taste of Marrakesh Cuisine
Join us for an exotic, fun-filled evening as Ginette demonstrates Moroccan-style grilling. Menu includes: Mixed Brochette (Beef, Shrimp & Foie Gras Kebabs); Kefta (Mini Burgers, Moroccan Style); Confetti Salad; Spicy Matboorha Salad; Saffron Couscous with Caramelized Raisins & Apricots; and Watermelon Champagne Cocktail.

Hearty & Healthy Summertime

- $45
Monday, July 20, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Robert Jenkins, CM Cooking School Chef
Get inspired by this eclectic vegetarian menu created with your health in mind: Heirloom Tomato & Beet Salad with Basil & Balsamico; Lima Bean, Corn & Pepper Grilled Succotash; Wild Mushroom Risotto; Savory Caponata Cobbler; and Summer Fruit Crisp.

Inspired by Greens 2: San Francisco Vegetarian

- $60
Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Scot Loranc, CM Cooking School Chef & Rob Ulmer, Virtuoso Selections
Price is for one class or $160 for the three-class series. These vegetarian dishes, inspired by one of the premiere vegetarian restaurants in the country and paired with a fabulous California wine, will delight even dedicated carnivores: San Francisco Style Cioppino with Fennel, Tomatoes & Saffron; Chopped Salad with Point Reyes Bleu Cheese, Pecans & Lemon Champagne Vinaigrette; Wild Mushroom Ragoût over Grilled Polenta in a Port Wine Reduction; and Raspberries in Champagne Gelée with Mint Crème Fraîche.

Mediterranean, Hot & Spicy

- $70
Wednesday, July 22, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Aglaia Kremezi, Chef, Cookbook Author, Culinary Tour Leader
FEATURED CHEF. Influenced by her travels throughout the Mediterranean as well as her own Greek heritage and upbringing, Aglaia Kremezi combines two of our favorite food trends: a reliance on grains, legumes, vegetables, olive oil and fish to create food bursting with color, flavor and aroma and our love of all things spicy. Age-old culinary traditions that evolved in home kitchens inspired these dishes that she not only loves to cook and eat, but will teach you to make: Basic Greek Bread with Greens; Dukkah (Egyptian Nut & Spice Mixture); Harissa (North African Pepper Sauce); Calabrian Sweet & Sour Eggplants; Garlic, Potato & Almond Sauce; Moroccan Skillet Shrimp with Chermoula; Albanian Baked Rice with Feta, Sweet & Hot Peppers; and Oriental Orange Cream.

Seafood Market Basket

- $50
Thursday, July 23, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Scot Loranc, CM Cooking School Chef
Our catch of the day will create the centerpiece for this refreshing summertime menu. Scot will share tips for selecting and preparing seafood as you enjoy a four-course tasting with a seasonal sweet for dessert.

Midsummer Tomato Feast

- $60
Friday, July 24, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Johnny Carino, Chef
Savor this luscious menu bursting with the season’s best: Grilled Filet of Beef Slider with Caramelized Sweet Onions, Tomato Marmalade & Fresh Tomato Catsup; Spicy Fresh Tomato Cocktail; Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Poached Vanilla Lobster; Peppered Bacon- Wrapped Shrimp stuffed with Crab & Smoked Cheese, served with Tomato Relish; Stuffed Tomato with Summer Herbs; Sautéed Yellow Fin Potatoes with Mushrooms, Cracked Pepper & Onions; and Fresh Tomato & Berry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Grocery Aisle Mixology

- $45
Saturday, July 25, 10:00 - 12:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Scot Loranc, CM Cooking School Chef
Price is per class or $80 for the series. Learn to cook from a well-stocked pantry as Scot demonstrates these recipes that make the most of canned, frozen and packaged delicacies: Edamame Bean Purée on Crostini; Italian Style Tuna Melt on Cheesy Baked Polenta; Barbecue of Spam; Green Bean Casserole; Vegetable Medley; Mussels over Pasta; and Key Lime Pie.

Teens in the Kitchen: Sushi 101

- $70
Saturday, July 25, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Timothy Thomas, Exec. Chef/Owner, Origami Japanese Restaurant
BASICS, HANDS-ON. Ages 13 - 17. Chef Thomas combines traditional sushi making techniques with modern flavors in one of our most popular classes. Learn to make: Tuna Texanese; Avocado Appetizer; Sake Roll; Bob Marley Roll; Samurai Roll; Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Hand Roll; and Seasonal Fresh Fish Nigiri Zushi with Ponzu Sauce.

Sushi 101

- $70
Sunday, July 26, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Timothy Thomas, Exec. Chef/Owner, Origami Japanese Restaurant
BASICS, HANDS-ON. Chef Thomas combines traditional sushi making techniques with modern flavors in one of our most popular classes. Learn to make: Tuna Texanese; Avocado Appetizer; Sake Roll; Bob Marley Roll; Samurai Roll; Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Hand Roll; and Seasonal Fresh Fish Nigiri Zushi with Ponzu Sauce.

Jezebel Wine Dinner

- $70
Monday, July 27, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Parind Vora, Chef/Owner, Restaurant Jezebel
One of Austin’s most acclaimed chefs, Parind Vora, showcases his loving attention to detail and exquisite wine pairings with this menu: Carpaccio of Cantaloupe with Hot Pepper, Olive Oil & Pomegranate Juice (Torrontés); Roasted Salmon with Hearts of Palm & Chipotle Oil (Gavi); Wild Mushroom & Pistachio Mousse- Stuffed Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Tomato & Lemon Zest Compote (Malbec); Salad of Baby Arugula, Dark Chocolate & Dried Figs in Aged Sherry Vinaigrette (Valpolicella); and Caramelized Peach & Goat Cheese Tartlet with Vanilla Bean Syrup (Riesling Kabinett).

Chef's Favorites: Cooking with Whole Grains

- $45
Tuesday, July 28, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Cindy Haenel, CM Cooking School Chef
Discover how to incorporate the hearty flavors and health benefits of cooking with whole grains in this menu that includes: Lightly Smoked Salmon on Rye Bread; Grilled Leg of Lamb & Bulgur Wheat Salad; Baked Chicken with Amaranth; Quinoa & Leek Pilaf; South Carolina Shrimp & Grits; and Oatmeal Granola Berry Cobbler.

Shop the Season

- $65
Wednesday, July 29, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Austin North Lamar
Alex Duran, Exec. Chef, Malaga
HANDS-ON. Tour our Seafood, Produce and Meat Markets with lively, talented Chef Alex, gathering tips on how to identify and shop for the season’s best. Then, head to the Cooking School to create a beautiful meal using the freshest of ingredients. Menu will be determined the day of class.

Around the World Burgers

- $50
Thursday, July 30, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
David Harap, Foodie Extraordinaire
Whet your appetite for these international variations on the American classic. Inspired by his recent travels, David will introduce you to: Finnish Burgers with Lingonberry Chutney on Hapanleipa Rolls; Australian Hamburger with the Lot; German Burger; Parisian Burger with Mushroom Duxelles on Brioche; Hong Kong Burger with Hoisin Barbecue Sauce; and Pommes Frites.

You Don't Have to be a Diabetic to Love this Cookbook

- $65
Friday, July 31, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Austin North Lamar
Tom Valenti, Author, Chef/Restaurateur, Ouest & West Branch, New York City
FEATURED CHEF. Price includes one copy of the cookbook. Fourteen years ago when famed chef/restaurateur Tom Valenti was diagnosed with diabetes, his culinary life flashed before his eyes. His response was to develop a diabetic friendly cuisine that does not skimp on flavor. As he demonstrates these dishes from his most recent cookbook, he’ll prove that healthy eating won’t leave foodies feeling deprived: Asian Shrimp Toast; Salmon Carpaccio; Fresh Fettuccine with Asparagus, Parmesan & Black Pepper; Grilled Tuna with Red Pepper Purée, Black Olive Relish & White Bean Purée; and Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Basil, Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato.