Sauces, Sautés and Soups: Tarry Market Cooking Classes

Looking for a gift for an aspiring chef or some inspiration for holiday cooking?

Chef Maria Reina, formerly of Tarry Lodge and currently a personal chef, will teach the following classes at at Port Chester's :

Wednesday Adult Class Series

11:00 - 1:00 pm $85.00 (plus tax), includes a wine pairing

November 30: Basic Sauces

Did you know that the person responsible for making the sauces is one of the most important members in any kitchen? It is a component that can make or break any dish.  Chef Maria will demystify sauce making and teach you how to make at least four of the five Mother Sauces. Once you learn these simple classic sauces you will have the confidence to add other elements to them and the sky is the limit! From the basics in this class you will learn how to make a Mornay Sauce become a luxurious sauce to make a vegetable side dish and a Velouté that we will turn into a delicious chicken marsala,and a Bernaise Sauce for a beautiful and simply seared steak.

December 7: Hearty Soups

Soup is the most comforting part of any menu. To make a great soup, you must first start with a flavorful stock. The class begins by making a chicken stock as a base to build the soups. Chef Maria will teach you the basics on how to layer your flavors in order to build a delicious and healthy soup your family and friends. In this class you will explore three versions: a hearty thick soup using seasonal puréed vegetables, a brothy soup using beans and greens and a traditional Italian using a protein.

Sunday Adult Class Series

12:30 - 2:30 pm $85.00 (plus tax), includes wine pairing

December 11: Sauté Basics

The French translation of Sauté is "to jump," referring to what the ingredients do in the pan, using a little bit of fat, and high heat. Taking that a step further we will prepare a delicious "saltimbocca" dish, which means to "jump in the mouth." Sautéeing is an essential method for every cook, and one that is very easy to accomplish. Along with our saltimbocca recipe we will also prepare several other dishes using this technique.  

Middle School Kids Class Series

December 28, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm, $85.00 (plus tax)

These classes are for girls and boys, grades 5 through 8, with a strong interest in cooking. Chef Maria will teach them easy techniques that will increase their confidence in the kitchen

This class will focus on creating Gnocchi and two easy sauces to go along with them. Students will learn about the different regional varieties on gnocchi and then eat the fruits of their labor for lunch. We will also learn how to make a very simple Italian dessert to go along with our lunch. 

E-mail bellacucinamaria@gmail.com or call (914) 649-9430 for more information.