Bekins Culinary Services 
Bekins Culinary Newsletter
October 2008
Greetings,

Apple season is upon us, and I suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity to select a variety of apples from our local farmer's market. Apples are Michigan's largest and most valuable fruit crop, with a value of about $100 million annually to the apple grower. Value-added marketing and processing enhance the economic contribution of Michigan apples up to $400-500 million of economic impact annually.
 Michigan Apples
Longtime favorite varieties still dominate Michigan's orchards. The most prevalent variety remains the Red Delicious, followed closely by the Golden Delicious. The Gala is rapidly gaining on tradition, however.
 
My personal favorite, the Honeycrisp, is continually growing in popularity. Look for it in September and October, and enjoy it while you can, as it will most likely be gone by mid-November! The growing number of Honeycrisp tree plantings still are not in pace with its popularity among consumers! Honeycrisp has a crisp, juicy bite and a sweet flavor. They are best for fresh eating and also a great addition to salads!
 
Such a versatile ingredient as the apple can be prepared in numerous ways; whether baked, grilled, or roasted, each particular variety has characteristics that make it unique. With apples in such abundance, now is an excellent time to take them home and experiment to determine which apple variety is your favorite.

In this newsletter you'll find the first of our Fall classes scheduled in the month of October. I encourage you to register for classes early as they have been filling up quickly.
 
Cheers!

 
Tom Reinhart, Corporate Chef
Bekins Inc.
In This Issue
Convection Cooking
Baking FUNdamentals I
Upcoming Courses
I Hate to Cook I
I Hate to Cook II
Food in the News
Free Cooking Demonstrations
Baked Apples on the Grill
CIA Masters Collection
 
 
 
 
 
 
To Download the Fall Class Schedule Click Here: 

Download Fall Class Schedule
Convection Cooking
Repeat by Demand!
 Convection Cooking
Tuesday, Sept. 30
6 - 9 PM
$30 ea. or $55 for 2


We designed this class for anyone who ever asked, "How do I use my convection oven?" This class has all the delicious answers. Get the most from your convection oven with this informative and yummy class!

Oven Roasted Chicken
Roasted Autumn Vegetables
Peach Cobbler

The Blending (Muffin) Method
Baking FUNdamentals I
 
Blending MethodTuesday, Oct. 14
6 - 9 PM
$35 ea. or $60 for 2
 
Mastering the Blending Method prepares you to create a wide variety of common baked goods including: quick breads, muffins and pancakes.
Cornbread
Multiple Muffins
Carrot Cake
Upcoming Courses
Upcoming Courses 
 
Soups & Stews
Tapas & Appetizers
 Herbs & Spices
Chowders
Holiday Cookies
 
 
 


Watch for our Monthly Newsletter or download the Fall 2008 Class schedule here.

Have an idea or request for a class? Submit it here. We love new class suggestions!
 
Stocking the Kitchen & Pantry
"Stocking The Kitchen & PantryI Hate to Cook I"
 
Tuesday, Oct. 7
6 - 9 PM
$35 ea. or $60 for 2
 
 
Stress-free cooking starts with a well-stocked pantry and organized kitchen. From dry goods and the refrigerator to the freezer- we will show you how to build a pantry with the necessities to be a successful everyday cook. We'll also make appetizers to share.
Quesadillas with Guacamole
Fruit Tart
Salads & Vinaigrettes
Salads & Vinaigrettes"I Hate To Cook II"

Tuesday, Oct. 21
6 - 9 PM
$35 ea. or $60 for 2
 
Wholesome salads are the perfect answer to the weekday dinner question. Healthy home-made salad dressings and vinaigrettes are superior to store bought. Once you master the basic techniques, you can create your own in minutes-without recipes! 
Tossed Salads 
Paired Salads
Creamy Dressings
Vinaigrettes 
The Cut-In (Biscuit) Method
Baking FUNdamentals II
The Biscuit Method
Tuesday, Oct. 28
6 - 9 PM
$35 ea. or $60 for 2
 

Named for cutting fat into flour - the Cut-In Method is the basis for scones, pie dough, biscuits, shortbread, cobbler and dumplings. 

Cranberry Orange Scones
Apple Tartlet
Brown Butter Streusel 
Food in the News
Chimps Prefer Cooked Food
When early humans mastered the use of fire, their immediate rewards were warmth, light, and... the advantages of flame-cooked food. A new study bolsters that idea, showing that we share our fondness for cooked grub with our wild cousins, the great apes. LiveScience (9/22).

Long a pariah, lard making a comeback
Although the word "lard" has long been associated with obesity and excess, chefs are starting to put it back to work, spreading it on breads, draping it over meats to be roasted and using it to create the flakiest pastry crust. And as more people learn about the different types of fats, they're finding out that lard isn't the menace they've been told it is. San Francisco Chronicle (9/17).
 
American ingenuity has found one solution to the energy crisis: food you never need to cook.  There's no need for fuel when everything you eat---from salad to, well, more salad-is served up at piping room temperature. On one level, the raw diet has much going for it. Hardly anyone on this diet is overweight. But on closer examination, the raw diet makes little sense biologically. LiveScience (7/4/06)

Free Saturday Cooking Demonstrations 
 
Home Convection Ovens
Convection Cooking
Saturday, Oct. 11
Two Sessions!
11 AM - 12 Noon
1 PM - 2 PM
 
Never before has the home cook had such a powerful resource as the convection oven. This modern cooking wonder creates sumptuous dishes a regular thermal oven just can't match. Join me as I de-mystify convection cooking and create some mouthwatering treats.
 
Cooking with Steam
Steam Cooking
Saturday, Oct. 25
Two Sessions!
11 AM - 12 Noon
1 PM - 2 PM
 
Steam cooking dates back to before the discovery of fire, when foods were cooked over hot springs or stones. Suitable for most foods and a surprising variety of recipes, steaming has great advantages over other cooking methods. Foods are generally more nutritious when steamed, and as additional fat is not required for cooking, it's also healthier and lower in fat. Join me as I demonstrate the application of modern steaming tools to this ancient cooking technique to create some delicious menu items.


Cooking Class... A Great Place for:
    • Birthdays Cooking Party
    • First Dates
    • Bridal Parties
    • Anniversaries
    • Baby Showers
    • Girl's Night Out
    • Company Events
    • Couples Showers
    • Christmas Parties

Contact Tom Reinhart for more information or to purchase a Gift Certificate.

Recipe of the Month
Indian Summer Idea!: Baked Apples on the Grill

Baked apples are ideal for a warm Indian Summer day and can be made right on your grill. Put them on just as you take off your dinner, and by the time you've eaten and brewed coffee, the apples are ready to eat.
 
Baked Apples     


Baked Apples filled with Walnuts and Cream

Makes 8 servings

2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
8 prunes, pitted and diced small
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
8 Macintosh apples, cored
2 tablespoons Calvados*
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream   

* Calvados is a French apple brandy. If you don't have Calvados, substitute a domestic apple brandy, apple jack, apple juice or apple cider with a splash of brandy or sherry.

Preheat a gas grill to medium. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn down until the coals are glowing red with a moderate coating of white ash. Spread the coals in an even bed. Clean the cooking grate.

Combine the walnuts, brown sugar, butter, prunes, and lemon zest, and mix until evenly blended. Pack the mixture into the cored apples.   Cut 8 large rectangles of foil and fold each in half to make squares. Set 1 filled apple in the center of each square. Drizzle each apple with some of the Calvados (less than 1 teaspoon per apple) and a little of the maple syrup (less than 1 teaspoon per apple). Pull up the sides of the foil around the apple to make a vented pouch.

Grill the apples over direct heat until soft and the juices that collect in the bottom of the pouch are a rich brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Turn the pouches occasionally as the apples cook.

Whip the heavy cream just until lightly thickened and still somewhat runny. Whisk in the remaining maple syrup.

To serve, place a baked apple on each serving dish. Pour the accumulated juices from the foil pouches over the grilled apples, and then spoon some of the whipped cream over them. Serve immediately. 

Nutrition analysis per 7.5-ounce serving: 270 calories, 1g protein, 46g carbohydrate, 10g fat, 30mg sodium, 30mg cholesterol, 6g fiber. 

 
Bekins Brings The Culinary Institute of America Expertise to Home Kitchens
        CIA Masters Collection Cookware               The Culinary Institute of America   
 
Bekins now offers The CIA's Masters Collection®, a selection of essential and extraordinary tools created
by its faculty of Certified Master Chefs. For 60 years, The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education. The faculty, facilities, and academic programs offered at campuses in Hyde Park, New York, and St. Helena, California, are second to none.

The complete Masters Collection® line of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, and culinary tools has been designed with hands-on involvement and testing from The Culinary's Certified Master Chefs to ensure a new standard of quality and performance in today's home kitchens.
 
                                                  CIA Masters Collection Cookware

Sales from all Masters Collection® products will benefit CIA degree program students in the form of scholarships and increased support for student driven programs. For more information, call or visit the Bekins showroom and ask for Chef Tom.
 
real cool cooking school
If you know someone who would like to receive the real cool cooking school newsletter - please forward this email to them.
Forward this issue to a Friend
Bekins | 735 Washington Ave | Grand Haven | MI | 49417