Week Three Takeaways
Suzanne Pollak
Here’s we learned at the Charleston Academy during the past week of Winter 2021 classes:
Besides spending time together, having fun, creating fabulous smells, getting dinner ready for tonight and tomorrow, we are also connecting kitchen to kitchen and making our worlds a friendlier place. Hang out with us to add sparkle and substance to your week. (Spots are still open for the last three weeks of winter semester — Register HERE!)
Lebanese Lentil Soup - The secret to making the soup extraordinary?
Guest teacher Youmna Squalli says to always, always rinse the lentils and rice three times. I was a witness; the water ran clear the third time. This soup is light, fresh, fantastic. Next week Youmna takes us to Morocco for Hrira, a whole meal in a bowl!
Dinner Party Strategy - Are Covid dinner parties possible, even fun?
Why yes, they are! Last minute invitations are often the best. People who come are in the mood. Outside parties are cool, literally and figuratively. Consider buying a heated vest which charges on your pocket phone charger. Serve heart-warming food to keep bodies from cooling temperatures (i.e. dishes from Weeks One and Two: bowls of gumbo, cassoulet, onion soup or bolognese…or perhaps some from future classes: paella, tagine, chowder, shepherd's pie.)
Ragu Bolognese - How do you turn a fabulous sauce into pasta perfection?
Toss the drained (best quality) pasta into the simmering ragu sauce. Then add just a little softened butter plus a little bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toss together until mixed. Serve immediately with extra freshly grated cheese to pass.
What are people saying about Week Three?
Thank you for the Academy — I love your online classes and how you share your many talents. You’re a gem!
These classes are a delight!
I love these classes so much! I’m already in another Zoom — crazy day!
My house smells amazing and cannot wait until 6 pm!!!
What a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Thank you so much for today's dinner party class! Really fun and inspirational!
I took two pages of notes. THANK YOU!