I am very excited to be teaching another cooking class at the upcoming Passport to Hutchinson event in less than two weeks. (I blogged about this event here) We are offering the class for a meager $5 so that anyone who wants to attend can afford to do so. My friend Prachee and I are going to teach Chinese and Indian dishes, help Minnesotans easily find ingredients at local grocery stores, demonstrate some unique cooking techniques, and of course, provide EVERYONE samples to taste of EVERYTHING we make!
I am waiting to hear how many people are registered for the class, as there is still time to pre-register. Therefore, I haven’t decided what to make. I’ve been thinking about traditional Chinese pork dumplings with dipping sauce. Most people aren’t aware of how good these are, as our “Americanized Chinese Food” often skips offering this traditional Chinese staple. I also thought about a demo of making egg rolls and/or spring rolls, as most people don’t make these at home unless they’re frozen and roll out of a box. Yuck! I have perfected traditional Hot Sour Soup, which is one of my favorites, but again, it can be an aquired taste and too hot for many people.
What do you think? What would be fun to demo? What things do you struggle with when making (any) ethnic foods at home? I really encourage you to try cooking ethnic foods at home. It can be a learning process, but I know my family loves Sushi night (not so much but I do), Indian night, Chinese night, Thai night, Haitian night, and the list goes on.
I own a rental property on Main Street in Hutchinson, MN. There are so many stories that stem from this experience, that one day I need to sit down and start writing. Right now, I need to find someone interested in living in a great place owned by spectacular people (me of course), managed by a great property manager, and located close to the hospitals, college, shopping, and more.
United Way of McLeod County (UWMC) has launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This program allows every child who lives in McLeod County and was born in 2009 to be eligible to receive an age-appropriate hard back book in the mail each month. The books are a gift from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the United Way of McLeod County. The program is absolutely free to the newborns and parents. Studies done for the Dollywood Foundation regarding this program have shown that investing in early childhood education yields more productive older students, better citizens and employees. Better-educated children generally stay out of crime, and need fewer out-of-home placements and less counseling. However, not enough kids get that important education in their early years. A high percentage of kindergartners are coming to school at risk for failure. Children whose parents read to them become improved readers and do better in school. If you want to make sure children are ready to learn in school, one of the best guarantees is to read to them when they’re young.
I’d really encourage people to check out all the cool things to do in “Hutch” while you are here. From the river and rock dam in the middle of town, to the trails, art galleries, antique shops,and trendy liquor store to our beautifully restored downtown movie theatre, plentiful salons and spas, fitness centers, and more…Hutchinson is excited to welcome you and stamp your passport!
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