The award-winning mavens of Mediterranean cuisine at Oleana and Sofra – that’d be Ana Sortun and Maura Kilpatrick – are sharing some of their secrets in their fall cooking class series. Sign on for one (or all) to learn all their tricks and to spend a Monday evening enjoying the fruits of their (and your) labor. Are you looking to learn the ins and owns of preserving? Register for Jammin’ & Picklin’. Want to spruce up your holiday menu? Reserve a seat for Holiday Desserts. This semester they’ll be welcoming a few special guests including cookbook author Amy Traverso, and their friends from EH Chocolatier. Take a look through the list of topics below to see which subjects strike your fancy. Classes start at 6:30pm at Sofra (1 Belmont Street in Cambridge) and include a recipe booklet, detailed demonstrations and samples of everything the chef prepares (with wine pairings). Prices vary. To reserve your spot, you can register online (for a small fee) using the link provided or contact Janice Goldsmith (Janice@oleanarestaurant.com) or call 617.661.0505 x17.
Monday, September 17th – Wild Mushrooms, Wild Recipes
Oleana Sous-Chef Cara Chigazola hosts her second annual mushrooms class. A local forager, she’ll teach you some knockout techniques and boost your confidence with all things fungi. Learn how to makewild mushroom & vegetable stew; leek & mushroom pancakes; and wild mushroom & herb bread.
Fee $110. Register Here.
Monday, September 24th – Jammin’ & Picklin’
Chef Maura Kilpatrick and pickle-geek Janice Goldsmith will show you how jams and pickles can have you enjoying vegetables and fruits long after their growing season is over. Recipes include Pumpkin Jam, Pear Butter, and Apple Marmalade as well as Bread & Butter Pickles, Corn Relish, and other inspired, tangy, crunchy condiments.
Fee $85. Register Here.
Monday, October 1st – Farm to Fork
Do you need some new ideas to help you get the most out of your veggies – no matter what the season? Oleana Chef de Cuisine, Cassie Piuma, will share some flexible recipes that can be used with different vegetables all year long. Friends from Siena Farms will also be on hand to make Boreks, Phyllo Pies, Caponata, Tzatziki and more.
Fee $110. Register Here.
Monday, October 15th – Grains & Greens
Cassie Piuma, Oleana Chef de Cuisine, will highlight whole grains and vegetable cookery to create a rich, balanced, vegetarian meal. Using grains like grano, farro, bulgur, amaranth and quinoa to create Veggie Dolmas, Whole Grain Risotto, Hot & Cold Kibbeh and Hearty Soups & Salads. The folks from Oldways and the National Whole Grains Council will be on hand, too.
Fee $110. Register Here.
Monday, October 22nd – The Apple Cookbook Class
Join local author Amy Traverso for a tour through the pages of her fabulous cookbook all about apples! Amy will be preparing several recipes with Chef Ana Sortun, sharing stories and inspirations, and answering all of your burning questions about this fall favorite. Registration for this class includes your own, author-signed cookbook to take home.
Fee $130. Register Here.
Monday, October 29th – Breaking the Rules
First you learn about the classics, and then you can learn how to break the rules. Pastry Chef Maura Kilpatrick turns classic brioche into Tahini Brioche and then into Twice Baked Sesame Rolls and demystifies Chocolate Olive Oil Truffles with Chocolate Panko Coating, M’hencha and Pistachio Olive Oil Cake, too.
Fee $85. Register Here.
Monday, November 5th – EH Chocolatier Bonbons Class
Attention all chocolate lovers: If artisanal chocolates and bonbons are your thing, this class is a mustThe folks at EH Chocolatier will be sharing tips and tricks to make home versions of their spectacular chocolates. This class will include a chocolate tasting as well as samples of everything that is demonstrated.
Fee $85. Register Here.
Monday, November 19th – Holiday Desserts
Forget the classic pumpkin pie… how about something new for your holiday table? Sink your teeth into Moroccan Apple Pie, Chocolate-Caramel Tart, Kunefe with Pistachio Filling and Turkish Profiteroles instead. Pastry Chef Maura Kilpatrick will wow you with new, inspired desserts that will truly complete the meal.
Fee $85. Register Here.
Monday, November 26th – A Sofra Cookie Swap
Cookie lovers everywhere – unite! They’ve put together a dream-team of bakers to help you be the envy of the office cookie swap. Pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick and Baker Erin Gallant are joined by CBO (Chief Baking Officer) Hilary Koloski of Cow and Crumb Bakery to liven up your recipe box with Kourabides, Boshalino, Turkish Delight Florentines and Chai Spice Checkerboard Cookies. Hilary will share tips & tricks for Cow & Crumb classics that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Fee $85. Register Here.
Monday, December 3rd – Your Turkish Meyhane
Cara Chigazola, Oleana Sous Chef, comes to Sofra to recreate a Tukish Meyhane (a meze restaurant that serves wine and raki – an unsweetened, anise flavored liquor). Learn how to cover your table with dish after dish of inspired meze and treat your dinner guests to far away flavors. Recipes will include: Root Vegetable & Chickpea Salad, Pumpkin Kibbeh, and Dolmas.
Fee $110. Register Here.
Monday, December 10th – Edible Gifts
The best gifts come in small, delicious packages. Join Pastry Sous Chef Shira Melen as she dives into the topic of the tastiest ways to share your Sofra love this holiday season. Recipes will include Milk Chocolate Tahini Bites, Lyle’s Golden Syrup Caramels, and many more tasty morsels.
Fee $85. Register Here.
