I've been thinking of this for a while. I'd like to get about 5-6 people together for an afternoon/evening to cook together. Either everyone or 2-3 people would present their favourite recipe and we would all cook it together while they explained the steps involved and we could ask questions. At the end, we all get to eat the results! The idea being that you present a recipe that you know and love, not just something random from a cookbook (although we could do that too if we started to run out of things).
Who's interested? Who has more ideas and suggestions for the evening? I'm certainly open to ideas.
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Cook and dine evening
Gauging interest
Thats a brilliant idea showem..Im surely in. i think the problem u r going to have is choosing the 5 or 6 people from the loads that will want to join in. Since i posted first, im surely in, right?
oh but its all Indian receipes from me.
oh but its all Indian receipes from me.
Well, I was thinking of limiting numbers mainly because I doubt any of us have a kitchen to handle many more than that and also that most people know how to cook for 2-6 people, but not 10-25 people. But if these issues can be solved, I'm not against more.
So, yeah, let's count you as in.
So, yeah, let's count you as in.
Sounds wonderful to me, but I'm wondering where you'll even find a kitchen big enough to accommodate 5-6 people cooking.
ever thought of doing a progressive dinner? each course at a different persons house? we used to do this alot in college. that way u can have 3-4 in each kitchen and involve more people. in my experience it works best if folks live close together.
http://entertaining.about.com/cs/dinnerpar...ressivedinn.htm
http://entertaining.about.com/cs/dinnerpar...ressivedinn.htm
Well, I don't mean everyone needs their own oven and stovetop IPJ. I was thinking that the others would be employed in chopping stuff up, peeling, drinking wine, asking questions, washing up pots, general lingering.
My kitchen can more or less take it. Anyone with a "wohnküche" can as well.
My kitchen can more or less take it. Anyone with a "wohnküche" can as well.
hehe that's kind of handy...then you get a walk between each course allowing you to make space for the next bit...no getting full up...you could eat all night!!!
Hmm...maybe I am hungry.
If I wasn't such a damn picky eater I would be into this.
Hmm...maybe I am hungry.
If I wasn't such a damn picky eater I would be into this.
AJ, that sounds interesting too. Something to think about, if we get enough who are interested and in the same neighbourhood.
I'm so in... I can even accomodate.
Ah, ok. I guess I misunderstood. I thought you were saying that we'd all be doing a follow-the-chef and cook the same meal kinda thing, like you might do with the TV chefs. Anyway, I'm up for this.
how about the soln for "too many cooks spoil the cooking" , we make groups of say 6 or even 8 seems reasonable and we assort dishes to just 2 or 3 (which will revolve around members of the group at every outing) so basily we will have 3 or 4 people cooking..1 a main dish, another an appetizer and say dessert.
or it may be just too much for my little head (only refering to me) to intake 3 large receipies in an evening!
or it may be just too much for my little head (only refering to me) to intake 3 large receipies in an evening!
Debbie, that is what I was thinking of. Maybe two mains, but also desserts/starters.
Can I volunteer my kitchen but not cooking?
//wondering if this time Show'ems 'gauging interest' will culminate in more than when she 'gauged interest' in German lessons.
//wondering if this time Show'ems 'gauging interest' will culminate in more than when she 'gauged interest' in German lessons.
Wow what a great idea...
QUOTE
Well, I was thinking of limiting numbers mainly because I doubt any of us have a kitchen to handle many more than that
What about asking a local restaurant if it could be done on a non-busy night (most places have at least one night closed) and we use their equipment? Maybe Twisted would let it happen. As long as everything was cleaned down afterwards they might let it happen; I'm sure we'd all buy a few drinkies there that night, and we could all throw a few euros in the hat to cover gas/electricity or what have you?
I dont think thats a good idea.. they wouldnt like us getting in the way of their chefs and keepin business on hold! Im sure someone has a kitchen big enough for just 3 to cook and others to watch ...how much place do u need anyway? my place is available..
QUOTE
I dont think thats a good idea.. they wouldnt like us getting in the way of their chefs and keepin business on hold
Agreed, but as I said, alot of places close for one day a week anyway, and there are always quiet nights in the week when a given restaurant might be thankful for a bit of business on drinks. I knew a restaurant that closed on sunday and monday nights, and they agreed to let me take over the kitchen and serve food on those nights. (which subsequently became busier than any other nights actually, but probably had more to do with no other places in the area being open than my culinary prowess. On second thoughts, fuck it, I'm good, it must have been because of me)
@aj - that is a really cool idea. If I had any friends, I would totally do that.
If this has so many people that it needs to be broken into separate events, can I go to the one don riina cooks at? I'm so curious about this exhalted culinary prowess.
If that muslim-bashing, arrogant, ginger-headed beanstalk that calls himself don riina is taking part in this...
that will make the event even better.
that will make the event even better.
I think it's a great idea; I'd actually been thinking along the same lines myself. I was thinking of a series of cooking evenings with changing themes, maybe particular cuisines or ingredients. I was also thinking about some friendly competition, maybe Iron Chef style. But I didn't get too far with the ideas. The way you've presented it sounds like a great way to get started.
QUOTE
muslim-bashing, arrogant, ginger-headed beanstalk that calls himself don riina
Oooh, easy sunshine - I'm accompanied 24/7 by a massive German Shepherd these days...
Okay, I'll pick a day and those interested can sign up. Since there is lots of interest, we can do it fairly often, which will mean that the cooks, location and menu will also change, so I think that's a good thing. Means you don't have to rearrange your life to make it to one.
Don, as for using a restaurant kitchen, it did cross my mind too, but I'm not sure if many would like it for insurance reasons and as BDebbie said, if they are open as usual, it would get in the way of the regular cook.
Don, as for using a restaurant kitchen, it did cross my mind too, but I'm not sure if many would like it for insurance reasons and as BDebbie said, if they are open as usual, it would get in the way of the regular cook.
i am in, obv...
Okay, I've decided. Next Friday, July 19th, my place. PM me if interested. Next one might be Sunday, July 21st, possibly my place, possibly another's if someone wants to host. PM me about that one too. I will post more information here once some decisions are made, so that others know how it works.
next friday is the 15th, btw
Hmm, I must have been looking at August somehow. That or on drugs - not sure which. Okay, next Friday, July 15th is what I mean.
Feel free to send the leftovers my way
No, but feel free to come and learn to cook BSF.
Just saw this thread...
Good idea showem... I was mulling abt this idea ever since i came back from my vacation in India, but decided against it since i live in a WG with limited space.
I can offer to cook some south indian dishes if I you people are interested. All i need is some nice kitchen .
And i'm interested in joining showem if you plan to host it.
'Buzz
Good idea showem... I was mulling abt this idea ever since i came back from my vacation in India, but decided against it since i live in a WG with limited space.
I can offer to cook some south indian dishes if I you people are interested. All i need is some nice kitchen .
And i'm interested in joining showem if you plan to host it.
'Buzz
Sounds like a great idea, showem - I would probably not be able to partake (not because of the kids, just a lack of spare time lately) but if someone were to organize a progressive dinner evening, I live in schwabing and would be willing to partake. I was at my parents in the "burbs" of sommerset when they did one and it was a blast! (of course it helped that that year they did the desert and drinks stop ;-) )
As discussed - aye I´m in and I don´t mind cooking (or I could just bring chutney and jam ha ha) and could host in the future also.
I am well up for this, but won't know for sure until some time tuesday. No idea what to cook really though, my missus is away and I a am bit deviod of inspiration without my muse. I might try to get some spanking fresh trout. Quick to cook, loads of possibilities.
Is this limited to woman? or just any one can join? Guys are better cooks than girls!!
Once I cooked chicken curry to my German friends...they were saying spicy but nothing was left out
Looks like everyone is cooking... who will eat? I can participate in that
-Q
Once I cooked chicken curry to my German friends...they were saying spicy but nothing was left out
Looks like everyone is cooking... who will eat? I can participate in that
-Q
Hi AlphaQ,
The number of guys and girls is pretty evenly split at the moment, so you are welcome to come. Right now I'm doing some menu organising so that the cooking is split. Eating I think we can all do!
The number of guys and girls is pretty evenly split at the moment, so you are welcome to come. Right now I'm doing some menu organising so that the cooking is split. Eating I think we can all do!
Okay, Friday night is sorted and full. Our menu is:
Sweet & Spicy Nuts
Lentil Salad
Vegetable Korma
Chicken Curry
White chocolate and raspberry Trifle
Mmmmmm!
There is still a slot or two available for Sunday. Sunday's menu so far is:
Turkish meatballs with tomato rice
A Moroccan dish that I can't remember the name of (Now known: Tajine)
Bourbon chocolate cake
So for Sunday, we still could do with a starter or salad. Send me a PM if you want to join in!
Sweet & Spicy Nuts
Lentil Salad
Vegetable Korma
Chicken Curry
White chocolate and raspberry Trifle
Mmmmmm!
There is still a slot or two available for Sunday. Sunday's menu so far is:
Turkish meatballs with tomato rice
A Moroccan dish that I can't remember the name of (Now known: Tajine)
Bourbon chocolate cake
So for Sunday, we still could do with a starter or salad. Send me a PM if you want to join in!
Tajine - now there are different types that you can make, with fish, with chicken, with rabbit, with lamb, with veggies and chickpeas... all get called that because of the cooking pot used (it is called a tajine, sometimes spelt tagine).
Is there any preference? And yes, I do have the proper pot.
Hi all,
Looking forward to tonight! Not looking forward to the tidying up before!
Anyways, I wrote to the president of a university cooking club I found online. This is what she wrote back to me. Note, I'm not saying we should do it anything like this, I just thought I would pass on her email for future reference.
Looking forward to tonight! Not looking forward to the tidying up before!
Anyways, I wrote to the president of a university cooking club I found online. This is what she wrote back to me. Note, I'm not saying we should do it anything like this, I just thought I would pass on her email for future reference.
QUOTE
Hi A,
Your idea of having everyone over to cook is a great idea. We actually did
something similar, and all our members seemed to enjoy it. The basic structure
of our club is that we have about 5 meetings per month, generally consisting of
a potluck, 2 demos, community service of some kind, and a restaurant night in
which the members try new restaurants around town. Since we are a student
organization, we meet at a church by our campus that allows us to use their
kitchen. We didn't used to have access to a kitchen and having one has made
all the difference.
In my experience, as long as you have interested members, maintenance is pretty
low key. Members must pay $35/year to join and that is the only requirement.
In general, the most popular events have been the potlucks in which everyone
brings a dish, either a dessert, entree, side dish, or drink, to share with the
group. We're also trying to get a recipe book together of all the recipes from
the potlucks and demos.
Another idea that has worked well is partnering with local grocers or food
vendors. We work closely with Central Market and have even had some of their
chefs give our members demos.
One other key idea is making sure the members are involved. For example, at a
demo, have enough ingredients to allow the members to create the dish if
applicable. Desserts usually work well for this.
I hope this is of some help to you. Please let me know how your club works out.
Best of luck to you,
K
Your idea of having everyone over to cook is a great idea. We actually did
something similar, and all our members seemed to enjoy it. The basic structure
of our club is that we have about 5 meetings per month, generally consisting of
a potluck, 2 demos, community service of some kind, and a restaurant night in
which the members try new restaurants around town. Since we are a student
organization, we meet at a church by our campus that allows us to use their
kitchen. We didn't used to have access to a kitchen and having one has made
all the difference.
In my experience, as long as you have interested members, maintenance is pretty
low key. Members must pay $35/year to join and that is the only requirement.
In general, the most popular events have been the potlucks in which everyone
brings a dish, either a dessert, entree, side dish, or drink, to share with the
group. We're also trying to get a recipe book together of all the recipes from
the potlucks and demos.
Another idea that has worked well is partnering with local grocers or food
vendors. We work closely with Central Market and have even had some of their
chefs give our members demos.
One other key idea is making sure the members are involved. For example, at a
demo, have enough ingredients to allow the members to create the dish if
applicable. Desserts usually work well for this.
I hope this is of some help to you. Please let me know how your club works out.
Best of luck to you,
K
Ohhhhh... Great food and evening. Thanks to all for coming and cooking.
Lessons learned: that amount of food would easily feed 2 more. More big cooking pots wouldn't be a bad thing. Poetry is a good distraction for dishwashers.
Very good food. My stomach is still groaning from eating so much. Ohhhh...
Lessons learned: that amount of food would easily feed 2 more. More big cooking pots wouldn't be a bad thing. Poetry is a good distraction for dishwashers.
Very good food. My stomach is still groaning from eating so much. Ohhhh...
it was great, fantastic idea
i'm quite proud of some of that poetry, as well, actually...
i'm quite proud of some of that poetry, as well, actually...
Again, a great time was had by all. I think that the 5pm Sunday start worked much better than on Friday, so that's probably when the next one will be held.
So, when should the next one happen??
So, when should the next one happen??
That was fantastic. Hubby's pigging out on leftovers as I type. Man, I'm still sooo full.
I'd almost suggest that this start even earlier next time. I kind of felt like I pushed down my cake after dinner, and I didn't even get a chance to appreciate Hari's dessert at all (thought fortunately I've got a little reserve stash ). It'd be nice to be able to take a digestion break in between courses and have a cuppa joe or something.
But anyway, damn. That was tasty.
I'd almost suggest that this start even earlier next time. I kind of felt like I pushed down my cake after dinner, and I didn't even get a chance to appreciate Hari's dessert at all (thought fortunately I've got a little reserve stash ). It'd be nice to be able to take a digestion break in between courses and have a cuppa joe or something.
But anyway, damn. That was tasty.
Also enjoyed the "showem and tell" cookarama, also liked the 5pm start because it allowed me enough time to see Jan Ullrich cycle backwards again (arggggg).
Everything was delicious - it won't be so delicious trying this week to sweat it all back off again
Everything was delicious - it won't be so delicious trying this week to sweat it all back off again
5pm sunday is good / better than 6pm friday, less stressful
i'm wondering whether it would also be good to have a starter organised that is ready earlier, so that you can sit down and line your stomach a bit.
i'm wondering whether it would also be good to have a starter organised that is ready earlier, so that you can sit down and line your stomach a bit.
The mirror says I'm pregnant... Great food, great company. "Besser geht's nicht".
Agree with Topsy on the starter idea. It was rather silent at the table during the first five minutes.
Agree with Topsy on the starter idea. It was rather silent at the table during the first five minutes.
Why do men eat so much?
My hubby ate it this morning.
QUOTE (interplanetjanet)
thought fortunately I've got a little reserve stash
My hubby ate it this morning.
It was a great night...!
I have uploaded the pictures for the friday event in the gallery. Will upload the Sunday ones this evening.
'Buzz
I have uploaded the pictures for the friday event in the gallery. Will upload the Sunday ones this evening.
'Buzz
Looks like it was great fun. If you do it again on Sunday I'd be interested in joining in.
cool pics!!
yeah it was great fun..
most of the complainst because of me ?
Sunday wouldbe better I guess, you can start bit early.
but accept or not..guys are better cooks
Cheers
Sai Arun
yeah it was great fun..
most of the complainst because of me ?
Sunday wouldbe better I guess, you can start bit early.
but accept or not..guys are better cooks
Cheers
Sai Arun
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