Mermaid Lake in Blue Bell, PA is happy to announce the opening of The Cooking School at Mermaid Lake. In our state-of-the art demonstration kitchen in The Paddock Room at The Barn, we are hosting some of the area’s most talented chefs who are looking forward to sharing their recipes and experiences. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, experienced or new to cooking, into casual eating or fancy dining, we have a class for you! For more information, email us at mcdc1259@aol.com.

Enrollment is limited, so sign up now! Call 610 275-6014 to register for classes. Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is insufficient. Feel free to bring along your beverage of choice. Mermaid Lake will supply bottled water for all classes. The chefs will provide recipes and tastings.

TAILGATE AND GRILLIN’ CLASSES

Tailgate Russ Stevenson is unofficially known as the World's Largest Tailgater with over 25 years of hosting Oktoberfests, Tailgates, and Backyard BBQs for 20 - 2,000 of his closest friends. He has appeared on the History Channel, Food Network Show, Tailgate Show, Travel Channel, and the Sharon Osborne Show. Stevenson has also been featured in articles in The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Post, Houston Chronicle, and The Miami Herald, to name a few.

Tuesday evenings from 7-9 PM, October 12, 19, 26, November 9, 16, 23 - $40 per class - All 6 Tuesday classes for $225. Take one class or all! Field Trip - Sunday, November 21 - Tailgate Party prior to Eagles/Redskins game... Cost TBA

Each class will include tips on how to host a successful tailgate party, along with some delicious, easy-to-prepare grill recipes, and dishes you can prepare ahead of time. Some of the topics covered will be planning your menu, the all-encompassing tailgate party checklist, picking a spot, dressing in team colors, decorating your site, meeting your neighbors, tips on entertainment, Top Ten must-haves at a tailgate, and more. There will be some class participation and tasty samplings of the dishes each week. Some favorite recipes TGR will be preparing are Lot 8B Chicken, Beer Can Chicken, Spicy U-16 Shrimp, Salmon in Chipotle Sauce, Pork Tenderloin in Mojo, Perfect Burger & Brat, Teriyaki Steak Kabobs, Awesome Baked Beans, Asparagus & ‘Shrooms, Country Cole Slaw, Cajun Guacamole, Crabmeat Stuffed Cherry Peppers, and a class on condiments - BBQ sauces, marinades and dry rubs. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage and tailgating CD with you. Not only will we learn tailgating tips and eat well - we'll all be doing the Mummers Strut before this course is over! This will not be your typical cooking class! Happy Tailgating and remember - in the parking lot we're all on the same team!

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ENTERTAINING AT HOME

Teresa Kaitz is an honors graduate of the Academy of Culinary Arts and has acquired a certification in Advanced Pastry Arts. She was the Executive Pastry Chef at the Mansion in Voorhees, New Jersey, and presently consults for them in the planning, arranging, and displaying of all wedding cakes. Teresa is the chef owner of "Special Occasion Cakes and Pastries".

EASY AS PIE - $40 - Thursday, November 4 - 7-9 PM Learn a simple approach to making your favorite pies. Participants will learn the process of kneading and rolling crust, and making assorted fillings. Just in time for the holidays!

MERRY HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING - $40 Thursday, November 18 7-9 PM

Take the fast track to hosting holiday and special occasion get-togethers. From savory to sweet, wow your guests the quick and easy way. Delicious and beautifully presented, these menu items will be a hit, while enabling the host to enjoy the party.

HEALTHY EATING

Anthony J. Pack PA-C is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. He has spent nearly 20 years in the restaurant business and works as a Physician’s Assistant practicing cardiothoracic medicine.

Katherine E. Pack M.A., R.D., L.D.N. has a Masters degree in Nutrition Education, and is a Licensed Registered Dietitian and Clinical Nutritionist who provides Nutrition Counseling to her clients. She also spent over 10 years as a restaurant professional.

HEART HEALTHY HOLIDAYS - $40 Wednesday, December 1st 7-9 PM

Having trouble making nutritious, tasty meals fit into your hectic schedule? Come join us for a preview sampling from our spring series. We will offer a healthy slant on old holiday favorites. Celebrate this special time of year by offering friends and family healthy, simple dishes that taste great too!

Looking Ahead - Spring Curriculum - A comprehensive cooking class for everyone! Emphasis will be on quick, easy meal planning and preparation. Incorporate lean proteins and smart carbs into your diet. Learn delicious, nutritious meals that are low in calories and high in taste while including heart friendly foods for a well-balanced overall diet.

CLASSES FOR KIDS, TEENS, AND ADULTS

Kathy Wolper founded Kathy’s Just Desserts, Inc. in East Norriton three years ago. Kathy is a certified elementary teacher and a Certified Technical Trainer. In addition to baking delicious, made-from-scratch desserts, Kathy teaches children how to make candies, bake, and cook "real food", too. Kathy also teaches adult classes in hors d’oeuvres and dips, candy making, and baking. She has been featured in articles in The Reporter, The Times Herald, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Kathy has also appeared on NBC 10’s morning program 10!, WB17 Business Report with Tracy Sabol, Fox 29’s Good Morning Philadelphia, and Comcast Newsmakers.

HORS D’OEUVRES AND DIPS $75 for the 2-week session Mondays, November 15 and November 22 6:30-8:30 PM

Want to learn some easy recipes that will help you to entertain like a pro? Come and join us for two fun evenings. In this two-part series, we will make delicious finger food that will leave guests talking about your holiday party for weeks. Bring your own beverage and get in a party mood with these tasty morsels. Come hungry!

COOKIE EXTRAVAGANZA! - $75 for the 2-week session Tuesdays, November 30 and
December 7th 7-9 PM

Looking for some delightful cookie recipes? The cookies we’ll bake are terrific additions to your holiday cookie trays. They are wonderful for cookie exchanges, gifts for teachers/co-workers, office parties, and your own holiday entertaining. This is a two-part series. Bring your own beverage and be prepared to munch on lots of samples.

AMERICAN GIRL DOLL PARTIES $25 per class No charge for dolls!

Kathy is offering a series of classes geared towards American Girl Dolls and their owners. We’ll make some of the recipes that each doll would’ve eaten if she were a real little girl in that era. Kids (6 and up) are encouraged to bring their doll along for the party!

Saturday mornings from 10:30-12 Noon

October 9 Felicity
October 23 Kirsten

Sunday afternoons from 1:30-3 PM

November 21 Josefina
November 28 Addy

SUPPER CLUB DANCE PARTIES Friday evenings from 5:30-8:30 PM $25 /class
Take one class or all 3!

Geared towards teens (12-16), these classes will involve a combination of hands-on preparation and demonstration. Following dinner that we’ve prepared together, the kids are encouraged to take advantage of the dance floor to work off some calories. Kids are also welcome to sit and enjoy the tunes!

October 8 Homemade pasta, meatballs, and sauce, veggies with homemade Ranch dressing, and strawberry shortcakes with ice cream

November 5 Roast chicken, stuffing, gravy, killer mashed potatoes, green beans amandine, microwave apple crisp with cinnamon whipped cream

December 3 Oven baked chicken fingers, oven fries, applesauce, and molten chocolate lava cakes

EDIBLE GIFTS WORKSHOP $35 Saturday, November 27 1-4:30 PM

This class is for children from 8-13 years of age. We’ll be making some food gifts that make unique and ideal holiday presents for everyone on your child’s shopping list. While the kids are busy, parents can take a little time to hit the mall. Great shopping is only five minutes away! The children will leave with some gifts they have prepared in class and the recipes for all of the gift ideas we have prepared.

REGIONAL AMERICAN COOKING CLASSES

Tom Tannozzini, the chef/owner of Blues Chef Catering has worked in the fine dining industry for over 20 years. After graduating from Florida State University, he worked with some of the best restaurants in Florida, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. Working with the Max group of restaurants in South Florida, he participated in cutting-edge food preparation techniques. Tom owned a four-star facility in Melbourne, Florida. In New Orleans, he worked with the famed Brennan family. While in New Orleans, he also performed on television and in numerous culinary events. He has traveled all over the USA and Australia, cooking and testing many diverse cuisines and products.

Wednesday evenings from 7-9 PM - $40 per class. ! - All 6 regional classes for $225 - Take one class or travel the USA this fall through all 6 classes!

October 6 - California America’s Market Basket, world-class wines, and tons of seafood. Mix this with a wonderful ethnic diversity and you have some great cuisine. How about great sparkling Sangria, wonderful seafood pasta, a bit of Asian flair, good ol’ street food, and a fresh fruit dessert?

October 13 - The Southwest Encompassing Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, Tom has found some uniquely American foods in that region of the USA! From the margaritas, bowl of red, enchiladas (with a twist), seviches, chilies the ideas are endless!

October 20 -Cajun and Creole Yes there is a difference. Come to the class and find out. Steep three distinctly diverse influences, put in pots, mix them up, and serve ‘em. It’ll be like you’ve never had it before! We will look at refreshing fruit daiquiris, roux, gumbos, etouffes, crawfish, veggies, and a classic dessert. Ya’ll sit down and enjoy!

October 27 - Southern From Maryland to the Keys, we’ll explore some great foods from the South. Try a Mint Julep, roast pork, sweet potatoes/yams, Poillo Tropical, and a soulful dessert!

November 3 - Chicago and the Midwest With its amazing ethnic diversity, Chicago may well be America’s greatest melting pot! We will look at some classics like Cincinnati Chili (up to the 5 way), pan cooking the perfect steak, regional sausages and cheeses, Italian beef sandwiches, and awesome desserts!

November 10 - Philly Phoods We will look at the Philly Italian foods (what is the difference between sauce and gravy?), great cheese steaks at home, some area seafood items, a look at new trends, and our killer desserts!

November 17 - New England Cuisine With their proximity to the sea, New Englanders enjoy cuisine that is rich in lobster, clams, mussels, and more. Match that with some Portuguese influences, a splash of Italian, Irish, and other influences. Don’t forget the maple syrup. There is great food in New England. Come and have a taste!

December 8 Italian Christmas Celebration The Seven Fishes Take the mystery out of this Italian tradition. We will discuss (and cook) lots of foods (some very unique) to serve your friends and family for this traditional holiday meal. Just in time for a Buon Natale!