Classes Bring New Flavor, Twists, Tips for Holiday Cuisine

RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 2012 3:16 PM (DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION)
CONTACT: SCOTT MCCASKEY, GOLDMAN & ASSOCIATES, 757-625-2518
CONTACT: AUDREY KNOTH, GOLDMAN & ASSOCIATES, 757-625-2518


Designed to Help People Make Most Out of Home Dining

Instead of the same old turkey leftovers, how about a homemade turkey pot pie, or turkey on wheat with melted baby Swiss, arugula, avocado, smoked paprika and garlic mayonnaise? For dessert, perhaps a deep-dish, dark chocolate pie with heavy cream, butter and amaretto.
New recipes, creative twists on traditional dishes and time-saving tips are the focus of an expanded culinary instruction program to help the public make the most of home holiday cooking and entertaining.
"We've designed the classes to help our guests enhance their knowledge, techniques and kitchen skills specifically for the busy holiday season," says Troy Camacho, chef and director of Casual Gourmet, a recreational cooking program offered at ECPI University's School of Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of Virginia (CIV).
"These are very hands-on classes where students will be able to go home and make what they've just learned," Chef Camacho says. "In addition to fresh new ideas, we'll examine preparation techniques, safe storage of leftovers and simple time-saving tips, such as keeping the oven closed and how to prepare food well ahead of time."


Casual Gourmet Holiday Cuisine Class Schedule:
How to make homemade pies: Nov. 8, 2012
Christmas cookies: Nov. 13
Holiday hors d'oeuvres Nov. 15, 2012
Family cooking Dec. 4, 2012
Global cuisine: Mediterranean Dec. 6, 2012
Christmas leftovers Dec. 11, 2012
The perfect holiday dinner Dec. 13, 2012


Casual Gourmet's holiday cuisine classes are held at the Culinary Institute of Virginia at 2428 Almeda Ave. in Norfolk, VA.
The three-hour sessions are open to the public, cost $60 and run from 6-9 p.m. weekdays. Pre-registration is required.
The Casual Gourmet program offers culinary classes to the public throughout the year and is designed for people who wish to accomplish more with meals prepared at home. While not oriented toward aspiring career chefs, classes are taught in the same kitchens where CIV holds its professional programs. CIV degree offerings include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Food Service Management,, as well as an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts. Visit CIV at:www.chefva.com
"Casual Gourmet continues to grow in popularity, especially this time of year! Guests are eager to learn new tips and tricks to share with family and friends," says Andy Gladstein, CIV Provost.
About The Culinary Institute of Virginia

Culinary Institute of Virginia, the School of Culinary Arts at ECPI College of Technology, opened for enrollment in fall 2006. Graduates can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in culinary science in less than two years. The curriculum offers a European educational model that combines classroom instruction with hands-on [ Continue Reading... ]


About ECPI University

ECPI University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees and diploma programs. With campuses in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, ECPI, a private university established in 1966, offers convenient classes during the day, evening, [ Continue Reading... ]


FILED UNDER: CASUAL GOURMET, CULINARY INSTITUTE OF VIRGINIA, PRESS RELEASES

Release Date:
Monday, November 5, 2012