My cooking and
entertaining styles have been influenced not only by foreign travel, but by a desire to create easy, do-able versions of world
cuisines in America. I’ll teach you to create authentic French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Moroccan, Egyptian, and Arabian meals,
in addition to the historical significance and culinary traditions of each culture. By the end of the class, you'll have not
only mastered recipes and techniques, but learn about the cultures who created them. We'll also cover shopping tips, helpful
hints, and nutritional information.
To Schedule a Cooking Class or Demonstration, please contact me at amy@amyriolo.com
Corporate Team
Building and Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are a wonderful way to promote corporate team building or spend quality time
with busy loved ones. Amy Riolo plans and teaches cooking classes at Sur La Table in Arlington, VA as well as for private
organizations, and corporations. Class topics include world cuisine, single ingredient menus, various techniques, or dietary
concerns.
In each cooking class, Amy reviews the history and background of each recipe and menu. Classes are fun,
informative, and delicious! A copy of each easy to follow recipe with cooking tips and cultural information is provided to
each student. Both hands-on and demonstration style classes are offered to groups of 10 to 20 students. Private lessons are
also available.
Sample menus can include:
Cake Making Basics
It's
time to put the boxed mixes away and discover the simple pleasures of homemade cakes perfect for a wide range of occasions.
You'll learn to mix, bake, and ice Basic Buttermilk Cake, Dairy Free Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes, Italian Pound Cake, and
a Fresh Plum Torte.
Classic Provencal Dinner
Learn the secrets behind the earthy yet
sophisticated flavors of the French Mediterranean. Discover why the cuisine of Southern France is so unique and internationally
reknown. We'll make Seafood Soup with Rouille, Provencal Chicken with Mediterranean Vegetables, Crudites with Tapenade and
Herb Aioli, and a Warm Cherry Clafoutis.
Sicilian
The cuisine of Sicily combines ancient
local tradition and lore with Norman, French, and Arab influences. Discover unexpected Southern Italian flavor combinations
and cooking techniques with recipes like Crosini with Chickpea Puree, Penne with Tomatoes and Eggplants, Sicilian Style Tuna,
and a Walnut Ricotta Cake.
Moroccan
The “Classic Moroccan Flavors” class is a well-rounded
introduction to Moroccan cuisine for newcomers. Moroccan meals combine the culinary expertise of Berber, Arab, Jewish, and
French influences. Learn the traditions of Moroccan hospitality and culture while preparing a fabulous meal.
Greek
With the “Traditional Greek Flavors” class you’ll get comfortable using a wide range of Greek ingredients
as you prepare classic Greek cuisine that’s full of authentic flavor. With a focus on freshness and easy preparation, you’ll
learn how to make, (and pronounce) a menu full of Greek specialties.
Egyptian
The
“Elegant Egyptian Flavors” class will enable you to explore a tempting array of new taste sensations. Learn about traditional
Egyptian ingredients that have been used since the day s of Ramses II. The four item menu, like Egypt itself, is a mosaic
of ancient wisdom, deep religious traditions, millennia of converging cultural influences, and modern cosmopolitanism.
Arabian
The cuisine of the Arabian Peninsula combines healthful techniques with exotic herbs, flowers, spices,
and sometimes even incense. This class will guide you through the secrets of creating a sumptuous Arabian feast worthy of
royalty.
French Mother Sauces
Learn to master the five primary mother sauces of French
cuisine. We’ll begin with these classics, and then use them as a base for a few more complex creations. You’ll learn the history
of the sauces and how to pair them with meats, pastas, vegetables, and more.
Roman Trattoria
Learn
the time honored secrets of making fine Roman classics just as they have been made in Rome for centuries. This class will
teach you what distinguishes Roman cuisine from that of other regions in Italy, as well as how to use semolina, balsamic vinegar,
olive oil, artichokes, mascarpone, and espresso in various ways.
Italian Sauces
Once
you’ll learn the easy techniques for making these delicious Italian classics, you’ll never need to buy prepared sauces again.
We’ll learn the history behind these savory sauces, as well as how to pair them with pastas, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Spanish
These bright and sunny Spanish flavors will transport your taste buds to the
Mediterranean. This class will demystify the recipes for traditional Spanish classics, and encourage you to incorporate them
into your own lifestyle. Gazpacho Soup
Chestnut Class
Add Fall and Winter cheer to
your table with the warm, earthy, and festive flavor of chestnuts. Learn the various types of chestnuts, where they come from,
and how to use them in both sweet and savory dishes. This creative menu combines four delicious and easy to prepare courses
which celebrate the fragrant chestnut.
Cooking With Fennel
Fennel is one of the most
delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredients in the world. However, very few Americans know what to do with it. This innovative
menu combines both dried fennel seeds and fresh fennel bulbs to create a classic Italian meal.
