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Update on Upcoming Cooking Classes.

Hello, everyone!!

Here is a quick update that will soon be available on my "Cooking Classes" page. I have SO enjoyed working with The Cook's Warehouse! What an incredible opportunity and such great people to work with! But, alas; all good things eventually come to an end. On a good note, though!

Due to demand, I am no longer teaching at The Cook's Warehouse. I have received so many requests for private in-home cooking classes that my calendar is already starting to fill up for the next three months! So, here are the details and I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible to book your own in-home cooking class! It's more convenient, more affordable and you get to learn with all of your best friends! What could be better than that?!

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I am moving from The Cook's Warehouse to provide a more convenient, more affordable and more flexible class environment for my students!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn some delicious, easy and affordable meals that will impress even the most discriminating foodie!

KOOK IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH THE KOOK!!

Hands-on cooking parties are a BLAST! They provide an interactive and fun activity for celebrating birthdays, celebrating engagements, wedding showers as well as an ideal way for business colleagues to bond outside of work. Or, if you just feel like having a dinner party with 5-15 great friends and having their helping hands! Are you a single, young man that is looking to impress your lady? Get all your buddies together and let me teach you how to impress that special someone!

Iron chef competitions?? Who will win? The Wire Whisks or the Salad Spinners??? GREAT fun!! Prizes awarded!

FAQ's

"What's on the menu?"

If you have an idea for what you'd like to learn, let Angela know your thoughts and together you will find the perfect menu that will have all of your friends looking forward to the next class/dinner party! If you can think of it, she can teach it!

On the other hand, if you have NO idea what you'd like to learn, Angela has hundreds and hundreds of menus that she can suggest!

"Is my kitchen big enough?"

As long as you can put a cutting board down (in the kitchen or on the dining room table) as many times as there are students, you can comfortably learn to cook in your home kitchen. What could be better than learning how to make your favorite meal in the comfort of your own home?!

"I'm just learning to cook. What if I don't have the right cookware or utensils?"

No problem! Angela will discuss with you at length what is needed for your customized menu and if you are lacking in any way, she is happy to bring her own supplies! All students are supplied with recipes and tips for how to create the perfect meal without a single snafu! You will easily be able to recreate her meals again and again!

"What about my children? I'd like to instill in them the joy of cooking, but in a fun and interactive way with their friends!"

Children ages 3 and up are perfect candidates!

A cooking party for the young food lover is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, graduation or just reward them for good grades! Not only does a cooking party provide an unbeatable hands-on activity to entertain the kids, but the event culminates in a fully prepared meal (including dessert) for them all to enjoy. Even fussy eaters will be thrilled to eat something they have made with their own hands. Seeing a meal come to fruition through their own efforts is always a great self-esteem builder. It's a very rewarding experience for parents and Angela, alike!

Being that Angela was taught how to cook from a very young age; she is very passionate about instilling this art within the hearts and souls of children and teenagers, alike. She is fun, upbeat and there will never be a dull moment in your kitchen! They will love it!

The star of the party will receive a personalized chef's hat and their own apron (or chef's coat – specify your preference)!

Scheduling:

Due to television appearances and other exciting projects going on behind the scenes, at least 30 days notice is required to book a cooking class party.

Pricing:

(Includes all food and taxes, but not wine)

4 to 10 students: $55 per person 11 to 15 students:$65 per person

Angela limits her classes to 15 students because she likes to be sure everyone is able to learn and ask questions without being rushed for time. All classes are hands on, unless you request a demonstration class instead.

Iron Chef Parties: $75 per person, 10 person minimum Prizes awarded, remember!

For children/teens parties:

A flat fee of $600 is charged and I encourage you to invite 14 of their friends to get the full value!

An 18% gratuity for the staff will be added to all parties. If you live in Augusta and would like to schedule a party, please contact me for out-of town rates!

So what are your waiting for?? Call or email now to be sure your dates are available!

Don't forget to forward this as an email to your friends!

Happy Holidays!!

Angela McKeller Cooking Instructor, Cookbook Author and Host of "Kick Back and Kook!"

404-825-6545

Please mark your calendars for February 8, 2008, 10PM EST, for my appearance on "Paula's Party!" on The Food Network! Oh, and tell your friends! www.kickbackkook.com

"Life is like a kitchen...there are ENDLESS possibilities!"

Cool Summer Souffles

Tonight I taught a Cool Summer Souffle class and it went very well! Frozen souffles require a lot of prep work, so I spent several hours this morning preparing souffles and then taught them again this evening. It was a blast!

We had: Frozen Lemon Souffles with Raspberry Sauce
Cool Strawberry Souffles with Homemade Blueberry Whipped Cream
and
Frozen Chocolate Hazelnut Souffles

I wish that you all could've been there!

Don't forget! I have a Rustic Italian Summer Class coming up on August 29th! You don't want to miss it! On the menu: Lemon Chicken Picatta Roasted Italian Vegetables Tiramisu

Hope to see you there! Your favorite "kook", Angela McKeller

Team Building Cooking Class - August 17, 2007

Hello, everyone!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that this past Friday I taught a cooking class that was also a team building event for a corporation. What a GREAT idea! It was SO much fun, the co-workers enjoyed each other's company and learned a lot in the process!

What did I prepare? Some really tasty, but simple and affordable recipes, of course! On the menu was:

Sun-dried Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Romaine Salads with Parmesan, Black Olives and Roasted Artichokes served with Tarragon Vinaigrette
Chicken Picatta over wilted Spinach and Angel Hair Pasta
Tiramisu

After hearing my bio, they weren't sure I could actually teach a cooking class. A typical response that I don't take personally, at all! I mean, who learns Italian cooking from their Southern Great Grandmother? HA!! But, I explained the story behind how I am able to create recipes such as these (my bio in greater detail) and they quickly understood.

Here are a couple of pictures for you to see from the class (I can't show pics of the students or assistants for legal reasons - sorry!):

Hosted by RockYouPhotos.com Hosted by RockYouPhotos.com

It always makes my day when I can teach a class where people get recipes that they LOVE, recipes that they KNOW they can duplicate at home AND on a budget! They were all talking about how much they enjoyed the recipes, food and the class itself. If you want to learn these recipes (with the exception of the salad), sign up for my class on August 29th! It's only $35 and I promise you'll LOVE it!! Don't delay! Classes can fill up quickly!

Hope to see you there!!

Your favorite "kook", Angela McKeller

Goings On At The Cook's Warehouse

Some cooking classes and other opportunities to liven up your Summer Schedule from The Cook's Warehouse!! Sign up today so you don't miss out on these great opportunities!!

<Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Angela McKeller Cool Soufflés Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Location: Brookhaven 7:00 PM-9:00 PM, $35.00

It is time to lose your fear of soufflés with your favorite "KooK". The secret to airy soufflés will be revealed as Angela McKeller wields her whisk to create a light and luscious versions of this fabulous dessert! Angela was recently featured as a guest on Paula Deen's show "Paula's Party", which is due to air this fall. You will come to understand the technique of soufflés while you watch Angela prepare such delectables as Cool Summer Berry Soufflé, Lemon Soufflé with Raspberry Sauce; and who can resist Frozen Chocolate Hazelnut Soufflé? Simply Scrumptious! Sign up now!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket David DiCorpo How To Boil Water Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Location: Brookhaven 7:00 PM-9:00 PM, $40.00

Bake or roast, simmer or sauté, scant or pinch? There is a difference, and this class is designed to get you started from scratch in the kitchen. Every good cook needs the basic 411, and David has designed this class to turn good into great. Basic tools and techniques are important in any kitchen, and this 'recovering caterer' will take you through them all during the class. You'll enjoy learning pan seared and roasted pork tenderloin with a hot pepper glaze, perfectly roasted garlic/rosemary/lemon potato wedges, wilted spinach salad with a hot balsamic vinaigrette, and perfect vanilla bean gelato. You'll leave with not only a full brain but a full stomach as well! Sign up now!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Don Hackett Wine and Cheese Pairing with Don Hackett Thursday, August 23, 2007 Location: Decatur 7:00 PM-9:00 PM, $45.00

This is the class everyone has requested. Spend a fun and informative evening learning how to pair wine with cheese. In addition to the classic wine and cheese pairings, you will also learn how to pair wine with lesser-known cheeses and how to host a wine and cheese party on your own. Come swirl, sniff, sip, taste and enjoy with us. After this class, your next party will be a smash! Sign up now!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Carlin Breinig Summer Snacks Hands On for Kids (Ages 6-9) Saturday, August 25, 2007 Location: Decatur 10:30 AM-1:30 PM, $45.00

Hey kids and parents, escape the balmy days of summer and cool off in our kitchen! You will make and enjoy some delicious treats to boot! Join chef Carlin in the kitchen as you prepare Cambodian Summer Rolls, Cheddar Cheese and Turkey Puffs, and Chocolate Chip Loaves. Come find out why our kids classes are so popular, sign up today! Sign up now!

Delicious Demonstrations!

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Ease Into The Back To School Routine

The kids are back in school and the lazy days of summer are a thing of the past...BUT...you can still have an easy time of it, and be a bit lazy to boot!

From noon until 2pm, our Brookhaven Store will be putting the Cuisinart Griddler (specially sale-priced) through its' paces. Weekday and weekend breakfasts are a snap when you use this countertop wonder. Griddling pancakes or eggs, grilling bacon or sausage, the Griddler makes it all quick and easy. It's a multi-tasker extraordinaire, and the interchangeable non-stick plates go right into your dishwasher, so clean-up is a breeze too. There's no excuse for an empty tummy when serving the most important meal of the day is this effortless! Of course, we'll be showing you how it will take you through the rest of the day as well, from panini sandwiches to grilled entrees. This is one of our favorite appliances, its' versatility and value can't be beat!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Football season is upon us and The Cook's Warehouse has the team spirit when it comes too great food!

Be at our Midtown store this Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for some great tailgating ideas! We have everything you need for cooking a great meal on the go. From small grills to smoker sheets to amazing barbeque sauces and the silicone brushes to slather them on, we have it all! We'll be showcasing our portable cooking equipment as well as tasting some great sauces and sharing some delicious tailgating recipe ideas.

Join us as we help you cheer on your favorite team with happy taste buds! Remember our upcoming demos: 8/25 Care and Feeding of Your Cutting Board 9/1 No labor for your Labor Day BBQ with Your Slow Cooker!

SEE YOU AT THE COOK'S WAREHOUSE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA!! (Three Locations to serve you best!)

Latest Update!

Hello, everyone!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that yesterday's class was a BIG hit! Everyone LOVED the recipes, learned a lot and, even better, had a GREAT time! They were asking when my next classes would be and many said that they were interested in future classes. YAY!!

We had SUCH a fun group (as they all have been so far!). I explained to them that my idea of cooking classes are about learning some new cooking techniques, but also learning the importance of the bond that is created between people (even strangers!) when great meals or munchies are added to the mix. We all felt like we had been great friends for years, though none of us had ever met each other prior to last night. It was such a FANTASTIC experience! I love dinner parties and cooking classes! They are so similar. Great food, great fun and GREAT NEW FRIENDS!

We made Seasoned Sea Scallops with Broccoli over Tagliolini in a White Wine Shallot Sauce, Shrimp Tortellini with a Tomato Cream Sauce and my friend, Ollie from Florida, gave me permission to teach his recipes, Steamed Mussels over Linguine in a Champagne Cream Sauce. The recipes were AWESOME and everyone was so impressed!

I always throw in bonus recipe demonstrations that aren't on the roster, so for this one I threw in EASY Tiramisu and Italian Cream Sodas. I prepared 3 meals, drinks and desserts that would've easily fed 12 people (everyone got a pretty big "taste", closer to a regular serving size) for just $9.50 per person. Fancy drinks, meals AND dessert for that price?? And any of these dishes could be served in a five star restaurant!

My next class will be on August 11, 2007. It's a Saturday morning from 10:30am until 1:30am. DIM SUM!! Cantonese for "heart's delights," dim sum includes a variety of small, mouth-watering dishes. If you've never tried Dim Sum, try this class. It is easy to make, FUN to make (like playing with play dough!) and you steam them for no time and eat! FYI...Bao is a dumpling, but a unique dumpling that is my FAVORITE! IT'S A HANDS-ON CLASS!! Again, my favorite. :o)

On the menu: Vegetarian Lotus Leaf Packets, Pork and Shrimp Shu Mai, Steamed Char Siu Bao and Sweet Lotus Bao. Don't miss out on these delicious bites. You will see why they are the "heart's delights"!

Call The Cook's Warehouse to sign up ASAP because spaces will fill up QUICKLY! The location is Cook's and Sherlock's Decatur, 180 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, and you can enroll by calling 404-377-4005.

Hope to see you there!! Angela McKeller

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