June 2021 Aurora Cooks!

City of Aurora Cooking Classes June 2021

CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS Aurora Cooks Kitchens are Open!

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How do In Person Classes Work?

Upcoming In-Person Cooking Class Schedule

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Classes for Families and Adults

Adult Cooking Recipe

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Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf Recipe

Youth Cooking Activity

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Frozen Yogurt Bites

Adult Virtual Custom Cooking Classes

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Virtual Cooking Birthday Parties

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REGISTRATION

Call 303.326.8650 or login to your account at CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com to browse and register for classes.

AURORA COOKS IS BACK! COOKING CLASSES JUNE 2021

Dear Aurora Cooks Guests, We are so excited to welcome you back into our Expo and Central teaching kitchens! We have loved cooking with you virtually this past year and want to say a big “thank you” for supporting our virtual cooking program. Aurora Cooks will be hosting youth summer camps in June and July, so we will be offering limited in-person cooking classes and will be taking a break from virtual classes. Aurora Cooks LIVE will resume in August and we can’t wait to welcome back our virtual cooking warriors!

Below are the changes we have made to our in-person classes: • Per the state mandate, fully vaccinated individuals may attend class without a mask; unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals must wear a mask.

• Social distancing/ smaller class size • No shared equipment or food • Parent/ Tot, Parent/ Family, Adult 15+ & 21+ classes are priced per pair (2 people) • To-go containers will be available to consume food at home, if desired Our cooking classes are designed to develop age-specific skills, promote community, demystify scratch cooking across cultures, and promote fruit and vegetable consumption. We can help you become a confident home cook with our approach to cooking: empowering, practical and fun!

Scroll Down to see our upcoming list of in-person classes. Classes can also be viewed and registered for at CityofAurora.PerfectMind.com.

Please email auroracooks@auroragov.org to discuss allergies or dietary restrictions, prior to enrolling.

Things may look a little different in our kitchens, but we are excited to offer a safe and fun experience for all!

-The Aurora Cooks Team

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PARENT/TOT Curriculum designed for youth ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $30 • Price includes registration for one adult and one youth.

PICNIC WITH POOH BEAR AND FRIENDS

PACK A PICNIC Come join us and prepare a fun picnic spread and then take it out into the park and enjoy it with your little one. Menu: Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls, Pizza Pockets and a Fruity Punch to Drink.

39065 June 30 • Wed., 2:30-4 p.m.

• Location: Expo

Have a rumbly in your tumbly? Grab your little Roo’s for this cooking class where we will be preparing the perfect picnic for Winnie the Pooh, the most loved bear of the hundred-acre woods.

Menu: Hundred Arce Wood Trail Mix, Pooh Bear Nut Butter and Hunny Tea Sandwiches, Rabbit’s Garden Veggies and Piglet’s Pink Lemonade.

39063 June 26 • Sat., 1-2:30 p.m.

• Location: Central

PARENT/FAMILY Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $50 • Price includes registration for one adult and one youth.

FRIDAY NIGHT FAMILY FUN: PIZZAFARRI

LET’S STICK TO IT

Have some little animals that are out of school? Get the wild ones in the kitchen and jump onboard the Pizzafarri where we will prepare some fun and delicious animal inspired dishes. Menu: Lion Head Hummus, Chunky Monkey Banana Nice Cream and Spotted Snake Pissssssa.

39392 June 4 • Fri., 6-8 p.m.

• Location: Central

What is more fun to eat than something on a stick? Join us to make some twists to some of your favorites. Menu: Pizza Skewers, Cupcake Skewers and Salad Skewers.

39077 June 26 • Sat., 10 a.m.-noon • Location: Expo

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KIDS Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-9. $25 • Price includes registration for one youth.

TACO FIESTA

ALL THAT DIM SUM

Tacos make the perfect vessels for toppings galore! In this class, kids will learn how to make Mexican food favorites with ease. Menu: Chicken Street Taco’s, Guacamole, Homemade Tortilla Chips and Watermelon Aqua Fresca.

39083 June 2 • Wed., 2-4 p.m.

• Location: Central

Become a dumpling making machine in this class! We’ll give you the run down on different folds, and fillings, that will help you master your favorite dim sum. Menu: Pork Dumplings, Sesame Dipping Sauce and Apple Pie Wontons.

39094 June 29 • Tues., 2-4 p.m.

• Location: Expo

THAT’S A WRAP

ONCE UPON A THYME

Cooler than a sandwich! Learn how to make fun, hand-held wraps at home. Menu: Philly Cheesesteak Crunch Wraps with Chipotle Crema and Fresh Rainbow Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce.

39121 June 3 • Thurs., 2-4 p.m.

• Location: Expo

‘Tis told, that between the pages of a book is a wonderful place to cook. Get your “plots” and pans ready for this fairytale feast. YOU are the kitchen hero and will journey through some enchanting recipes to find a dinner happily ever after. Menu: Fi Fie Fo Yum Roasted Chicken, Rumpelstiltskin’s Spicy Garlic Golden Threads (Spaghetti Squash), Jack’s Magical-Giant Ginger Beans (Edamame).

39099 June 30 • Wed., 2-4 p.m.

• Location: Central

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TEEN Curriculum designed adults ages 10-14. $30 • Price includes registration for one youth.

EMPANADAS POR FAVOR

MARVELOUS SUPERHERO SNACKS

Empanadas made easy! Join us and learn how simple and delicious making empanadas from scratch can be. Menu: Spinach, Bacon & Cheese Empanadas, Chipotle Crema and Dulce de Leche Apple Pie Empanadas.

39100 June 2 • Wed., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Location: Expo

Grab a cape or apron and transform into the kitchen superhero that you are! Menu: Thor’s Hammer Cookies, Captain America Mini Pizzas and Hulk Smash Punch.

39102 June 29 • Tues., 1-4 p.m.

• Location: Central

CREATIVE CALZONES Join us in filling and forming fun calzones! Menu: BBQ Chicken Calzones, Cannoli Dessert Calzones and Caesar Salad.

39101 June 4 • Fri., 1-4 p.m.

• Location: Central

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ADULT 15+ Curriculum designed adults ages 15 years and older. $70 • Price includes registration for two adults.

ONE, TWO PATE CHOUX Together we will learn all about this staple French pastry dough with both a sweet and savory twist.

Menu: Garlic and Herb Gougeres with Smoked Salmon and Classic Chocolate Dipped Cream Puffs.

39112 June 26 • Sat., 2-5 p.m.

• Location: Expo

MAGICAL MOROCCAN

ONE PAN, TWO PLATES

Discover the beauty of Moroccan cuisine that welcomes any cook looking for spice and adventure. Menu: Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds, Roasted Vegetable Couscous and Moroccan Date Cookies.

39113 June 29 • Tues., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Central

Join us as we uncover the tips and tricks of one pan cooking, a clutter-free kitchen, and a delicious meal for two. Menu: Basil Lemon Artichoke Chicken Fricassee, Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower and Apple Blueberry Tart Tatin.

39109 June 2 • Wed., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Central

RAMEN 101

Break out your chopsticks and learn how to simplify making a delicious bowl of ramen at home.

Menu: Easy Chicken Ramen, Ramen Egg and Blistered Shishito Peppers with Ginger sesame Aioli.

39111 June 3 • Thurs., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Expo

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ADULT 21+ Curriculum designed adults ages 21 years and older. $80 • Price includes registration for two adults.

CUBAN BITES AND BUBBLES

TASTE OF THAILAND

We will explore the essentials of traditional Thai cooking and the unique balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour.

Menu: Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, Drunken Noodles and a Thai Coco Cocktail to sip.

39116 June 26 • Sat., 5-8 p.m.

• Location: Central

Ready for a summer night in Havana?

Grab a fresh mojito and let us transport you to the wildly flavorful, Spanish, African and Caribbean blended cuisine of Cuba. Learn to prepare some traditional Cuban dishes that will have your taste buds doing the mambo! Menu: Picadillo, Crispy Tostones, Avocado Mango Salad and Strawberry Mint Mojito.

39114 June 3 • Thurs., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Central

WHY IS THE RUM ALWAYS GONE!?

No matter if it is Jack Sparrow or One-Eyed Willy that you are inviting to dinner, we are sure they will be pleased with this rum inspired meal.

Ahoy! Menu: Jerk Chicken with Lime and Chiles, Jamaican Peas and Rice, Caramelized Pineapple with a Dark and Stormy Punch Cocktail to drink.

39115 June 4 • Fri., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Expo

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BAR SNACKS & COCKTAILS

Happy Hour please! Come join us for our spin on some classic bar snacks and refreshing summer cocktails to wash them down. Menu: Crab and Corn Fritters with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce, Sweet Potato Chips with Queso Fundido with a Spiked Blackberry Lemonade and a Rose Sangria to drink.

39117 June 29 • Tues., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Expo

KOREAN STREET FOOD In this class we will make Korean dishes bursting with bright spices, exciting ingredients, and mouthwatering flavors! Menu: Buldak (Cheesy Korean Fire Chicken), Kimchi Fried Rice, Korean Cucumber Salad and Soju Mojito’s to sip.

39118 June 30 • Wed., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Expo

DON’T GO BACON MY HEART Stop in the name of love and pig out, with a pinkie out with this “porktastic” date night class. Learn some tips and have fun today with your family! Help prepare this simple yet impressive meal and enjoy our wine pairings which will be squeally sensational. Oink!

Oink! Menu: Herb Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin w/ Peach Jalapeño Chutney, Parmesan “Frerotte” (Farro cooked Risotto Style) with a Roasted Brussel Sprouts Salad.

39119 June 30 • Wed., 6-9 p.m.

• Location: Central

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MUSHROOM QUINOA PILAF RECIPE By: Mia Randall

Quinoa is a super grain that is often underutilized. With its fluffy texture, neutral taste, and health benefits, it’s the ultimate rice replacement in virtually any recipe. This quinoa pilaf is great served as a side dish or main entrée with the addition of hearty mushrooms.

INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 shallot, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1 cup quinoa, rinsed 1 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth 1-pound assorted mushrooms, stemmed and sliced ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, divided ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped grated parmesan cheese & sliced almonds, for garnishing

DIRECTIONS: 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the quinoa to the pan and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the stock and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Allow the quinoa to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

2: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of remaining oil over mediumhigh heat. Add half of the mushrooms in a single layer, a pinch of pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook without stirring until the mushrooms begin to brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Add half of the thyme, stir, and continue to cook until well browned, about 5 minutes longer. Remove cooked mushrooms and repeat with remaining oil, raw mushrooms, pepper, salt, and thyme.

3: Fold the quinoa and parsley into the mushrooms. Serve garnished with parmesan and almonds. Enjoy!

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FROZEN YOGURT BITES By: Kirsten Hall

What’s better than a nice cold treat when its hot outside?

Try making these creamy frozen bites with your family to enjoy together on these summer days.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup granola 1 1/3 cup vanilla greek yogurt 1/2 cup sliced almonds 24 raspberries 48 blueberries

DIRECTIONS: 1. Line a mini muffin tin with mini liners.

2. In the bottom of each mini muffin cup, add 1 teaspoon of granola.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of sliced almonds to the top of each muffin cup.

4. Top the almonds with 1 tablespoon of yogurt.

5. Place 1 fresh raspberry and 2 fresh blueberries at the center of each muffin cup.

6. Add another spoonful of yogurt to top off the muffin cup.

7. Transfer the muffin tin to the freezer and freeze for 50 minutes, or until frozen through.

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VIRTUAL ADULT CUSTOM COOKING CLASSES Adult ages 18 and older • $20 per registered household with a $100 minimum

Celebrate

your next birthday, anniversary, corporate team building event or special occasion with a virtual custom cooking class! Take this opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones who may be scattered across the country or just down the street.

Enjoy a 2-hour class where our talented chefs will guide guests through their choice of menu in the comfort of your own home. Email auroracooks@auroragov.org to book your Aurora Cooks LIVE! custom virtual cooking class today.

MENU OPTIONS: • Dim Sum • Street Tacos or Tamales • Gnocchi or Homemade Pasta • Spanish Tapas • Weekend Brunch • Taste of Thailand

For availability and booking information, email auroracooks@auroragov.org 11

VIRTUAL COOKING BIRTHDAY PARTIES Youth ages 7-12 years old. •$100 for 10 participants

Become

a chef on your next birthday and cook up a party with Aurora Cooks! Connect with all your friends for a 90-minute virtual cooking class where our talented chefs will walk you through a delicious birthday celebration. After choosing your menu, our team will send you everything you need to prepare for your in-home virtual cooking party. We’ll guide youth step-by-step through the recipes with personalized instruction, allowing time for questions and celebrating. The last 15-20 minute will be reserved for enjoying the delicious meal the budding chefs have worked so hard to create.

MENU OPTIONS: • Cupcake Mania!

• Bean & Cheese Taquitos • Personal Pizzas • Quiche Cups & Fruit Kabobs • Crispy Veggie Wontons & Sesame Dipping Sauce

For availability and booking information, email auroracooks@auroragov.org 12

GIVE THE GIFT

OF COOKING!

GIFT CARD

Do you have an aspiring chef in your life?

Cooking classes make great gifts!

Call our registration office at 303.326.8650 to purchase a gift card.

AuroraGov.org/Cooking