Get ready for some warm-weather cooking

Kristi Larson, Taste of Home [Click to enlarge]

Every season has its special rituals and traditions and spring is no exception. As the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer, we start to think about outdoor activities.

Whether you are getting ready to till the garden or wash the windows, spring is the time to freshen the home and yard after the long winter months. It's the traditional spring-cleaning time. While there is still a chill in the air, you might want to tidy some areas indoors.

The kitchen is the hub of family activities. Why not organize your kitchen now so you can reduce your food preparation time and spend more time enjoying the warm weather months?

As you tackle your kitchen cleaning task, take a break and make plans to attend the Taste of Home Cooking School on April 22 at the City Auditorium in McCook.

The evening demonstration will be presented by Kristi Larson, from the cooking school staff. Ms. Larson promises to sprinkle her performance with current cooking trends and techniques that just might include an appliance or utensil you will want to add to your sparkling clean kitchen.

"Good cooking begins with an efficient work area," instructs Sandy Bloom, executive director of the cooking schools. "Store utensils and appliances close to the area you use for preparation. For example, keep pots, pans and cooking spoons near the cooktop. Bowls, measuring cups and spoons and spatulas should be stored where you mix ingredients.

Rotate your stock. Check spices and canned goods. Spices will lose their flavor over time and canned foods older than a year lose their nutritional value and flavor. Clean out the freezer, bring older items to the front and use them before preparing more recently purchased items. Take inventory of any items that need replacing.

Invest in equipment that is the best you can afford. Generally, a higher price indicates a better quality tool that will be sturdier and perform better" continues Ms. Bloom.

(Advertisement)

The cooking school is a 2-hour presentation introducing guests to products from national food companies that make food preparation a snap. Kristi will stir up a selection of dishes geared to traditional family dinners. Every attendee will receive a Taste of Home Cooking School Brand Name Cookbook that includes the featured recipes. Eleven lucky winners will be awarded the completed dishes and a variety of door prizes will be given away throughout the evening.

"Our thanks to the McCook Daily Gazette and Knowlen & Yates for hosting this event," commends Kristi Larson. "Their commitment to our unique program allows us to share new recipes, review basic cooking techniques and have fun as well." Tickets are selling for $7 each plus 48 cents tax.

They can be purchased at the Gazette offices on West 1st & E Streets and at Knowlen & Yates at 315 George Norris Ave.

For ticket ordering information call (308) 345-4500. Doors will open at 1:30 pm for guests to visit local vendor booths.

The program will begin at 3 pm. Take time from your spring-cleaning activities and join us as Taste of Home Cooking School and McCook Daily Gazette and Knowlen&Yates presents, "American Traditions."