Give the gift of cooking.....

Yes, the holidays are here and the stressful answer to the question: "What am I going to buy for gifts this year??" can be right here! Give the gift of cooking!!! Why not think outside of the box this year and give something that you don't put in a box....creativity!

Simmer and Sear offers private cooking lessons. The chef will come to you in your kitchen and cook up anything your heart desires....If you know someone that loves to be in the kitchen but needs some help creating those yummy dishes or someone that doesn't know how to cook at all and would like to learn......Give them the gift of cooking!

I know part of the fun of giving Christmas gifts is giving that special someone a gift in their hands....not to worry, this can been given in a gift certificate form personalized anyway you like. For example: If you would like to give someone a cooking lesson for making recipes from Asia/Thailand/China...I would give you the gift certificate in the form of chopsticks and a Chinese take out box wrapped in a ribbon. You can give Italian classes in the form of a gift certificate in an Italian colored apron with pasta wrapped with it....etc...You get the idea! :)

Please inquire within to find out prices and what the lesson includes.
Contact: chefanna@simmerandsear.com via email or by phone at (415) 335-8831

Happy Holidays and Happy Cooking!

Recipe of the Month

Chef Anna Hadley's Mushroom & Green Olive Veggie Burgers

Mushroom & Green Olive Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small red onion, shredded and squeezed dry (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup chopped green olives
• 1 small carrot, finely diced
• 1 lg red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 shallots, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 cups assorted mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire or soy sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cups assorted mushrooms, diced
• 1 cup plain or whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 4 English muffin, split and toasted
• Mayonnaise and/or mustard, for garnish
• Baby arugula, for garnish

Directions

Smash the beans in a bowl with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky.

Smash the beans in a bowl with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky.

Add the carrots, chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, red bell peppers, green olives, parsley and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and egg.

Season with salt and pepper and mix with your hands until combined.Spread the remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs on a plate.

Form the bean and mushroom mixture into 4 patties; lightly coat with the breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess.

Heat the tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced mushrooms, shallots and the remaining 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are slightly wilted, 3 to 4 minutes.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Or cook on an indoor grill. *Do not attempt to cook on outdoor grill.

Add the patties and cook until golden and slightly crisp, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Top with your favorite cheese 2 minutes prior to being done, cover with some sort of lid to help melt the cheese.

Transfer the burgers to a plate.

Serve the burgers on the English muffins with mayonnaise and/or mustard, baby arugula and mushrooms shallots mixture.
Enjoy!

Lunch Catered to Your Doorstep!

Simmer and Sear also offers catered lunches to your doorstep. There will be a new weekly menu uploaded for your company to choose from. We will be offering three new lunch specials every week. You can find the weekly menu by going to the catering services link on my website: www.simmerandsear.com
Hope to see you at lunch!
~Chef Anna

Summer BBQ'ing Class

Come get your grill on!
August 19th @ 6:00pm

Simmer and Sear has found an exclusive hot spot in the Mission to get our grilling on! We are going to venture into this great loft space and bbq on the back deck. You won't believe how many things you can throw on the bbq.

There will be a special movie playing on the big screen on the building next to the deck just like the old drive-in movies....and I will be serving fresh homemade popcorn!!

So get your Bobby Flay attitude on and let's get grilling! Make sure to bring your favorite bottle of wine. Cost ~ $65 per person

Please email: chefanna@simmerandsear.com to find out more info and to register today!

Sushi Making Cooking Class

Sushi Making Cooking Class ~ Let's get our roll on!
Every Friday and occasionally Thursday @ 6:00pm-8pm
Venue: Information on location and other details will be emailed to you after you purchase and register and sign up for the class using my online scheduling website:

click here to register and book your spot *EACH VOUCHER HOLDER MUST REGISTER THEMSELVES-YOU CANNOT SIGN UP FOR MORE THAN ONE SPOT IN A CLASS*

Interested in learning how to make sushi? Or just want to see how it's made, socialize, drink wine & sake and eat sushi? Well, look no further.....

Sushi is low in fat and is a very nutritious food. A typical setting of 7 to 9 pieces contains about 300-450 calories. The fish in sushi provides protein and can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetables are a great source of vitamins. Seaweed is rich in iodine. And rice provides complex carbohydrates.

Sushi is perhaps the most famous Japanese food in the world. In Japanese cuisine, sushi indicates dishes that use sushi rice, which is seasoned with a sweet vinegar mixture. Since Japan is surrounded by ocean, seafood has always been widely consumed as well as rice. So, the combination of raw fish and rice, sushi, naturally became a popular food in Japan.

Please email chefanna@simmerandsear.com with any questions if you have trouble registering on Schedulicity to book your spot in a sushi making class: click here to register

Soups on!

The Art Of Making Soup ~ Soup Series Class
Tuesday June 2nd @ 6:00pm
Venue: TBD

Soup can be anything you want it to be - quick, hearty, light - and once you master the basics, you can experiment endlessly with your favorite vegetables, beans, and meats to make tasty meals in no time. Cooking homemade soup can be easy and makes wonderfully satisfying meals!

In this "soup series" class you will be learning the six secrets to making simple & savory soups. Learn about soup thickeners, how to make a soup stock, what the five staple ingredients are to starting any great soup and much more.....

*The next class in this series will be stews.

Please email chefanna@simmerandsear.com for more information and to register today!

A Big Thanks.....

Just wanted to thank all of you that made my April busy, fun and a true success! I had some amazing groups last month and Simmer and Sear wouldn't be what it is without you!

A Big Thanks goes out to:

Thanks so much to the Berman Family! What a wonderful intimate experience cooking with Mom, son and daughter! Thank you for the amazing review Amy on Google! It was so nice to get to know each of you and cook together.

Thank you Tatiana for organizing your group of ladies for the bachelorette party. Loved the theme you choose of Asian/Fusion. The food came out awesome and I had so much fun with you girls! Congrats to the bride and good luck with the upcoming wedding!

And last but not least, thank you to David for making an expedited bachelor party run smoothly! Even though we did it in a day it turned out awesome! Congrats Michael, I hope the wedding went off without a hitch!

The calendar is overflowing for May and I can't wait to see how it all turns out!! I will keep you posted! If you are looking to join a cooking class this month the new ones coming up are listed right here on the blog.

Ciao~Chef Anna

Here are the group pics for the above mentioned events:

Recipe of the Month...

Braciole Di Manzo (Beef Rolls in Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients

1 pound boneless beef top round, trimmed of fat and cut into 4 thin slices
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 thin slices prosciutto
1 thick slice provolone cheese (about 2 ounces), cut into 4 equal pieces
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons currants or raisins
1 clove garlic, peeled, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled, chopped
1 cup dry red wine
4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 or 4 fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

Preparation

Place the meat slices between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they are 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lay a slice of prosciutto and a piece of cheese on each one. Sprinkle with a few pine nuts, currants and garlic. Roll up the slices, tucking in the ends. Tie the rolls at 1-inch intervals with kitchen string.

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef rolls and cook, turning as needed, until browned on all sides, about 15 minutes. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes longer. Add the wine and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, turning the rolls occasionally, until the beef is tender when pierced with a knife, about 2 hours. Check from time to time to see if the sauce is becoming too dry; add a little water if needed.

Uncover, scatter the parsley and basil evenly over the rolls, and cook for 2 minutes longer. Transfer to warmed, individual plates, spooning the sauce over the top, and serve at once.

Enjoy!

Chi Mangia Bene, Mangia Italiano
(Those Who Eat Well, Eat Italian)

Singles Cooking Event & Chocolate Tasting~
May 12th @ 6:00p.m.
*Special Live Dj


Tired of meeting potential dates in a bar or nightclub? This cooking class is for all you singles that want to make a connection with someone in a fun and creative environment. Come learn something new with others and possibly get a date out of it as well! I will be bringing in a chocolate connoisseur that will be treating us to a blind chocolate tasting with chocolates imported from all over the world. Please bring a bottle of wine to share and your charm. Come mingle, cook, listen to great music, enjoy a good meal and have fun! Cost - $95 per person - you provide your own wine.(I would be happy to give you some wine pairing suggestions, just ask me when you register)


Menu for this event:

Spicy Grilled Tilapia with Creamy Grits and Mushroom Scallion Sauce

Penne Rigate macaroni & Cheese with Caramelized Vidalia Onions Topped with Tangy Green Apples

Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Hearts of Palm Tossed with a Vinegar Dressing and Topped with Walnuts

Please email chefanna@simmerandsear.com to register.

Catering Services now offered...

Simmer and Sear is now catering lunches to your doorstep. I will be uploading a new weekly menu for your company to choose from. I will be offering three new lunch specials every week. You can find the weekly menu by going to the catering services link on my website: www.simmerandsear.com
Hope to see you at lunch!
~Chef Anna

Class List for March 2009

Hello Fellow Chef's~

Just wanted to let you know that I posted the open registration classes for March. Please click on the link to the right titled "March 2009 Event Calendar". Just a reminder that some classes may not be held due to low student registration. If you are interested in a certain class please help fill it up by passing the word on to your friends to get them to come to class with you. Email chefanna@simmerandsear.com to obtain class prices and venue locations and also to register.

Happy Cooking!
Chef Anna

What an amazing last couple of weeks.....

Wow, it's only the 8th of February and five amazing cooking classes later.....I don't know if I am more tired from all the fun or from how busy everyone is keeping me. Either way I am having so much fun! Not to mention eating great food!

Just wanted to give a BIG thank you to all the people that have given me a running start this year.

"A Taste of Spain" was such a great journey! Thank you everyone for all your hard work and really making the night what it was. I was so full and satisfied with all the awesome tapas that were made. Yummy!

All you singles that made it to the Singles Cooking class, what a great venue and such a cool group of people. The food, wine, ambiance and company not to mention the great dj'ing all made for an intimate spectacular night!

"A Taste of Italy" couldn't of turned out any better. Such a wonderful group of people. I loved how everyone connected like they were all old friends. Such great conversation and I cannot even begin to describe how good the food was. Risotto is my specialty dish and that night the saffron risotto that was made by the class was hands down the best risotto I have ever had! I hope that you had as much fun as I did.

Thank you Salesforce for giving everything you had to your Iron Chef competition! Chef Jocelyn and I were highly impressed with what showed up on the kitchen table. The food not only tasted awesome your presentation of it was simply artwork! Job "well done"! :)

And last but not least....Happy Birthday Bea! I cannot thank you enough for bringing all your wonderful friends and family into my kitchen and allowing me to be a part of your special night! The night was beautiful and the food was so good and everyone did such a great job. I am thankful that I was able to make your night special. Cheers to you!

Check out the food that came from Salesforce's Iron Chef Competition. Bon Appetite material for sure!

Next Open Registration Class: "A Taste of Italy"

Come experience a taste of Italy! Feel like you are in Italy without leaving your own city. I will be hosting a cooking lesson party with an Italian theme Tuesday March 10th @ 6:00p.m. We will be making four incredible dishes from the regions of Tuscany.

This class will be held in a beautiful private home in the San Francisco. Space is limited so please sign up soon if you are interested in coming. The cost will be $95 per person and you provide your own wine.

Menu for "A Taste of Italy"
Beef Braciole ~ These tasty, tender beef rolls are cooked in a robust tomato and wine sauce! Risotto Milanese ~ This delicately saffron seasoned dish is what Italy is all about. Tomato Florentine Soup, topped w/ homemade parmesan cheese croutons
Eggplant Croquettes ~ Can't eat Italian without eggplant!

Please email chefanna@simmerandsear.com to register today!

Hope to hear from you soon!
Chi Mangia Bene, Mangia Italiano (Those Who Eat Well, Eat Italian)
Chef Anna

"Singles Cooking Event"

Singles Cooking Event ~
January 27th @ 6:00p.m.


Tired of meeting potential dates in a bar or nightclub? This cooking class is for all you singles that want to make a connection with someone in a fun and creative environment. Come learn something new with others and possibly get a date out of it as well! Bring a bottle of wine to share and your charm. Come mingle, cook, enjoy a great meal and have fun! Cost - $95 per person - you provide your own wine.(I would be happy to give you some wine pairing suggestions, just ask me when you register)


Menu for this event:
Penne Rigate macaroni & Chesse baked with Truffle Essence
Roasted Beets over Arugula with Candied Walnuts and Feta Cheese
Slow Roasted Salmon Fillet with red-wine lacquered sauce

*Special romantic dessert - It will surprise you for sure!

A Taste of Spain

"A Taste of Spain"

Spanish cooking has popular roots. It is the people's cuisine. Most of it is down-to-earth, uncomplicated food, based on the ingredients available locally or the crops grown regionally. Mountains run through Spain in several directions, acting as natural barriers to communication and making transportation difficult until the last half of the 20th century. This is one of the reasons why cooking differs so much from region to region.

Many dishes are prepared today using the same cooking methods and ingredients as they were two or three hundred years ago. Other dishes sprung up from European and American influences and were adapted to the Spanish taste. One thing is for sure, food in Spain is fresh, abundant and full of taste and the Spanish love their food dearly.

This class will alternate on Wednesday's with other cuisines at 11am and 6pm

Menu will be posted every Tuesday

Dishes to include such things as:

Chicken, Seafood, Chorizo Ham Hock Stock Paella

Butter Beans and Chorizo

Stewed Mussels with Feta and Parsley

Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Please register for classes via my online calendar if you have a pre-paid voucher:

Take a look at a previous "Taste of Spain" cooking experience

Wow! What a fun night we had at "A Taste of Spain" last week. Everyone did such an excellent job preparing the 6 amazing tapas we created. I just want to thank the class for all your hard work and it was great meeting each and everyone of you! Hope to see you in a future class. Check out all the beautiful and yummy creations below!

Thanks everyone!
Chef Anna

Check out what's coming up....

January 20th @ 6:00p.m. ~ Newlywed Cooking Class

This special cooking class for newlyweds will be one to remember. You can share your honeymoon stories with others while you learn how to cook a romantic three-course meal. Start your marriage off with cooking in the kitchen together and also make some new friends that have similar life experiences.

To celebrate I will be treating you to a complimentary champagne toast and a special romantic dessert that will surprise you for sure!

Please email chefanna@simmerandsear.com to find out more.

If you know someone that just got married or is getting married and you want to give a great gift, this would be it!! Gift Certificates are available for this class, please inquire.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Upcoming Class: "A Taste of Spain" ~ Tapas - January 13th, 2009 @ 6:00p.m.

Well folks, the new year is upon us and it is time to stop eating all that holiday food that everyone else had prepared and start cooking some new, exciting and exotic dishes......

In Spain, an appetizer, called an entremése, is a complement to a meal while a tapa is something altogether different. Although an entremés can be the same little food that a tapa is, it is served differently. It is literally the appetizer coming before the first course. Tapas, on the other hand, are not appetizers. They are tiny plates of food served in bars all over Spain to accompany drinks.

Come join me and others and travel to the regions of Spain. We will be learning about where and how the word "Tapa" came from and also creating 5 or 6 tapas of our own to enjoy!

Email me at chefanna@simmerandsear.com to register today. Cost: $95 per person. Please provide your own wine. I would be happy to give you some wine pairing suggestions, just ask me when you register!
Looking forward to meeting you!