Back of the House Cooking School Rocks

I have discovered a great new (new to me) cooking school nearby in Reno, NV. Back of the House Cooking School with Barbara Mills chef/owner. Notice the glass of wine in the corner of the table by Barbara - you have to love an instructor who will drink a glass of wine with you while sharing all of her culinary secrets. My BFF and cooking co-conspirator went to class last night and were really impressed. It was a demonstration class called Trader Joe's Winter Wonders - a combination of Trader Joe's prepared food and Barbara's creativity. A few of my favorite things...Trader Joe's and cooking class.

The result was Carne Asada Sales with Lime Ranch Dressing. It featured TJ's Marinated Carne Asada - grilled quickly on an indoor grill pan + Corn and Chili Salsa and Frozen Brown Rice all layered with your favorite (or on hand) ingredients....lettuce or spinach, black beans, avocado, tomatoes....you get the idea. All topped with a quick blend of Mayo, Sour Cream, Buttermilk and spices to equal a homemade version of Ranch Dressing. Include lime and serrano chili and you have a nice spicy version to compliment the beef salad.

Another favorite from the evening was Beef Brisket Pizza with Smoked Gouda, Red Onion and Blue Cheese crumbles. The idea was to use the prepared TJ's BBQ brisket and TJ's pizza crust and build from there. Amazing flavor when baked altogether in a hot oven.

We also enjoyed Broccoli Slaw with Cranberries + Omega Fruit Mix, Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and Raspberry and Lemon Curd Parfait with Triple Ginger Cookies. All based on ingredients found at Trader Joe's and designed to be the foundation of a great, fast, delicious dinner.

Fun, light, entertaining and educational + great tasting food. Oh yeah I am a new fan of this cooking school and will be back.