Private Groups
Pricing
Two-hour private classes are $330 (includes up to 6 people, $55 each additional person). A 50% deposit is required at time of booking. Non-refundable balance is due one week prior to event date.
To plan your private group or for more information, contact Tracy at register@thesecretingredientonline.com or call 203-258-4610.
Menu Ideas For Private Classes / Parties
All-New Stews & Chili
Nothing says winter like a big pot of stew or chili simmering on the stove. In this class we'll bypass the old standards and cook up something new---but just as satisfying. Brazilian Vegetable Stew, White Chili, and "Hiker's" Stew are on the menu and sure to become family favorites. We'll warm up by tasting all the dishes at the end of class.
Beach Picnic
Nothing beats dinner at the beach! This perfectly packable meal can be made ahead of time and adds some pizzazz to your picnic! The al fresco menu includes Asian Shredded Chicken Salad, Watermelon Salad with Mint, and Espresso Brownie Tartlets for dessert. We'll wash everything down with a refreshing Sweet Tea & Citrus Punch (with a kick)!
Brunch Basics
Brunch is a great way to entertain. Whether it be on a Sunday with family and friends, or as a special meal for a loved one, this class will help you make memorable meals every time . In this class we will learn to make a do-ahead Ham & Cheese Strata, an Artichoke-Parmesan Fritatta, Oatmeal Raisin Scones, and Stuffed French Toast.
Do-Ahead Dinners
If you don't have time to prepare a home-cooked meal every night, stock your freezer with "do-ahead dinners"! We'll prepare three tasty dishes that can be eaten the same day or frozen for another night. Or, split the recipe and eat half, freeze half, for a great "two-in-one" meal! Shepard's Pie with Mascarpone-Herbed Polenta, Roasted Eggplant Lasagna, and Mexican Turkey Chili are on the menu. In addition to tasting each dish, you'll each take a meal home for your freezer to enjoy another night!
Do-Ahead Dinner Party
Don't let dinner parties stress you out! Entertaining is easy with this do-ahead menu! We'll start with Three Onion Soup Au Gratin, perfect for the winter season. The main course is "upside-down grilled" Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak with Mango Salsa, and on the side we'll serve an Orzo Pilaf with Cilantro.
Easy No-Bake Desserts
If you love dessert, but baking isn’t your thing, this is the class for you! In this class we'll prepare four "no-bake" desserts including Chocolate-Espresso Pots de Crème, Cantaloupe Granita with Mint, Grilled Brown Sugar Peaches with Amaretti and Tiramisu. The perfect ending to any meal, these sweets are delicious and easy enough to make for your family or a crowd.
Healthy-Healing Dishes
Inspired by a recent trip to the Canyon Ranch Spa, this new class will focus on using ingredients with healing properties. Herbs and spices have long been used in ancient cultures for their health benefits, now we'll incorporate them into four, healthy and delicious dishes. We'll make Cannellini Dip with Sage, Crispy Baked Cinnamon Chicken, Gingered Green Beans with Garlic, and a dairy-free Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup.
Holiday Cookies
December is the time for treats! Add a few more selections to your holiday dessert table, including rich Mint Chocolate Crackles, buttery Almond Crescents, festive Holiday Wreaths, and Struffoli (Italian honey balls)! You'll taste everything at the end of class, and make a cookie sampler to bring home to your family.
Holiday Side Dishes
Whether you're hosting one of the many holidays this season, or just want to add some new sides to liven up your weeknight meals, this class is for you! We'll prepare Vanilla Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Creamy Mustard Glazed Haricot Vertes and Carrots, Zucchini & Red Peppers with Parmesan, and Barley "Risotto" with Mushrooms.
Italian Antipasti Party
Parties are more fun when they have a theme! In this class we'll prepare four scrumptious, Italian-inspired hors d'oeurves perfect for your next gathering. Pesto-Parmesan Straws, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip, Gorgonzola Stuffed Mushrooms and Crostini with Fig Relish are on the party menu.
Italian Classics, Simplified
If you love classic Italian food found in restaurants, now you can make it at home! On the menu is simple but creamy Fettuccini Alfredo, easy and quick Eggplant Parmesan, and a delicious Chicken Saltimboca.
Italian Homemade Sunday Dinner
Sundays are the perfect time for a big, Italian-style family dinner. In this class we'll make everything from scratch---from the tomato sauce, to the meatballs, a classic basil pesto, and even the fresh ricotta cheese! It is a feast any family would love!
Main Course Salads
Looking to lighten up for spring and summer? Try these simple but satisfying salads! Italian Panzanella Salad, Cumin Orechette Salad with Chickpeas, and Asian Shredded Chicken Salad are all delicious without weighing you down!
Perfect Pasta
Everyone loves pasta! It's simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for a dinner party. In this class we’ll forget about carbs and perfect three versatile pasta dishes. Penne alla Vodka, Linguini Carbonara with Artichokes, and Rigatoni Bolognese are on the menu and sure to become favorites at your dinner table.
Pizza At Home
Pizza isn't just for take-out! In this class we'll make pizzas with a variety of crusts and toppings, including Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Pizza, a traditional Pissaladiere (French Provencal pizza), and Grilled Pizza with Mozzarella Fresca.
Risotto!
Risotto, a favorite at Italian restaurants, is delicious, versatile, and, difficult to make?? No! We'll learn the correct techniques for making perfect, creamy risotto every time. In this class we'll prepare a classic Risotto Milanese, Wild Mushroom Risotto, and a Spring Risotto with Asparagus.
Sensational Summer Sides
Not sure what serve on the side at your next barbeque? Tired of bringing the same green salad to your summer picnics? Add something new to your buffet table! Black Bean Salad with Cilantro(pictured above), Edamame and Vegetable Salad, Tomato and Cucumber Greek Salad, and Roasted Red Pepper Salad with Feta are all sure to impress your friends!
Souper Simple Soups
Fall and winter are the perfect season for a hot bowl of soup. Even better, homemade soup doesn't have to take hours to prepare! In this class, we'll stir up four easy soups, including Chicken-Veggie Noodle, Tortellini in Brodo with Spinach, Hearty Pasta Fagioli, and Chinese Egg-Drop.
Spanish Tapas Party
Spanish tapas are perfect for entertaining. Sip sangria and learn to create simple yet elegant hors d'oeurves to serve at your next party. On the party menu is a classic Roasted Red Pepper Tortilla, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Toasts, Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms and Lemony White Bean Dip.
Stir-fry Cooking
The wok is a staple in Asian cooking---but even if you don't have one, you can make delicious stir-fry dishes! Stir-fries are healthy, quick, and satisfying for your whole family. We'll learn the basics of stir-fry while making Hoisin Chicken with Cashews, Shrimp Lo Mein, and Sesame Vegetable Stir-fry.
Thai Cooking
You don't have to go out to enjoy great Thai food! In this class we'll make a classic but simple Shrimp Pad Thai, Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dippng Sauce,a Thai-Style Asparagus side dish and enjoy a crisp Thai Cucumber Salad.
Winter Stews
Cold weather screams out for stew! The best thing about these delicious stews are that they don’t take all day to prepare. Sicilian Seafood Stew, Vegetable Stew with Feta, and Hunter’s Chicken Stew are on the menu.