Raffetto's Palate: Cooking Classes

Offered on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month. A new menu will be featured for each class. Participants will learn how the ingredients work together to make delightfully delicious dishes. Cooking will happen in small teams and afterward, it's time to taste! Bring your favorite wine or brew to sip during the tasting and enjoy your growing confidence in cooking. Don't forget containers to take home leftovers. Ages 21+.

Please email Priscilla Rouquayrol, p.rouquayrol@thecomo.org, with any allergies or dietary restrictions/concerns by the Monday prior to class and we will do our best to accommodate.

Upcoming Menus:

January 12: What can you get from flour, eggs and milk? A delicious Italian meal that will make winter bright!

• Manicotti from freshly made pasta
• Stuffed with class-made ricotta like you have never tasted before topped with heart-warming tomato sauce
• Let’s end with a cannoli cream dessert

January 26: Let’s explore Africa through some favorite dishes!

• Chicken African Stew - Delicious and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Stews have always been a part of the cuisine in Africa specifically in West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.
• Jollof rice is a popular dish in West Africa. The name "jollof" originates from a Senegambian kingdom called the Jolof Empire. Many countries of the sub-continent have their own methods of preparation, but the ongoing feud between Nigeria and Ghana regarding whose jollof rice is better may never be resolved. We are exploring the Nigerian version for this class.
• Malva Pudding, a traditional South African Baked Dessert Cake

February 9 – Special Wine-Pairing Class: What do you get when Cove Ledge Liquors joins Raffetto’s Palate at the COMO? An amazing wine-tasting, food-pairing pre-Valentine celebration that will shine the light on our love of food and wine!

The tasting will include pairings with cheeses, poultry, and of course chocolate!

• Cheeses (hard and soft)
• Coq au Vin
• French Chocolate Cake (nearly flourless)

Please Note: This Class is $80. Tickets can be purchased at THIS EVENTBRITE LINK.

February 23: Throw-backs worthy of pulling forward!

• Manhattan Clam Chowder (tomato-based and oh-so-yummy)
• Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Foolproof Biscuits
• Woolworth’s Cheesecake - A vintage dish from the Woolworth store cafe…creamy, lemony and delicious

March 8: St. Patrick’s Day with a Twist

• Irish Soda Bread – Bake your own to take home (or eat in class if you prefer)
• Baked Rueben Casserole (along with our own Thousand Island Dressing)
• Guinness Cupcakes – one of the reasons that the Irish are so lucky!

March 22: Cooking for One: Tips Tricks and Sample Meals

• Chicken Breasts: Let me count the ways chicken can satisfy your palate! Paillard, Lemon & Mushroom, and of course Parmigiana
• Pasta: Who needs tomato sauce?!
• Vegetable: Focus on Broccoli

April 12: Pork, Potatoes, and Cake—need I say more?

• Pork Tenderloin – with two no-cook sauces
• Turkish Cheesy Mashed Potatoes (Patates Pacasi)
• Lemon Cake and the secret to it always being amazingly moist

April 26: Italy with a touch of Spain will delight your palate!

• Pasta Rotolo with Spinach and Ricotta (like a vegetarian lasagna pinwheels)
• Neapolitan Provolone Buns ( you can add salami if you are hungry for meat!)
• Basque Cheese Cake (no crust)

May 10: Bring on Summer!

• Giardiniera Dip – this will be your go-to party dish for the summer
• Martha Stewart's Buttermilk Fried Chicken
• Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake for a crowd
  

About the Instructor:

Susan Raffetto comes from a long line of food entrepreneurs. Since 1906 her family has owned and operated Raffetto’s Pasta in New York City. Susan has been cooking for family and friends for many years. She's hosted birthday, engagement, and reunion parties from her home. Susan will be on the program schedule for Stonington Community Center offering cooking classes on Thursdays. While Susan’s background is Italian, she has broadened her cooking to entice any palate.

*Class fees are non-refundable unless the COMO cancels a program. Make-up dates will be provided at the instructors' discretion if a session is canceled.*