Recipe from Black Rock Farmers Market Demo 6/7/14

This summer say goodbye to bottled dressings. Homemade ones are equally delicious (if not better and definitely healthier), easy to make, uses ordinary pantry items and can be customized any which way you like!   

A vinaigrette needs 3 basic components:  an emulsifier (mustard or mayo), an acid (vinegar, citrus) and oil (extra virgin, canola, or a blend).  An easy “recipe”to remember is 1 part acid to 3 parts oil.   After this point the possibilities are endless, try adding shallots, garlic, zest or even berries!

Here is the recipe for the Maple Syrup-Balsamic Vinaigrette used to dress our Swiss Chard, Spring Lettuce, Apple & Raisin salad sampled at last week's Black Rock Farmer’s Market demo!

Maple Syrup-Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 tsp. Dijon

1 tbs. of balsamic vinegar

3 tbs. of extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp. of maple syrup

salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and mix well.  Don’t forget to always taste the greens on the salad your using!

Look forward to seeing you at the next Black Rock Farmers Market demo on July 5!  

Chef Raquel 

A Taste of Fairfield & Bridgeport, CT

Now that I am a resident of Black Rock, CT--and mentally in a place where I can feel comfortable eating in establishments with Aidan--my husband and I have started branching out to neighborhood gems that are serving up great food.  True, it's a far cry from the days I could actually use two hands to eat (or use one hand as the other held a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail!) the days when my husband and I could actually engage in a full conversation without forgetting our train of thought or stopping every few bites to pop something into Aidan's mouth to prevent a flair up!  Yes, the Before Parenting (BP) days, Ah! Nonetheless, Aidan who is now 15 months--and a hop, skip and jump away from the dreaded "terrible two's" (yikes!)--is able to sit in a high chair and come join us (once all the silverware has dropped at least once, and the folded napkin is being used to secure his seat jik) making the experience a challenge, but definitely memorable!  So, the 3 Musketeers are the new "date night" and you know what I am totally ok with that!

Here are a few places we have made the efforts (making sure we have pampers, his own spoon & bowl, a toy, a bib and the other countless--but minimal things needed--which despite the fact you checked your list three hundred times you can bet your life that one of these items is bound to remain in the car or safely at home!) to visit and eat at.

Indian:

Bangalore Restaurant & Bar offers a nice variety during their lunch buffet—yes has real table cloths, but Aidan did very well to not make it a hot mess!  Aidan enjoyed the flavors and vegetarian options and the staff is very nice!

 
Vietnamese:

Pho Saigon is everything you want: authentic food (great pho!), cheap bill, a neighborhood "hole in the wall" hence gem where a baby can wail and it will be fine...ok perhaps that's pushing it, but you get the drift! 

Ramen:

Mecha Noodle Bar was a delicious, but big mistake!  While it claims to be "good for children" they are clearly referring to children who do not require a high chair as everyone sits on a bench communal-style. Trendy spot indeed with a yummy cocktail, but won’t be frequenting here.

     

Seafood:

Bridgeport Lobster & Shellfish Co is a local fish market that offers a few stools to eat up some of their fresh, classics like fish & chips.  Their lobster roll was especially buttery and delish, no mayo....hmmmm   

Brunch

Barnum Publick House was quite impressive for us as we try our best to avoid crowds.  Actually, when I noticed how packed the restaurant was I was seconds away from doing a bow face, glad we didn't.  Servers were accommodating and fellow customers were so busy chatting and enjoying the bottomless mimosas that Aidan felt right at home with his chitter chatter.

As I write this, I am proud of myself, my husband and Aidan.  We are breaking free and really making the most of being new parents who still want to live like "normal folks!"  True, we had to accept that one-on-one date nights won't be possible for a while--neither will establishments like Le Bernardin and Daniel-- but as long as we learn how best to include Aidan we can actually make these eating out experiences just as fun and special!  

A Pinch of Salt in February

Although February is the shortest month we certainly found a way of making it all fit!  The month was composed of an at-home teen cooking class upstate, a group cooking class, a neighborhood sampling event for 150 ppl in which A Pinch of Salt was a vendor and private and special sit-down dinner.  It is through these events that I am reminded of why I am a chef, the reward is endless!

A New Year, Time to Build Some Memorable Cooking Moments w/ A Pinch of Salt

Host your own private cooking party with A Pinch of Salt!

A Pinch of Salt has kicked off the new year already celebrating bachelorette, engagement, family gatherings and birthday parties!  Thank you to all the clients for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

Fall/Winter and A Pinch of Salt

Dear A Pinch of Salt Fans,

I have been adjusting to motherhood, but rest assured that I have been exercising my cooking skills.  I have taken Aidan into the kitchen and with his passion for all things new I have tested some new recipes, baked a few cakes and prepared my little guy some homemade baby food highlighting items from the farmer's market! 

I have returned to work part-time for Wellness in the Schools were I provide training to cafeteria staff and have the privilege to teach preK-8th graders the importance of making healthy eating choices!  I have also done a few cooking classes/demos at the Riverside Farmer's Market and completed two cooking series with Cooking Matters in Bridgeport, CT! 

While I have not yet returned to providing at-home classes or group cooking classes just yet, A Pinch of Salt is back on track with private cooking parties in time for holiday team building events and private celebrations.  Contact me should you wish to host your own cooking party of 8 or more. I will also be issuing gift certificates in time for the gift giving season!  And as a reminder A Pinch of Salt is now providing services in parts of Connecticut!

As always I wish you and yours a wonderful Fall/Winter Season and I look forward to touch base with you.   Any questions reach me at Raquel@apinchofsalt.com.

Happy Cooking!
Raquel  

Dear Customers,

Baby Aidan is now 5 months and I am getting back into the swing of things just in time for Spring!

At this time I won't be offering group cooking classes, but I will host Private Cooking Parties if you have at least 10 guest attending.  Simply email me at Raquel@apinchofsalt.com to set one up!  Naturally, Cooking Parties are a great way of spending time together and making any event memorable!  Also, A Pinch of Salt is using a new kitchen! (inquire within)

Gift Certificates for Private At-Home Classes are still available!

I will post again once regular group cooking classes are back in action so keep posted!

Hope to cook with you soon,
Chef Raquel

Update & Classes to Come!

Dear A Pinch of Salt Customers, 

I am very proud to announce that my husband and I welcomed our first child in December right before the holiday season! Baby Aidan is healthy and beautiful. While we are obviously running on none to little sleep, he has already proven to be a blessing.

What does this mean in terms of A Pinch of Salt cooking classes? Well I will be back to running group cooking classes and at-home classes as of this spring (hoping early April).  In the meanwhile please feel free to drop a note, purchase gift certificates, suggest themes or menus for upcoming classes or just write to say hello! 

Please know new menu ideas reflecting seasonal spring cooking & ingredients will be posted soon so check back soon!  

I hope that this announcement finds you well and that you are cooking up a storm! 

Happy Cooking, 
Raquel