With more than 40 vinegars and oils on tap at her Moscow store and the many questions that come as a result, Ampersand & Oil owner Keely Garrity thought the best way to answer them was with classes.
She was right. The demonstration-style cooking classes that began a year ago now sell out within 16 hours of posting. Between two and four classes are typically offered each week and include a serving of what is being prepared.
“We focus on healthy, tasty, delicious meals that are easy,” Garrity said.
A variety of restaurant and home chefs teach the classes and use products sold in the store. They offer a wide range of themed full-course meals that include French crepes in sweet potato blintzes, gluten-free lasagna and caprese bruschetta or smoked maple pulled chicken.
The classes not only draw those who are interested in learning culinary skills, Garrity said, but those looking for a group experience or dining alternative.
The classes are held in the back of the store and are limited to eight to 10 people per class. Class registration is online at www.ampersandandoil.com; all classes are $35 and are typically posted on the second Saturday of each month.
Kids in the Kitchen
A little extra flour in the batter or on the floor may be part of the experience at Kids in the Kitchen, next offered Jan. 27 in Pullman.
Kids in the Kitchen is an afternoon cooking class for ages 5-9 offered occasionally on Pullman School District half days through Pullman Parks and Recreation. The idea began a few years ago as a fun and productive way for kids to spend the afternoon, said instructor Jean Druffel.
“It’s been full and popular ever since,” Druffel said.
Held at Pioneer Center, the class not only teaches food preparation techniques and kitchen safety, but kids discuss what they liked and didn’t like so they can come up with substitutions or changes. Students prepare everything and get to take home samples of what they made.
“The kitchen is just trashed by the time they’re done,” said Druffel, who added that clean up is another skill covered in the class.
Up next is a collection of “Chill Chasers,” including chili (both turkey and vegetarian), cornbread, cinnamon chips and cocoa. Classes fill up quickly since they are limited in size so Druffel encourages interested students to sign up as far in advance as possible; cost is $30/residents and $32/non-residents. Class registration is available at www.pullman-wa.gov/departments/parks-a-recreation. After Jan. 27, the next class is offered April 27.
