Neighborhood Notes

Chef and cookbook author Julie Sahni unlocks the mystery of Indian food and spices in an upcoming cooking class at In Good Taste

November 5, 2008. Portland, ORE., Whether whole or ground, spices such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin are the soul of Indian cooking. Learning how to use the essential spices and herbs for maximum results in every dish requires years of study from the student and a patient instructor. Julie Sahni, chef and cookbook author, demonstrates that she is knowledgeable and attentive in both her cookbooks as well as in her cooking classes.  Her book is classified as a "must have" in the James Beard Library.  In a December 10th class at In Good Taste Cooking School, Julie will share her expertise and the secrets behind Indian cooking.  The class will provide an introduction to Indian cuisine, as well as techniques and valuable tips for infusing oil, making spice rubs, and learning the proper method to create curries.

In addition to a festive atmosphere, the evening will include a full meal, wine pairings, recipes, and hands- on participation and instruction. Guests will be treated to a fun, informal Indian dinner party with a generous menu. The menu features classic dishes such as Samosas with Spicy Potato Filling served with Mint Coriander Dip, Shrimp Laced with Aromatic Spices, Tandoori Chicken, Royal Braised Lamb with Fragrant Spices, Saffron Pilaf with Peaches and traditional Naan Bread.

The class will be held on Wednesday, December 10^th at 6:00 PM. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat, call (503) 248-2015, or visit http://www.ingoodtastestore.com/.

About Julie Sahni

Award winning cooking teacher, cookbook author and former executive chef of two Indian restaurants in New York City, Julie Sahni is the proprietor of Julie Sahni's Indian Cooking School, established 1973 in NYC, which garnered the International Association of Cooking Professionals (IACP) 1998 Award of Excellence nomination, setting it apart as one of the top cooking schools in the country. Ms. Sahni is the author of the seminal Classic Indian Cooking, winner of the André Simon commendation and now in its 42nd printing, and Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking, winner of the prestigious Glenfiddich Best Cookbook Award. Her most recent cookbook, Savoring India: Recipes and Reflections on Indian Cooking, won the IACP Best International Cookbook Award for 2002. She has served on the faculty of New York University and Boston University's culinary arts program, and contributed articles to national newspapers and food/travel magazines.

About In Good Taste

In Good Taste offers approachable hands-on cooking classes, presentation style classes, and private events, in addition to a wide selection of cookbooks and cookware. The classes feature local, organic and sustainable ingredients. In an effort to "think green" and to be more conscious of the need for environmental stewardship, In Good Taste publishes the majority of their advertising materials online. In Good Taste has two locations. In Lake Oswego, the school can be found at 6302 SW Meadows Road. The Pearl District school is at 231 NW 11^th Avenue.