Passion for Spices Cooking School™ Wishes You a Happy New Year 2021

January 6, 2021 ajay thakkar

2020 started with a bang for Passion for Spices™ team with corporate teambuilding, cooking classes, and private events filling our schedules. In early March, as the pandemic hit, projects started to collapse and the wave of uncertainty was felt at Passion for Spices™ just like all other businesses.

We are very proud of our Passion for Spices™ team, who continued to work during this pandemic, and sustained our business. For 2023, we have a plan to expand our business into a nationwide and international cooking school. This is a silver lining in these pandemic times!

We were able to accomplish a lot in spite of the pandemic, but it was disappointing that we were not able to do some of our normal community projects like our Annual Christmas Cookie Baking Event. We hope to resume these projects as the pandemic comes to an end.

We handpicked classic breads from around the world, and organized recipes that families could cook at home. We showcased the techniques through illustrations to make it easier to go through the cooking process.

All the recipes are curated for ease of use, authentic taste, and fun ideas to cook at home.

To see our Classic Breads from Around the World blogs, click here.

In another Virtual Kitchen series, our blogs showcased spices for families to cook with at home. We handpicked spices that are familiar to families, and emphasized the health benefits of the spices.

During this pandemic time, we wanted to focus on the importance of cooking fresh and wholesome ingredients while incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients like spices.

To see our Spice Up Your Pantry blogs, click here.

Summer Cooking Camp Highlights

We had a successful launch of our hybrid Summer Cooking Camp 2020, where we had a combination of kids cooking virtually at home, and in-person at the same time. We also had a Fall and Winter Virtual After School Program, where the kids cooked at home with food ingredients that Passion for Spices™ provided.

At Passion for Spices™ Cooking School our most popular program is the “Farm to Table” week. Especially during the pandemic, parents were interested in having an outdoor experience where kids can enjoy nature and gain culinary experience. This program was appreciated by our camp family members, since it was a great opportunity to mingle with fellow young chefs in an open space where we followed COVID-19 guidelines.

We are so thankful for all of our team members who helped in running our Annual Around the World Summer Camp. To see the highlights of last year’s Around the World Summer Camp, click here.

In-Person Cooking Classes

Our Adult Cooking Classes are divided into three categories: Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian. Based on season and popularity, we curate different classes with different themes. Some of the popular In-Person Adult Cooking Classes included Taste of Morocco, Beer and Gourmet Bites, Taste of Thai, and Classic Indian Made Easy. Above are some highlights from our Taste of Morocco class which happened before the pandemic hit.

We are pleased to announce that our In-Person Cooking Classes are available again (subject to COVID-19 protocols). We have added a virtual option to each of these classes for those than want to cook from home. To sign up for our new In-Person classes, click here.

Virtual Cooking School

In light of the pandemic, we opened our Virtual Cooking School which allowed for cooking classes to be conducted over Zoom.

The highlights and memories of our Virtual Cooking School during these pandemic times were noteworthy. For instance, we hosted a 60th birthday party with our Taste of Tuscany class, and there were four groups of family members cooking at different locations, including a couple in France. The full course Tuscan feast included chocolate mousse for dessert, and it was such a joyful experience for all!

Corporate Team Building

In early January 2020, before this pandemic hit us, we were hosting Corporate Culinary Team Building events where the teams enjoyed various culinary experiences. In the pictures above, Chef Thor showcased Healthy Weeknight Meals to the sales and marketing team of a major corporation.

Passion for Spices™ Plans for 2021

We want to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year and we hope that everyone can enjoy more cooking and quality time with their family.

Please enjoy a complimentary holiday menu curated by Passion for Spices Team™ which highlights five spices.

Best Wishes and Happy New Year from the Passion for Spices™ Team.

Apple Brown Betty

Ingredients:

4 slices of white bread, preferably slightly stale, cut int ½ inch cubes

2 apples, peeled, cored and cut into ½ inch cubes

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup raisins

1/3 cup light or dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons of apple cider or apple juice

5 tablespoons of butter, melted

Nonstick spray

Sweetened whipped cream for serving

Note: Cinnamon can be substituted with our Kashmiri Garam Masala

Procedure:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the first 7 ingredients.
Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil. Spay with nonstick spray. Spread the bread mixture evenly in the pan.
Bake for 1 hour or until the apples are cooked and the bread cube are lightly browned and starting to be a little bit crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature with the whipped cream.

Memories from Our 2020 Around the World Cooking Camp

August 2, 2020 ajay thakkar

During these pandemic times, we are so happy that we could hold our 11th Annual Around the World Cooking Camp. We had the opportunity to do it outdoors as well as virtually, where all the kids followed our COVID-19 protocols while learning and enjoying the culinary journey. We are thrilled to provide a platform for our young generation to learn about food and culture, and provide a true culinary experience. As always, we were so happy to receive farm fresh and organic ingredients from our local vendors to be incorporated in our cooking camp.

Week 1: Roadtrip America

Every year, our team comes up with a list of culinary regions to focus on, and introduces the cuisine and culture of the selected regions. This year we thought why not teach our own country! This year’s culinary journey across the U.S. included regions such as New England, Pennsylvania, Cajun, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southwest, where the campers got to experience the taste and flavors of each of these U.S. regions. For example, the campers made Beef Shepherd’s Pie, Blueberry Shortcakes, and Johnnycakes with Maple Syrup.

Week 2: Around the World

For the Around the World Week, our team picked different culinary regions from around the world to teach to our campers. This year, our team included regions such as Mexican, Country French, Italian, Austrian, and Asia. The young chefs were able to learn about and cook cuisine they never heard of, and experience different tastes every day. For example, the campers made Pollo Saltado, Pasta alla Norma, and Crema Blanca.

Week 3: Art and Science

The staple Art and Science of Cooking and Baking week was meant to teach our campers about art and science that goes behind the cooking process. We showcased many dishes that used different processes to make. As always we used farm fresh, and locally sourced ingredients so our campers get the best taste they can. For example, the campers made Potato Gnocchi, Fresh Pita Bread, and Pici Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil.

Week 4: Farm to Table

In our final week, the objective was to teach the kids how freshly grown food can be used to make delicious healthy meals. Each day we had one type of produce that we incorporated in all of our dishes. This again was all with the help of our wonderful professional chefs. The campers got to taste so many types of fresh produce, and combine different ingredients to make creations like Tomato Gazpacho, Grilled Focaccia with Tomatoes and Basil, and s’mores.

The final day of the Farm to Table week was a harvest feast, where all the families came and celebrated with the young chefs. Everyone was happy to have an outdoor farm to table experience. The kids loved the farm animals, and were sad to leave the new animal friends they made at the farm. Everyone said they can’t wait for next year’s cooking camp! We are so thankful for all the new families that joined the Passion for Spices™ community. We would like to thank Murph Farm for hosting the whole Farm to Table week, where the kids were able to enjoy the Farm to Table experience in an outdoor environment.

Passion For Spices™ Team is Gearing Up For our Annual Around The World Cooking Camp 2020

July 3, 2020 May Fridel

During the COVID-19 times, we are happy that we can continue our Annual Summer Camp for kids and teens. Passion for Spices™ Team will strictly be following the state guidelines along with our own protocols to maintain the health of our campers and the Passion for Spices™ Team. This is our 11th year of our Around the World Summer Camp, and we are excited to introduce three new programs including Foods of the World I: Roadtrip America, Foods of the World II: Around the World, and The Art of Food. Passion for Spices™ Team can’t wait to be with the campers and enjoy the culinary adventure.

Foods Of The World I: Roadtrip America
July 6-10

This year, we have introduced our new week, Foods of the World I: Roadtrip America, where the young chefs will explore different food and culture of different regions in the US. We will be introducing them to the New England, Pennsylvania Dutch, Cajun, Pacific Northwest, and Southwest food. Some of the highlights include the Cajun/Creole day, where the campers will be cooking Andouille Corn Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, and Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

Foods of the World II: Around the World
July 13-17

The second week is our international Foods of the World Week, where the young chefs will be making stops all around the globe. This year, the culinary regions that the young chefs will experience are the Southern American, Country French, Italian, Austrian, and Asian. We can’t wait to cook with the campers on Austrian day, where they will be making Wiener Schnitzel, Warm Potato Salad, and Kaiserschmarrn which is an Austrian Dessert.

Arts & Science of Cooking and Baking
July 20-24

The third week of our summer cooking camp is all about the art and science of the cooking process. Our chefs will be teaching basic cooking techniques, and the young chefs will get enhanced in their skills of making various dishes including pasta, baked goods, etc. This year we will be showcasing the art and science of pasta, pastries, bread, relishes, and cakes. Some of the highlights include the Art of Pasta-Making, where campers will make Cheese Ravioli, Potato Gnocchi with Fresh Tomato Sauce, and Biscotti all from scratch.

Farm To Table
July 27-31

For the Farm to Table week, we will be showcasing local and fresh seasonal food ingredients, and utilizing them in multiple recipes. The young chefs are introduced to various fruits and vegetables, and our recipes will enhance their culinary skills as well as get them used to a variety of foods in their diet. This year we will be featuring eggplants, tomatoes, squashes, and stone fruits to the young chefs. This year, we are thrilled to have the whole Farm to Table experience take place at Murph Farm. Each day the campers will be learning outdoor cooking methods and enjoying the abundance of the farm. Some of the highlights will include All About Squashes, where campers will make Stuffed Squash, Squash and Lentil Curry, and Butternut Squash Pie.

The Art of Food
July 20-24

The “Art of Food” program is a learning program where students will learn about the bounty of nature by creating beautiful artwork of our selected themes. They will be taught about the textures, shapes, sizes, uses, colors and many other aspects of everyday sustainable foods. The campers will learn about and create art of Mirepoix, The Allium Family (onions, chives, shallots, etc.), Eggplants, Tomatoes, and Bouquet Garni (herb bouquet).

Families Cooking Together
July 10, 17, 24, 31

In our Families Cooking Together Workshop, families come together to cook following a theme, and enjoy the food that they make with their family members. This year the themes include Sushi Night, Taco bar, Bite-Sized Hors d’Oeuvre Night, and Classic Tuscan Delights.

Culinary Teen Competition
August 3-7

For our Culinary Teen Competition, we put several teams of teens to the progressive culinary test! Our professional chefs will be working with each team everyday, and each team will learn new techniques, building their skills as they go. At the end, they will increase their skills in planning, preparing, creating and presenting a 3 course meal using mystery ingredients from our seasonal "market basket" along with open access to our "community pantry." Finished dishes will be judged on presentation, use of seasonal ingredients, technique, flavor development, and teamwork. Based on their performance, teams are awarded points, with each team receiving a daily score. On the final day, daily scores will be added together and whichever team has the most points wins!

As we showcase here, our young chefs ages vary from five to teen, and is organized in such a way that they learn at their appropriate levels. Our Passion for Spices™ team are well experienced professionals, who will be guiding and training the kids to get the best experience in this culinary journey.

All of the ingredients used during the weeks of camp are organic, fresh, and non-processed. Each day we have a totally different theme, but all to show kids that their food can be delicious, healthy, and sustainably grown!

Check out the details of our Around the World Summer Camp below, including the camp brochure and registration page:

CAMP BROCHURE

What's New at Passion for Spices™ 2020

February 29, 2020 ajay thakkar

Passion for Spices™ Cooking School

Around the World™ Kids and Teens Summer Cooking Camp

Chef Klaus showing how to make Crema Catalana

The Passion for Spices™ Team is thrilled to showcase its newest programs which are available for the community. As always, we showcase great quality of service and products focusing on sustainability. Our chef teams are of the highest caliber, and they teach food literacy. Our programs enhance young chefs’ knowledge of food and culture. We always invite guest chefs as well to showcase their specialities, like Executive Pastry Chef John Sauchelli.

Our programs focus on Foods of the World, Art and Science, and Farm to Table concepts. We also have a Culinary Teen Competition where teens learn the basics of cooking in a progressive manner. Our very popular Families Cooking Together program is a platform for parents, grandparents, and family members to cook together and enjoy the meals they prepared.

At Passion for Spices™, the 2020 Annual Summer Cooking Camp registration is now open. Click below to register:

Summer Cooking Camp Registration

Kids and Teens After School Cooking Program

Our Spring season of the Kids and Teens After School Cooking Program is scheduled to start on March 11th. We designed classic seasonal menus for this five-week program. Our young chef ages range from four years old to teenagers. The chefs divide the groups into appropriate age groups, and give them cooking tasks based on their skills. We are so thrilled that many children are interested and excited about our program. We have many repeat students that have been coming for years and enhancing their culinary skills, and we are happy to welcome them back. We are so thankful to build a community of healthy kids!

Check out our Spring Season Kids and Teens After School Cooking Program below:

Spring Season After School Cooking Program

Adult Cooking Classes

We are thrilled to expand our adult cooking classes, organized into Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian themes. Our cooking classes are not just regular classes but a platform for food enthusiasts to come and enhance their knowledge and skills of food and culture. We have many popular classes, including Classic Moroccan Feast where we showcase the original recipes and techniques of the region. In this class we showcase cooking with tagine and making classic preserved lemon.

Another popular Adult Couples class has been the Taste of Thai , where we showcase classic Thai cuisine, including the herbs and spices related to this regional food. In a recent class, the menu included our Chicken Galangal Soup, Chicken Massman Curry, and Classic Pad Thai which everyone learned to make.

Check out our upcoming Adult/Couples Cooking Classes:

Adult Cooking Classes

Corporate Team Building

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Topped with Grana Padano

Our Culinary Team Building events have been very popular among major corporations, and we are so thankful to have added new chefs to our team who specialize in Team Building. Our very popular themes include Classic Tuscan Feast, French Style Cooking, and Korean Style entertaining. As always, we are very particular about using quality products in all our classes. Above you can see the Sweet Potato Gnocchi being plated, which has been topped with Grana Padano cheese that has been imported from Italy.

Learn more about our Team Building Events:

Culinary Team Building

Private Cooking Events

Chicken Satay with Classic Dipping Sauce

This year, we hosted several private cooking events for birthday parties and anniversaries. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the culinary experience while cooking together with friends and family. Our culinary team is happy to curate any custom theme and menu for your special occasion. To learn more about our private events, click the button below.

Private Cooking Events

Gift Cards

Give the gift of cooking that brings friends and family together for a memorable experience. Our gift cards are perfect for private groups, corporate holiday parties, and for family and friends. Passion for Spices™ Cooking School offers perfect gift ideas for friends and family. Our gift card can be used for our authentic cooking classes, organic spices perfect for everyday cooking, or May Fridel’s Cookbook.

Shop Gift Cards

Our New Collaborator

Italian Culinary Journey: Primo Mercato

We are thrilled to have Primo Mercato as our collaborator. For our Classic Italian Experience, we curate regional Italian cuisines paired with wines from various regions of Italy. Our clients have been thrilled with the Team Building events we have done at Primo Mercato.

We are offering exclusive Italian culinary experiences for corporate events and private events cooking parties at the Osteria Primo Mercato fine dining. Primo Mercato was featured by Fox 5. To view the video click here.

Passion For Spices™ Team is Gearing Up for our Annual 2020 Around the World Summer Cooking Camp

February 16, 2020 May Fridel

The Passion for Spices™ Team is very excited to start this year’s Around the World Summer Cooking Camp! Every year, young chefs spend their summers learning and explore foods of the world, from the history to the culture to the science behind preparing food. At Passion for Spices™, we showcase food literacy and teach our young chefs to use sustainable cooking practices such as not wasting food and utilizing all parts of the food ingredients. We also help them learn the best practices of organizing in the kitchen and learning Kitchen 101 skills. We are thrilled to add more chefs to our culinary team, which has diverse experience and knowledge about foods of the world. We are looking forward to welcoming our campers to our 11th Annual Around the World Camp, and we expect to be even better this year. The kids will have a wonderful experience learning about food ingredients and techniques, while enjoying a culinary journey, traveling across the globe and the US.

Due to high demand, this year we have introduced new themes and even an additional fun-filled week.

Foods of the World I: Roadtrip America

July 6-10

Foods of the World II: Around the World

July 13-17

Art and Science of Cooking and Baking

July 20-24

Farm to Table

July 27-31

For the Farm to Table week, we will be showcasing local and fresh seasonal food ingredients, and utilizing them in multiple recipes. The young chefs are introduced to various fruits and vegetables, and our recipes will enhance their culinary skills as well as get them used to a variety of foods in their diet. This year we will be featuring eggplants, tomatoes, squashes, and stone fruits to the young chefs. The last day of this week is a tradition for us to visit the Murph Farm, where the campers and their families will have a Harvest Festival incorporating farm fresh fruits and vegetables.

Families Cooking Together

JULY 10, 17, 24, 31

Culinary Teen Competition

August 10-14

We are looking forward to having our 11th Annual Around the World Cooking Camp, and we are hoping to have even more children come and enjoy the culinary journey.

This year, our team includes Chief Culinary Educator Chef Sam Kadko, Executive Chef Thor, Executive Chef Klaus, and Executive Pastry Chef John Sarchulli.

All of the ingredients used during the weeks of camp are local, fresh, and of the highest quality. Each day we have a totally different theme, but all to show kids that their food can be delicious, healthy, and sustainably grown!

The registration has opened, please take advantage of the Early Bird Discount until May 31st.

Camp Brochure