Cooking Classes Phoenix

Taught by Martha McKinnon, a passionate home cook, who has been cooking, baking, studying cooking, taking cooking classes, and attending culinary vacations for more than twenty years. In addition to home cooking she also has worked in several small restaurants and as a personal chef. She believes that cooking shouldn’t be painful. The key is to keep it simple.

Martha’s small home-based cooking classes are perfect for new cooks, busy professionals, experienced cooks looking for new ideas, and anyone wanting to learn the secrets of preparing simple delicious dishes quickly and easily. Her relaxed style, friendly manner, and easy, elegant do-ahead approach to stress-free entertaining and home cooking helps students relax and have fun, while gaining kitchen confidence.

And best of all, you get to immediately enjoy all the delicious recipes you make!

The Details

All classes are 2 to 2.5 hours in length and include a short introductory review of what we will be doing, preparation, generous sampling and copies off all recipes. The fee is $50 per person with a four person minimum required.

Gather 2 to 5 of your friends, pick a class topic, Contact Martha to schedule your date and get cooking!

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2010 Menu of Classes

Choose 3 things to make each class

Baking - Light & Healthy

Want to indulge in healthy baked goods that don’t sacrifice flavor? Here are some of my favorites that boost health and nutrition without sacrificing flavor or resorting to the use of artificial ingredients/sweeteners.

Mini Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pie Muffins; Apple-Pecan Muffins; Low Fat Ricotta Cheesecake; Light Mocha Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting; Carrot Cake Cupcakes; Pear-Ginger Crumble; Gingerbread Straws; Simple Fruit Bars; Cherry Almond Biscotti; Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti; Light & Creamy Cheesecake; Light Apple Bread

Gifts From The Kitchen

Gifts of food are a tasty thoughtful present, at holiday time or anytime! Simplify your life by making delicious food gifts that are both useful and economical while avoiding the stress and hassle of searching for gifts at the mall. They are perfect for birthdays, holidays, and as hostess gifts all year long.

Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Brittle, Homemade Chocolate Truffles, Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti, M&M Oatmeal Bars Mix, Cherry Almond Granola, Buttermilk Scone Mix, Lentil Rice Soup Mix, Southwest Seasoning Mix, The world’s best fudge, Spiced Mixed Nuts, or Homemade Shortbread

Healthy Cooking With Ellie

Sample recipes from The Food Network Ellie Krieger’s cookbook, The Food You Crave. No steamed vegetables here…just fresh food simply & deliciously prepared.

Apple-Pecan Muffins; Warm Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Mushroom Barley Soup; Orange Pistachio Wild Rice Salad; Chopped Salad with Lemon and Dill; Mushroom, Onion and Spinach Quesadillas; Jewel Roasted Vegetables; Penne with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic, and White Beans; Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes, and Feta; Raspberry Fool; Pear and Ginger Crumble; or Dark Chocolate Mousse

Quick & Easy From The Pantry

Gotta have dinner on the table in 30 minutes? Discover the power of a well-stocked pantry in this fun and informative class.

Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque; Broccoli and Cheddar Frittata; Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Pizza; Penne Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes; Jambalaya; Goddess Chicken; Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos; Creamy Ravioli & Spinach Bake; Classic Tuna Casserole; Fiesta Chicken and Rice

Satisfying Soups

Soups are a fun and easy way to sneak more vegetables into your diet. They are satisfying and simple too. Just combine your ingredients in a large pot and let them simmer away until done. If you get in the habit of making a big pot of soup on the weekends, you can enjoy luscious hassle free supper or lunches during the week.

Tomato Red Pepper Soup; Creamy Potato Soup, Sausage Spinach Soup; Mexican Albondigas Soup; Spicy Sausage and White Bean Soup with Winter Squash and Broccolini; Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach; Curried Butternut Squash Soup; Summer Corn and Vegetable Soup; Mushroom Barley Soup

Spectacular Sides

Are you in a rut over what to serve to go with your meat or fish for dinner? Looking for ways to increase your intake of healthy vegetables and whole grains? Learn new ways to liven up dinner with a selection of spectacular side dishes.

Asian-Style 3 Bean Salad; Roasted Cauliflower with lemon-caper vinaigrette; Greek Rice; Oven Roasted Vegetable Medley; Red Cabbage with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese; Whole Grain Tabouleh; Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dijon and Lemon; Roasted Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes; Creamy Cauliflower Puree; Orange Pistachio Wild Rice Salad; Chopped Salad with Lemon and Dill; Cranberry Slaw; Black Bean and Corn Salad; Pea Pancakes

The Perfect Recipe For Losing Weight And Eating Great

We’ll prepare delicious healthy dishes from one of my favorite cookbooks, The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight & Eating Great that is chock full of healthy recipes that are both quick and delicious.

Great Granola, Crustless Quiche with Sausage, Apples, and Sage; Chicken, Tomato, Black Bean, and Corn Salad; Tuna White Bean, Olive, and Tomato Salad; Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup with Spinach; Spicy Sausage and White Bean Soup with Winter Squash and Broccoli Rabe; Italian Turkey Meatball Soup; Mini Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Drizzle; Citrus Pistachio Biscotti; Slaw Topped Mexican Flatbread with Refried Beans and Pepper Jack; Creamy Light Pasta; Strawberry Mousse

The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet

Ready to eat a little healthier by introducing some vegetarian meals into your repertoire? We’ve got great some great simple recipes, all with no more than 5 ingredients from the great cookbook by Nava Atlas.

Tomato and White Bean Soup that can be served hot or cold; Puree of Carrot Soup; Cranberry Slaw; Black Bean and Corn Salad; Easy Vegetable Lasagna; Southwestern Salsa Pasta; Tofu & Sweet Potato Curry; Black Bean Nachos Grande; Fettuccini with Melted Brie & Tomatoes; Sauteed Greens & Mushrooms; Arugula, Red Onion & Orange Salad

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Registration & Payment

Advance payment is required for all classes. Contact Me Today.

Cancellation

Cancellation more than 72 hours prior to class will be credited toward a future class.

Gift Certificates

Cooking Class gift certificates are also available. They make a perfect birthday, shower, anniversary, or holiday gift.

Sample Fall Baking & Desserts Menu

To book a private cooking class or cooking party

Contact Martha Today