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Health & Fitness

The Big Cheese of Point Reyes & a Skinny Sweet

Local chef cooks with cows! (cheese, that is). Check out my class at the Fork Culinary Center at Point Reyes Farmstead & sign up for a Food Network Pastry Chef class in Novato!

“Up before dawn” — this is the mantra of our local dairy farmers and artisan cheese makers. Working with the rhythms of nature and beast, they rise, work and create magic before most of us are even awake. I too, will join in this ritual as the guest chef this Friday at the truly legendary Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese. Ah, yes, the same ones that brought us the internationally acclaimed, chef-revered Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese.

I will also rise early and with all of my supplies in tow to take the long-and-winding, best-drive-ever past Skywalker Ranch, through cool dark redwood forests and lush pastures out to the dairy by the bay in Point Reyes. My assignment which I joyously accepted is to cook and teach a lesson on holiday entertaining, private chef style for about 40 guests at the stunning Fork Culinary Center

Here is the class description and menu:

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At the Fork, we specialize if farm-to-table, which is why all of our classes begin with a tour of the farm. You’ll learn our history, meet our cows, understand our commitment to sustainability and see how we create our farmstead cheeses – all right here on the Giacomini Dairy. Back inside The Fork, you’ll be guided through a tasting of our cheeses including Point Reyes Original Blue and Toma. (Be prepared to try some not-yet-released goodies, too.) Back inside The Fork, Chef Rachelle Boucher will prepare a sensational holiday menu made up of the best local ingredients. You’ll leave your visit to The Fork with a full stomach, a smile of your face and new inspiration for hosting (and wowing!) your friends this holiday season!

MENU

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  • Mixed Greens with Blood Orange – Hazelnut Vinaigrette & Toma Frico
  • Crown Roast of Pork with Jeweled Mixed Grain Stuffing served with
  • Roasted Garlic & Original Blue Cheese Cream
  • Roasted Heirloom Squash Halves Filled with Herbed Farmer’s Market Vegetables
  • Meyer Lemon Soufflé Crepes with Raspberry Coulis

I am excited to go! Class is FULL, but I will be sure to share my updates, recipes and videos of my behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest culinary centers in the world in my next post.

That class is booked, but you can score a “Sweet & Skinny” treat with the marvelous Marisa Churchill who is back by VERY popular demand at Fresh Stars Cooking School in Novato on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 7-9 pm. Not only will you be in a spectacular culinary center, but proceeds benefit Homeward Bound of Marin’s homeless and job training center in Hamilton, so sign up here! Prepare to treat your friends and family with fun and distinctive treats in a holiday class presented by Marisa Churchill, a former Top Chef contestant, Food Network regular and premier pastry chef.

She’ll feature recipes from her new cookbook, “Sweet & Skinny”, to provide lovely endings for your celebrations and new ideas for gifts from the kitchen.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, wine or other beverage with this interactive demonstration class from 7 to 9 p.m.

MENU

  • Spiced Chocolate-Chili Bark
  • Smoked Paprika and Bacon Toffee
  • Pumpkin-Ricotta Cheesecake with Pomegranate Seeds and Toasted Pecans
  • Chocolate-Peppermint Buche de Noel

Come on, Smoked Paprika and Bacon Toffee that is a healthier version, I love this woman! I am on top of the cooking event scene, check out my event calendar here for much more.

And join me on my Facebook page as I announce the “Big Cheese” winner of our Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Gift bag: www.facebook.com/chefrachelleboucher

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