Spice Up Your Kitchen in 2013

The new year is here and full of fresh beginnings so why don't you take this opportunity to learn some new techniques that will wow your friends and family the next time you cook? A variety of single-session and ongoing classes are offered throughout the year at The Artisan Center and Spencer-Penn Centre for both visitors and residents so that you can transform your next vacation or stay-cation into an educational experience. 

All About Herbs- Join Kris Landrum on the 3rd Friday evening of each month at The Artisan Center to explore the history and folklore of some common herbs found in most kitchen spice racks. You'll learn their properties and possible uses to enhance your daily life. You'll also experiment in the kitchen to make dishes and/or preparations for personal use. Kris is the owner of The Herbitage, which specializes in herbs and herbal products. Her potpourri baskets and other natural products are available for sale at The Artisan Center. 

January- Thyme

February- Sage

March- Rosemary

April- Oregano/Marjoram

May- Basil

Cupcake Wars- Youth ages 9-14 can participate in this week long camp in June. They will learn to follow recipes, careful measuring and how to decorate. The week will end with a Cupcake Wars Competition.

Junior Ace of Cakes- Youth ages 9-14 can participate in this week long camp in July to learn how to make crazy confections or traditional three-layer cakes. Participants will explore their creative side by spending a week at The Artisan Center training to become an Ace of Cakes. Students will mix, bake, fill, carve and finish a creation. 

Junior Top Chef- Youth ages 9-14 can become a Junior Top Chef and explore the delicious world of cooking during this week long camp in July. They will get hands-on experience using kid-friendly recipes, learn proper kitchen safety and how to set a table and serve a meal. No experience is necessary, just a love of cooking and a willingness to try new things!

2013 Food Events 

Spencer-Penn BBQ Cookoff- Show of your skills by entering the contest or just come to 
enjoy tasting great southern BBQ. Whole pigs will be cooked overnight and judged on Saturday morning. After the judging, the lip-smacking BBQ will be served by the plate, sandwich, or pound. 

Celebrate National Pancake Day- Stop by Spencer-Penn Centre on February 12th for Pancake Day to enjoy light, fluffy pancakes and sausage. While there take a peek into their Community Kitchen, a professionally equipped facility available for lease to food service entrepreneurs seeking to start catering and other food-production businesses.