Thursday, August 12, 2010

What's cooking?

I decided to cook up a few more gathered clutches.  
I prepped to make five, 


but only had enough interfacing to finish three of them -- for now.


It's fun picking out the fabrics for the bands,




and linings.



and choosing fun colors for the zippers.

Zippers, as it turns out, are not that difficult after all.


The free tutorial for the gathered clutch pattern is here.

I also recently got to learn how to cook up some deliciousness in the kitchen.
Every year for a Father's Day gift, my sister and I treat our father to a cooking class.  The class can take place at any time of the year, we just all have to be available and interested in the menu.  It is always a very special evening, and Tuesday night's class was no exception.

Chef Dave Martin, Top Chef Season One

The class was End of Summer Entertaining, taught by Dave Martin, who graciously provided lots of interesting tips and techniques as he demonstrated the recipes.  The class was held at In Good Taste, a wonderful cooking store and cooking school.

In Good Taste (Pearl District location)

You may remember my class celebrating Julia Child back in March.  Well, Cindy (Live A Colorful Life) did and reminded me to show up at the right location this time and to enjoy wine after my "home invasion" Wednesday morning.  I can happily say I accomplished both of those tasks. and learned to make some tasty dishes.  I can't wait to try these myself.

White Bean, Poblano Chile and Artichoke Spread
served with homemade Crispy Pita Chips

Asian Chicken Salad with
Dave's Killer Ginger & Sesame Vinaigrette

Coconut Curry Chicken Skewers 
with Sweet Chili Sauce

Pan Roasted Shrimp wrapped with
Prosciutto, Basil and Gorgonzola
served with Sherry Cream Sauce

For a simple dessert Dave made fabulous shortbread cookies and some old-fashioned peanut butter cookies.  

Say what you will about the quality of the iPhone camera pictures, but the discreetness can't be beat -- photos to share without disrupting the flow of the demonstration.

And then there were wines....
Louis Perdrier Sparkling Wine


Arancio 2007 Grillo

Les Jamelle 2009 Cinsault Rose'


With wishes, true and kind -- Joan

18 comments:

  1. Those gathered cluthes are fabulous. Lining, zippers--I think you have it figured out. And all that food. I almost drooled on my keyboard...oops.

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  2. oh...you are really making me want one of those beautiful clutches!!! I adore them all.

    Your evening cooking with your Dad looks awesome...and yummy!

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  3. Your clutches turned out great (love the zippers!) and the cooking class looks like it was awesome and tasty!

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  4. The clutches look fab! You are a zipper pro for sure! I love the look of all those dishes from the cooking class, how fun, I'd be thrilled if I could even make one of those. My neighbor does cooking classes out of her home (I helped design her new kitchen remodel), if you're looking for another class check out her website: http://cookwithwhatyouhave.wordpress.com/ I took her summer salads class and really loved it.

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  5. Gorgeous clutches Joan, I love the fabrics you have chosen..both inside and out! What a fabulous idea to treat your Dad to a cooking class, how wonderful. (pics still made me drool!!) xo

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  6. Joan, I don't know what looks more tempting: those delicious clutches or that gourmet meal!
    Thanks for sharing, now I am hungry: I could eat a clutch!
    :)

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  7. What a delicious post! I love your pouches so much I may just have to be tempted to give them a go, the fabrics are fantastic and I love the coloured zippers.
    What a fantsatic gift for your Dad. I bet he really looks forward to this gift.

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  8. P.S you've gone from zipperphobic to zipper pro in how many clutches? Way to go.

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  9. Great post, Joan. I'm hungry now, and it's not even 9 am yet! The ruffled clutches are so darn cute! Last night at KCMQG a friend was using one she'd made as her "take along hexie sewing kit". I may have to try this. Thanks for the link.

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  10. I'm loving your clutches! And your zippers look wonderful. :)

    What a fun evening you had! I didn't eat breakfast this morning and now I'm ready for lunch looking at all that wonderful food...

    Jennifer :)

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  11. Such gorgeous bags! I love the fabrics you paired for the lining too! You are on a roll, girl. Your cooking class look fabulous. What a great way to spend the evening.

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  12. the gathered clutches are beautifulwill have to try inserting a zip thank you for the tutorial

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  13. Hey Joan I thought your blog would be safe to read while hungry... Not so! Also I hate to say this but I think your clutch obsession might be the slowest way ever to use up a stash :)

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  14. The clutches look great, but all that food looks so amazing. I'm hungry too!

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  15. I read your comment on Valorie Wells' blog and clicked on your link there and was so happy to find your great blog!

    Good Folks in the header was a great sign because I love that line! The bags are really cute! The cooking class looks wonderful, and makes me think I should go get a glass of wine for myself right now.

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  16. The food looks amazing! I miss working and spending time in Portland. The Pearl District was cool 13 years ago . . . but wow it I think it has gotten even cooler. So jealous!

    One of these awesome clutches are MINE! Thanks so much, it is fantastic!

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  17. oh wow, those bags are cute, cute, cute! great job!

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