Cooking Class/Parties

To schedule a fun, live, or virtual cook along private cooking party
please contact me directly on aejhome@yahoo.com

Registration: 1) online interactive cook along and 2) in person cooking classes:  https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=chef%20alba&viewMode=list Info: Melissa Byrne, 410-313-4704 or mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov.

MAIN COURSE SOUPS YOU CAN EAT WITH A FORK – Online JANUARY 19, 2024, 6-8PM Soups are incredibly comforting in cold weather months. They are perfect for preparing ahead. Warm up and make flavorful and decadent main course soups with simple and quality ingredients. Join chef Alba as we prepare tasty and creative soups that will be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone. Menu: Zuppa di Cipollle Florentine, Minestra di Zucca e Ceci, and a light Ricotta Zucchine al Profumo di Limone Quiche. THE HIDDEN MAGIC OF COMFORT FOOD BOWLS -Online FEBRUARY 22, 2024, 6-8PM What could be better than a bowlful of satisfying ingredients? Food Bowls are dishes served in a bowl, in which the ingredients are artfully combined and presented in terms of color, well-balanced healthful properties, and incomparable flavor. Join Chef Alba as we prepare and enjoy these magical bowls. Menu: Hummus Antipasto Bowl, Harissa chicken Meatballs Couscous Bowl, and Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl with Tahini Maple Sauce. DELICIOUSLY SIMPLE FRENCH SAUCES AND DISHES -Online  MARCH 21, 2024, 6-8PMLet’s take cooking to the next level with techniques and French sauces prepared in the simplest way possible. We revisit the old classics and discover modern techniques that will extend our cooking repertoire. Join chef Alba as we prepare and make these delicious sauces from scratch. Menu: Brown Butter Sauce (Grenobloise) with a White Fish, Steak with Mushrooms Bordelaise Sauce, and Asparagus with Sauce Fleurette. Croatian Food with Chef Alba - RP0506.701 Online Apr 18, 2024, 6-8pm Th Croatian cuisine is influenced by diverse traditions of nations that ruled the country throughout history, as well as neighboring countries. It has similarities to Austrian, Italian, Turkish, and Hungarian food. Because of this, Croatian food covers both vegetables and meat from the mountain and seafood from the coast. Menu: Grilled eggplant with Marinated Feta, Cevapcici (3 meats Sausages), and BLITVA (Potatoes and Swiss Chard). Class is hands-on, cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions will be emailed beforehand. Istanbul & Beyond with Chef Alba – RP0507.701 Ellicott Mills MS, Apr 24, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm  Istanbul is the largest city and principal seaport of Turkey. It was the capital of both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. It is the heritage of Ottoman Cuisine which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European Cuisine. Join Chef Alba as we created delicious Halloumi Fries with Honey and Sesame, Turkish Lamb/beef Asiago Meatballs, and Patates Salatasi. Class is part hands-on, part demo. 18 yrs+ Classes: 1 $15 materials fee Off the Beaten Path Pasta Dishes, I with Chef Alba - RP0508.701 Online May 17, 2024, 6-8pm These pasta dishes are suitable for special occasions or for a Sunday lunch or dinner. They are comforting, delicious, and easy to prepare. These recipes are unique because they will only be found in a small trattoria or in a family home that has been cooking it for generations. The dishes are so full of flavor that they will be a sure hit to bring to the table. Menu: Cannelloni in Bianco Verdure e Gorgonzola, Spaghetti alla Corte d’Assisi, and Pasta Adagio di Cipolle. Class is hands-on, cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions will be emailed beforehand. 2 Chefs Fusion Class! Italian and Thai - Ellicott Mills MS, May 28, 2024, 6:30-8pm Tu The essence of Italian cooking is in its simplicity! Basic cooking techniques using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Thai cuisine is unique because of those special flavors where sweet, bitter, sour, and salty come together in ways that are surprising! Join this special cooking opportunity with Chef Ravi and Chef Alba! Together, they will create a fusion of these two delicious cuisines and prepare a unique mix of sensations. Students will enjoy tastes of four courses. The menu will be Focaccia with Thai Asparagus and Bell Pepper Topping, Linguini with Thai Pesto, Thai Red Curry Chicken with Vegetables, and for dessert Thai Mango Tiramisu! You do not want to miss this class. 18 yrs + Classes: 1 $20 materials fee Off the Beaten Path Pasta Dishes, II with Chef Alba - RP0509.701 Online Jun 6, 2024, 6-8pm Th These pasta dishes are suitable for special occasions or for a Sunday lunch or dinner. They are comforting, delicious, and easy to prepare. These recipes are unique because they will only be found in a small trattoria or in a family home that has been cooking it for generations. Surprise your guest with these authentic dishes. Menu: Lasagna con ragù di Lenticchie, Spaghetti Pane e Pancetta, and Tuscan kale Fusilli Pasta. Class is hands-on, cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions will be emailed beforehand. Jewels of the Nile Cuisine - RP0510.701 Ellicott Mills MS Jun 14, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm F Egyptian cuisine is the expression of culinary art created by the Egyptians. It has many culinary characteristics of the Mediterranean and a major influence of the Middle Eastern gastronomy. Dishes are varied, tasty, and colorful. Join Chef Alba as we create and enjoy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Shawarma Sauce, “Roz Bel Khalta” (Egyptian rice with nuts and raisins), and Salata Baladi with Egyptian Salad Dressing. Class is part hands-on, part demo. 18 yrs+ Classes: 1 $15 materials fee Moroccan Dishes and Flavors with Chef Alba - Online Jul 11, 2024, 6-8pm Th Moroccan cuisine is an alchemy of flavors, made of vibrant colors, tastes and aromas that are the result of Moorish, Berber, Hispanic traditions, Arab, Turkish, and more recent colonial French, Italian, and English history. A real delight for the eyes and the palate. Typical dishes of Morocco are all made with simple, fresh, and quality ingredients, enhanced by a skillful use of Moroccan spices. Menu: Moroccan Beef Ragu Sauce over Pasta, Harissa recipe, Ras el Hanout spice blend recipe, Ras el Hanout Spiced Cauliflower with Tomato Beans and Couscous, and Date and Almond bites. Class is hands-on, cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions will be emailed beforehand. Simply Delicious Greek with Chef Alba - Ellicott Mills MS Jul 19, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm F Greek food is simple and elegant, with flavors subtle to robust, textures smooth to crunchy, fresh, and timeless, nutritious, and healthy. Preparing and enjoying Greek food is an adventurous journey into the cradle of civilization and the land of the Gods of Olympus. Come and discover tasty dishes with Chef Alba. Menu: Baked Red Grapes and Whipped Feta Bruschetta, Greek Chicken with Yogurt Honey Marinade, and Grilled Greek Salad in Garlic and Feta Dressing. Class is part hands-on, part demo. 18 yrs+ Classes: 1 $15 materials fee

WHOLE FOODS ANNAPPOLIS Unforgettable Turkish Dishes (21+)   Wednesday January 31st, 6:00PM– 7:30PM For those who travel to engage in culinary pursuits, the Turkish Cuisine is worthy of exploration. Turkish cooking is the heritage of Ottoman Cuisine which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European Cuisine. Join Chef Alba as we created these mouthwatering delicious dishes! Menu: Turkish Sautéed Spinach Onion and Walnuts, Smoked Paprika and Garlic Chicken, Cabbage Bulgur and Tomato Pilaf, and Zaatar Bread, followed by a delicious dessert from our bakery. Cost: $65. Per Person. Click here to register online. Greek Cuisine at its Best! - Wednesday February 28th, 6:00PM-8:00PM. Greek cuisine is known for its use of local and fresh ingredients such as wide variety of Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini, feta, honey, and superior quality olive oil. In this culinary experience, discover why Greek cuisine stands as one of the most exemplary representatives of Mediterranean culinary traditions, rivaling the excellence of Italian and Spanish cuisines. Join us in the kitchen to prepare and savor a mouthwatering menu curated by Chef Alba. Menu: Bouyiourdi (Traditional Baked Spicy Feta and Vegetables), Greek Chicken with Yogurt Honey Marinade, and Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Balls) served with three kinds of yogurt sauces and a surprise dessert from our bakery department. . Click here to register online.                                                                             Pass the Cheese Please! - Friday March 8th, 6:00PM-8:00PM Parmigiano Reggiano, called the “King of Cheeses”, is one of the most beloved cheeses in Italy that cannot be missed on a dinner table. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard, dry cheese made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk. It has a hard pale-golden rind and a straw-colored interior with a rich, sharp flavor. Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged at least two years. A recipe is incomplete if it’s not served with a slice or sprinkling of grated cheese. Join Chef Alba and let’s discover and savor delicious dishes using this treasured cheese. Menu: Ultimate Cheese Plate with Roasted Grapes, Bruschetta Pomodoro and Burrata, Spinach Sausage Parmesan Meatballs, and Stuffed Grilled Tomatoes with Parmesan and Blue Cheese and a surprise dessert from our bakery department. click here to register: Pass the Cheese Please! Tickets, Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

In person cooking Classes at Mary's Land Farm/Secolari:

SIMPLY CHARMING UMBRIA CUISINE - 03/16/2024 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Discover the green heart of Italy, simply charming Umbria. This cuisine is a perfect combination of authentic Umbrian flavors, ancient recipes, with quality local and fresh ingredients. Our cooking classes take place in the beautiful farm setting of Mary’s’ Land Farm. It is the perfect place to learn how to cook specialties of local Umbrian cuisine for lovers of good food. Chef Alba will guide you in a captivating class, whatever your cooking level. We will go to the greenhouse and select fresh farm vegetables for our dishes. Chef Alba’s says, “Eating well in an enchanting place is an irreplaceable pleasure.”  MENU: Etruscan Cipolle Grigliate e Bruschetta al Olio, Minestra di Farro di San Nicola, Involtini di Petto di Pollo al Vino Bianco di Orvieto, Patate e Zucchine al Forno. Class includes recipes.  Suggested Umbria wines to bring to class: Sagrantino di Montefalco (red). Orvieto Classico DOC (white).  Register: https://www.maryslandfarm.com/event/simply-charming-umbria-cuisine/ PUGLIA COOKING WITH A TIRAMISU FINALE - 04/06/2024 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pmPuglia, the heel of Italy on the Adriatic is known for its spectacular golden beaches, bright whitewashed towns, lavish farmlands, ancient churches and ruins, and unspoiled nature. Some of the best traditional Italian dishes come from Puglia. Puglia known as the land of farmers and fisherman is based on simple and locally grown ingredients for cooking. Chef Alba says, “join me in cooking some of my favorite Puglia dishes, the culture that loves food and lives life with great passion and wisdom.” MENU:  Risotto Primavera, Salmone in Salsa di More e Balsamico, Tiramisu. Class includes recipes.  Suggested Puglia wines to bring to class: Verdeca (white), Negroamaro (red)  Register: https://www.maryslandfarm.com/event/puglia-cooking-with-a-tiramisu-finale/