Chef Aaron from CD's Cafe - Fun Ways to Use Puff Pastry

Tonight was devoted to the multiple uses of Puff Pastry and Chef Aaron quickly put the students to work!


The pastry gets a little bit of decorative edging which helps out in the presentation.

Look at how nice these look!


This is a Brie en Croute (stuffed with Brie Cheese, Walnuts and Pears) and the combinations of flavors is mouth watering! Here is how it is served.

The next preparation is the Lump Crab and Spinach Puff Pastry Pockets!



Next it is onto the Apple Tart Tatin with Ice Cream. Watch this one unfold!

Look at that...browned to perfection.

And then it gets the fruit topping.

This one is a definitive winner!

When you think it can't get any better, onto the Fresh Fruit Pastry Strip. Look at the colors and flavors!


Another fabulous evening and a great representation of some of the unique preparations that you can find nightly at CD's Cafe. Chef Aaron is there to please. Hey, something new, Chef Aaron will be providing a LUNCHTIME class the beginning of June. Please look at the schedule. We had customers asking and we'd like to see this one fill up!

Chef Nicole with Asian Delights

Tonight Chef Nicole and her assistant, Chia Chen, continued on their exploration of Asian cuisine. Before they are through, we will have some very accomplished Asian Chef's in Southern Maryland! The first item up was Fried Wontons which included pork and shrimp for the filling.


These came out perfectly and are a beautifully crafted appetizer.
We also made Mustard Greens with Bean Curd, which is shown below. Apologies, the photo is a little bit washed out!
The main dish for the evening was Black Pepper Chicken served with rice.
Can't forget the sweet and sour chicken! Yummmmmm........


The crew seemed to enjoy themselves this evening and we're certain these dishes have been repeated for their families.

What a great evening!

Chef Nicole and Chia will continue with similar dishes on the summer schedule. If you haven't been in one of these classes yet, you should take time to do so. The techniques are fabulous...and the classes have been great fun as well!

Manda's B&B Specials

Here we go with another great evening shared in our kitchen with Chef Manda from the Blue Heron B&B.

Tonights menu starts off with Asparagus with Lemon Oil, Cashews and Tarragon. Now is when you begin to find some of the freshest produce in our local markets.


A little lemon zest to flavor the asparagus.

Into the quick boil....

and onto the plate...

...topped with cashew slices. This is a meal unto itself!

Apparently the vapors from this dish can also be used as a one-minute facial before consumption! Or maybe it's worth that extra inhale before eating!

There were a lot of smiling faces this evening!

Onto the Classic French Bistro Frisee Salad.

Here is the start of the Gourmet Mac 'n Cheese with Gruyere Riesling Cream.

Look at how beautifully this presents! And it tastes even better. Move over Kraft - Mac and Cheese will never be the same!



Chef Manda with the Portobello Mushroom topping.



The final combination was Grilled Shrimp on a Portobello Gratinee.

The presentation again was spectacular, and the flavors even better!

Look for other offerings by Chef Manda in our summer schedule. They are filling up quickly!