MAY UPDATES

Ola Everyone,

If you are a fan of oriental metaphysical science and I mean the real thing, the arrival of May 6th sees the element fire coming into play and we are entering into the season of summer. In this context the season doesn’t refer to the actual four seasons per se but rather, what this means is that there is a shift of elemental strength and we can expect changes taking place in terms of luck, so to say.

But for the common folks who prefer to keep life, you know, uncomplicated, May is also a special month, a time when we go all out to show our Mums how much we love them or if you are like me, look back in time and remember. Yeap, I was just saying the other day on FACEBOOK that what with all these amazing technology available on this planet, I still can’t SKYPE my folks in heaven. What a bummer is that!

Then it is also a time when we start sourcing for activities for our kids to do because suddenly, the school holidays are just round the corner. What’s more, our list might again include investigating the progress of our growth so far and the task of remapping the rest of the year accordingly. After all, June is technically the second half of 2011 and oh yes, Hari Raya is also already in clear view!

Hope the following updates can help you fill up your plan of action or simply plan better!

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS 

I am happy to report that our last 2 demos of “How to make a Chocolate Strawberry Pavlova and Nadege Pie” were extremely successful and as such we have decided that for the month of May and we will be adding 3 new demos for you to take advantage of. For those who are unaware of these events, our “How to” demos is a movement I’ve designed for folks who aspire to renew their kitchen spirit while keeping abreast with the latest food scenes at unusual locations and making new friends. In a nutshell, I demonstrate the subject, we share and learn, you get to sample other goodies that I add to the bonus menu to develop or broaden your palettes, our demos are by donation only and you can also bring a bottle of wine to enjoy while we spend some time together. Take note that you and your guests get an invite only when you call and register otherwise you might find yourself embarrassingly eating into someone else’s portion because we prepare the numbers well in advance.

12 th May - “How to make a Tiramisu Black Bottom Tart”

This is an impressive and fabulous dessert, raising “pick me up” to a new level. The crust adds an extra dimension, providing a desirable container and foundation for the creamy, custardy, voluptuous texture of the classic tiramisu.

19th May -– “How to make Grandmother Bread”

Making bread from scratch without using a bread machine takes some effort but imagine putting your fist into the dough is like touching the past. In a world where baking homemade bread is a dying art, maybe you can be a Keeper of the Bread. This is a heritage recipe, tested by time and the hands of mothers and grandmothers for over a hundred years.

26th May -– “How to make Apple Strudel”

Turn out a fabulous strudel of juicy slices of warm apple enfolded in a crisp leafed pastry served with crème fraiche! Learn how to roll and stretch strudel dough on a 36 to 48 inch round table, what is and how to make brusel, a classic filling and even crème fraiche.

APPRENTICESHIP CLASSES AND PROJECT

You should be proud to know that our Apprenticeship 2011 is moving along well and our book “Jen’s Little Homegrown Chefs”, 1st Edition is going to be a book of the apprentices’ favourite desserts. To see this come to fruition was only made possible because the apprentices’ parents are folks that I would call “Architechs of Change”. They know for sure that growing our kids and adding value to their futures is not a joke, it’s crucial. I am eternally grateful for the privilege of knowing such wonderful parents.

Our theme for 14th May is Japanese Cuisine and I am happy to announce that TV2 will be doing a 30 minute segment on this apprentice class. Now, how cool is that! This time round our apprentices get to share with other kids all over Malaysia what it takes to respond to domestic skills that have drastically evolved over the years.

Our Apprenticeship 2012 enrollment is now open for new interested parents. You can call Natasha @ 016 916 8598 for full details and to register your children.

LITTLE HOMEGROWN CHEF SERIES

Come 22th May we are taking the kids outdoors for a BBQ. Our menu includes BBQ Chicken Wings, Lamb Chops, Assorted Grilled Vegetables and Bread and Butter Pudding. I believe we have only 1 more slot so hurry and sign up.

MID YEAR HOLIDAY CLASSES

These are themed International Cuisines and comprise of a 3 course meal. Similar to 2010, these cooking classes are intense and held on alternate days i.e. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning 30th May to 10th June 2011. We start at 11am sharp and end by 3pm.

To celebrate this May, the Month of Mum, we have decided to give a 20% discount to all existing students of Jen’s Homegrown Cooking Academy and a 10% discount to all NEW students. It cannot get any better than this so confirm your slots now.

WEEKLY CLASSES

Our weekly classes 2pm to 4pm are kicking of this 17th May (Tuesday) with Pecan Pie served with Crème Fraiche. During this class you will learn 3 versatile components i.e. the most delicious butter crust you can ever get your hands on, a gorgeous pecan filling and of course Crème Fraiche. 24th May (Tuesday) for Lasagna you will learn how to make a Bechamel Sauce, an amazing yummy Tomato Sauce that you can tweak for other dishes and how to finally assemble them for a real Italian Lasagna. There’s still a lot of space so come along and join us.

JEN’S UNDERGROUND SUPPER CLUB

The new food scene is a fantastic concept around the planet and the underground movement is one of them. Suddenly there is an emergence of underground chefs in the most unlikeliest of locations. From our very own experience folks certainly are open to a different and unique experience. 

Jen’s USC has 2 types of bookings, private and open. This 27th May sees our 1st Supper for open bookings which just means that there is no minimum, you can come by yourself, as a couple, a group and you can expect to be seated with others of the same.  Our menu for the above date will be as follows: Prawn Croqueta and Hush Puppy Heaven for Starters, Grilled salmon with Fennel and Potato Alfredo AND Beef Tenderloin with Mascarpone and Fresh Greens for Mains, and we end with Pecan Pielets served with Crème Fraiche and Chocolate Velour Crepes with Orange Apricot Sauce. The deadline for bookings is 24th May, we have 5 more placings.

As we have limited space, we do apologize to those who were unable to secure their bookings for Mother’s Day, 7th May.  

HARI RAYA GOODIES

As per our tradition, Jen’s HomeKitchen will be rolling out 2 of our famous Pineapple Tartlets and Kuih Makmur. To ensure that we can keep up with your orders, we are reminding you to help us plan ahead. We should appreciate that you kindly place your orders for the above and Hampers as soon as you can with Natasha.  

JEN’S “GIVEBACK FORTNIGHT”

We wish to take this time to thank each and every one who participated in our “Giveback” project in April. You will be happy to know that food as promised has started to go out respectively and as soon as we can, listing and photos will be posted on Jen’s Birthday Wall for your viewing.  

MIA PALENCIA TO PERFORM AT DEVONPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL

I am so so proud to mention that our Mia has been invited to perform at The Devonport Jazz Festival 2011 happening 28th to 30th July. Unfortunately, Brabon and I will not be able to attend this event and if by chance any of you might be there, please do cheer her on for us and take as many photos as you can. This will be her 1st Australian Festival performance with the hope of many more to come.

I guess that’s all for now folks! My warmest wishes to all Mothers out there and May God bless each and every one of you.

Love and Peace, Jen