SHORT HILLS, N.J. -- Taking a class has never been so much fun -- not when students get to indulge in Ghirardelli chocolate desserts, vermouth chicken and peanut butter pie. This is why many of Kings Super Markets' customers enjoy going back to school -- cooking school, that is. The retailer's "cookingstudio" program is more popular than ever. While lessons have been offered for the last 10 years, interest has been growing over the last two to three years, according to an industry source.
The studios operate in four of Kings New Jersey stores: Bedminster, Short Hills, Verona and Hillsdale. Classes are held in an enclosed room that resembles a kitchen, complete with a dishwasher, oven, stove, refrigerator and other appliances. Overhead mirrors are provided to help students get a good view of what the teacher is demonstrating.
The room has glass windows, which adds excitement to the store by enabling shoppers to see what's going on. Further, a bulletin board outside the studio contains a pamphlet that lists classes being offered.
This spring, West Caldwell, N.J.-based Kings is offering nearly 100 classes taught by a faculty comprised of professional chefs, food writers and teachers. The retailer is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
The program consists of two types of classes: demonstration and participation. In demonstration classes, students watch as the instructor prepares a recipe. In participation lessons, students don an apron and gets hands-on instruction. They are provided with all the equipment necessary to make the meal, and even get to try samples.
Two weeks ago, SN attended the Pastas from Sicily participation class, taught by Sally Kofke, a certified teacher who studied Italian cooking. Ten students, most of whom attended other classes, participated. Each was given a small plate of each recipe demoed.
Kofke paired five different pastas with five low-fat sauces. Dishes included Pasta Con Zucchini Fritti, Gemelli With Five-Nut Pesto and Pasta With Red and Yellow Peppers. Throughout the lesson, Kofke offered hints on how to prepare and season pasta, along with tips on how to make food preparation easier.
The class began with the affable Kofke, who has traveled to Sicily, explaining interesting aspects of Sicilian cooking, such as its fresh herbs and color.
She then explained the prep work needed for each recipe. Two staff members assisted Kofke by clearing away and washing used appliances and by providing ingredients and utensils needed for each recipe.
After an hour lecture, students were divided into five two-person teams. Each team was given one of the recipes to prep. Students were told to move to the prep area, which consisted of several tables that had a cutting board, utensils and ingredients on them. Afterward, one sauce was prepared at a time.
Throughout the three-hour lesson, students worked with a variety of Center Store ingredients that can be used to create a simple, yet elegant pasta dish. Among them: kosher salt, which Kofke said is more flavorful and easier to work with than regular salt; extra virgin olive oil; canned tomatoes and saffron.
While popular pasta like penne, fusilli, spaghetti and ziti were used, students were introduced to several lesser-known varieties, such as gemelli, ca-sareccia and perciatelli. The selection heightened many of the students' interest in different types of pasta. "What's casareccia? Where can I find it?" one asked. SN also saw several students browsing the Center Store aisles after the class. Students can register for the classes -- which cost from about $20 to $45 -- by mail, phone or in person.
The classes put a new and exciting spin on many Center Store items. Among this spring's titles are "Entertaining Ice Cream Desserts," "Baking for Chocolate Lovers" and "Cooking With Vermouth."
There are even special classes for children. Titles include "Let's Clown Around" and "Peanut Butter Madness."
Many of the lessons are sponsored by major companies, including Ghirardelli, Welsh Farms, Martini & Rossi, Sun-Maid Raisins, Diamond Walnuts and Spice Hunter.
