Photo by Agnes Devereux Catering
Ready to go from kitchen newbie to culinary pro? These programs from local food experts will have you feeling like the next Food Network star.
Are you bored yet?
Well, there is no need to be. We might be week number who knows what into social distancing, but there are still endless opportunities to partake in while at home.
All across the Hudson Valley, restaurants, distilleries, and chefs are bringing virtual experiences to us that are worth checking out. Always wanted to see what it is like to be a wine connoisseur? Attend a virtual tasting to observe how the masters do it.
For the more cocktail-inclined, get the ingredients together and follow along as local bartenders show how it’s done. And for those who are sharpening their cooking and baking skills, save these recipes or hop onto a personal class.
Agnes Devereux Catering
The aroma of baked goods is a hard one to beat. To help locals recreate those enticing bakery scents, Agnes Devereux Catering is posting scrumptious recipes on its Facebook page. Think tearoom corn muffins, sponge cake filled with lemon curd and whipped cream, cheddar bacon and chive scones, and more. Grab the pots and pans, heat up the oven, gather ingredients, and follow along with these recipes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-mehFxjJvf/
Applewood Winery
Although Applewood’s hours might be reduced to Fridays through Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., that doesn’t mean its employees are doing any less. On its Facebook and Instagram, the winery shares how to make cider cocktails like the perfect cider mimosa. Not only does Applewood Winery host virtual classes, it also streams live music for all to watch. Join in for a virtual raise of the glass.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-H32o7Dfbh/
Baldwin Winery
Baldwin Winery is bringing wine tasting straight to our homes as we social distance. The winery is shipping tastings to go with four two-ounce tastings. Follow along each week with virtual tastings from tasting room manager, Anthony Landolina, to learn more about the selected wines. Check in on Facebook each week.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_wpeXwAHmu/
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Sanctuary Director of Culinary Arts and co-author of Compassionate Cuisine: 125 Plant-Based Recipes From Our Vegan Kitchen Linda Soper-Kolton walks viewers through 100-percent vegan cooking classes every Wednesday at 4 p.m. Follow @addlovestir for new recipes and a few from the cookbook, too. So far, Soper-Kolton has covered everything from epic vegan cheese boards to black bean burgers and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6PaiZPF9-0/
Downtown Café
Owner and Chef Graziano Tecchio uses Facebook to offer a look inside the kitchen of Downtown Café and take viewers behind the scenes of a few dishes. Learn how to make crespelle, seared tuna over spiced rice, pizza, pasta, and special desserts. Weekly specials are available for those shy to cooking.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NVU9fDDOB/
Home Cooking New York
Beacon-based chef Jennifer Clair takes her culinary skills online with interactive, virtual cooking classes to help Hudson Valleyites live deliciously during quarantine. Courses range in theme from bagel and dumpling prep to brunch at home and a taco party for kids. Visit the website for the full lineup.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PufNsHm-L/
Hillrock Distillery
On its Instagram, Hillrock Distillery rolls out live cocktail classes. Its first class featured a lesson on how to create an Old Fashioned with Hillrock’s bourbon or rye, bitters, citrus, cherry, and sugar. Stay tuned on Fridays at 8 p.m. to try and mix the next cocktail yourself. Running short on Hillrock’s bottles? Free shipping is available within New York State when ordering six or more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-P3ZeWJq6D/
Milea Estate Vineyard
The Dutchess County vineyard hosts a virtual tasting series featuring wines and ciders straight from Milea Estate. Stay tuned on Instagram and feel free to order a few bottles that sound the most appealing. Milea Estate Vineyard is offering free delivery at this time.
A Natural Chef: Cathy A. Vogt
Peruse Vogt’s site for a number of delicious recipes to make at home and easy tips and tricks for those of all levels of culinary expertise. The Hudson Valley chef also hosts a biweekly free “Kitchen Table Circle” discussion which focuses on community, sharing, and healthy eating. Stay tuned to her website for upcoming classes and online offerings.
