August 2007 Newsletter

Hi, everyone.  Can you believe it’s already August?  Summer sure does fly, doesn’t it!  School is upon us already and the monsoon hit.  Finally….our temperatures have dropped.  For those of us who stay in Phoenix during the summer, you know that we just want to do things that keep us cool….like going to the mall or a movie, or taking a Simply Impressive cooking class. 

July was filled with kids boot camp classes, and with classes come TV appearances.  Watch for links to the kids on TV later in our newsletter.  Our kids and teen boot camps were a roaring success.  We have had a lot of people ask us to hold additional classes throughout the year and at this time are considering doing just that.  We are looking at holding kids/teens classes on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday.  Make sure to let us know if you are interested.  Watch our website and, of course, the Simply Impressive newsletter, for more details. 

I have also been getting requests from parents for a class or two for kids 5 to 7 years old.  As of now, I just don’t have the time to hold these classes, but as my time frees up a little, I just might add a class or two for the younger set to our calendar. 

This month, we have a great dessert recipe that is refreshing and cooling and makes a wonderful ending to any ‘dog days of summer’ meal.  Try our recipe featuring no-bake items from your grocery store to make our Ice Cream Pie

August Classes – We are offering two classes for adults this month.  On Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on 8/7 we are featuring Dog Day Dinners.  The menu features a meal that is light and simple and will help keep you and your kitchen cool.  The cost for this class is $58.  Then on Wednesday 8/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we are featuring a Labor Day BBQ class.  This class is back by popular request.  We will be making baby back ribs along with a BBQ sauce that is fabulous.  And best of all, our menu can be made ahead so you can enjoy your time with your guests.  The price for this class is $63. 

Upcoming classes for September – Fall brings additional Saturday and evening classes that so many of you have requested.  Our schedule gets back to a more “normal” schedule.  On Tues 9/11 and Sat 9/15 we will offer our Hearty Dinner Salads 1 class which is $58 per person.  On Tues 9/18 and Sat 9/23 we will offer our Do You Fondue? class at $58 per person.  Then on Tues 9/25 we will offer our Tofu for Meat Lovers class at $63.  If you think you don’t like tofu, you have to attend this class.  Even meat lovers will enjoy tofu the way we make it.

Private groups – If you want to schedule a private class for your group, we can hold classes at your place or ours.  For private groups we can customize a menu perfectly suited for your group.  We have had great feedback on our private group parties held previously, and we would love to hold one for you, too.  

Special Offers – For the month of August, register and pay for any 3 adult class scheduled through October 15 and save $10 on your third class.  These classes must be attended from August through October 15 and apply to adult classes only.  Only one discount may be applied to any class.

Post your Picture – Watch our website for pictures of the kid’s boot camps.  They will be available shortly.  And while you’re at it, don’t forget to send in your favorite photos with you cooking so we can put them on our website. 

Our Website – Speaking of websites, refer to our website often at www.simplyimpressive.com for the latest in class information. 

In the Media – I know, I know, I said I was cutting down on TV appearances.  But to tell you the truth, several opportunities came up for kids to be on TV and I had to jump at the chance. 

We had 5 great ‘tweens’ on camera for Channel 12 News, School Solutions last month.  It was very early in the morning, but the kids did a great job.  Watch them at School Solutions Page then click on July 6 “Kids Learn Math, Science and More in Cooking Boot Camp’.  If you haven’t seen Kim Covington (from Channel 12) and her School Solutions in the past, go to www.azcentral.com  for school solutions often and see what’s happening for kids.  She has all kinds of information that relates to kids and unique ways to help them learn.  By the way….we totally reinforced math and reading in our classes this summer.  Just ask your kids what ¾ + ¾ is and see what kind of answers you get!!!

Our four teenagers also did a great job on Good Evening Arizona, Channel 3, on Wednesday, July 11.  Check them out at Teen Boot Camp on Channel 3.  They made a healthy and tasty salad that both kids and adults can enjoy.  We have some stars in the making, don’t we! 

Coming up … I’m no dummy.  I’ve scheduled an appearance on AM Arizona Live on Friday, August 17 At 10 a.m. on KAZ-TV, channel 13 here in the valley.  It’s shot in Prescott and the weather should be great.  We’ll be making cold soups on air.  I’m bringing my immersion blender.  I just can’t wait to shoot soup all over everyone in the studio.  You know what happens when you put a power tool in my hands!!!

The East Valley Tribune At Home section will feature an article on potlucks.  They requested a casserole recipe from us.  It will be in the Saturday, August 11 paper.  Watch for our Inside Out Ravioli Casserole.  This one is so easy that we have made this recipe in our younger kids classes. 

Don’t forget to check out our recipes in The Groves Report and The View.   If you get either of those newspapers, our recipes are in the ‘Recipe Corner’ column. 

Artwork -- As a reminder, if you were interested in purchasing any of the artwork displayed throughout the house, please let me know.  The artist’s showing will be over in a few weeks and all art will be returned to the artist.  Several of you commented on the great purple wine painting and also the giant cupcake painting.  So if you want to own it, let me know soon.  If you decide later than you really wanted a painting, don’t worry.  The artists are local and we can probably hook you up later.

Mailing List – If you know anyone who would like to be on our mailing list, please forward this newsletter to him or her and let us know so that we can add him or her to the list.

Gift Certificates – We offer gift certificates year round, so keep us in mind when trying to buy something for the person with everything.  They make a great shower, birthday, anniversary or ‘just because’ gifts.  We have some great classes scheduled.  Call or e-mail us for details on gift certificates. 

Summer is just about over.  Good news for some; not so good news for others (like me).  Enjoy the dog days of summer and let’s hope the monsoon continues to be fruitful.  Have a great August and I hope to see you in a class soon.  Don’t forget to bring a friend.

Ice Cream Pie
Serves 8-10 

½ gal	Ice cream (or 1.75 quart container)
1	Graham cracker pie crust (chocolate, graham or shortbread crust works well)
	Chocolate or caramel sauce, optional
	Maraschino cherries, optional
	Chopped nuts, optional
	Whipped cream or Cool Whip, optional

Soften any flavor ice cream until it is soft enough to scoop easily.  Carefully place softened ice cream in the pie crust, pressing down to remove air pockets.  Try not to lift up your spoon from the ice cream or it may break the crust. 

When the crust is as full as you want it (you can make this really high, if you like), cover and place back in the freezer for a few hours to firm up. 

To serve, cut pieces and top with any of the toppings shown above. 

My favorite option:  chocolate crust with cookies and cream ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauce, chopped pecans, and a cherry or two.