July 2007 Newsletter

Hi, everyone.  I couldn’t wait for the summer to get here and the pool to warm up.  And warm up it did.  I did not request the 117° we are scheduled to get this week.  You’re on your own for that one.  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 cooking items in a Simply Impressive cooking class. 

This month, we have a great recipe that you can make from scratch or use leftovers from your fajita dinner.  Try our recipe featuring a simple, light and delicious Fajita Salad Recipe. 

Testimonials – During our classes you all fill out surveys.  So many of you have written such nice things about our classes that I would love to add your comments to our testimonial page on our website.  If you would like to write a testimonial, just send it to us, and if you include your picture, we’ll put a picture of you on our website.

Post your Picture – In the past, some of you have sent us pictures from home where you were cooking….you know the ones where you offered ‘proof’ that you really did make one of our recipes.  I’d love to put your photos on our website.  So, grab your cameras and e-mail us a photo of you cooking, and you might just find yourself on the main page of Simply Impressive’s site.  Oh yes, while it would be great if you were making one of our recipes, you can cook anything you’d like.  We cannot guarantee that all pictures make it on our website, but we will try.

Class Schedule – Our class schedule for the month of July is a little different than for other months.  For July, we are offering adult classes on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Our Kids boot camp class times are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 for the 8-12 year olds and from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the Teens.  Don’t worry, our adult class schedules will return to normal shortly.

July Classes – We are offering two classes for adults this month.  On Thurs morning 7/19 we are featuring Simple Desserts. The menu features simple desserts such as cream puffs and puff pastry shells.  After eating all those desserts, we’re going to eat healthy.  On Tues 7/31 we are featuring Healthy Eating/Stir Fry class.  We will be making two stir fry recipes along with some great appetizer and side dishes….all healthy.  Both classes are $58 per person.  Sorry, no weekend or evening classes in July since the kids boot camp classes will take a lot of our time.

Upcoming classes for Adults – Mark your calendar for our upcoming classes for August.  On Tues 8/7 we will feature Dog Day Dinners.  We will be preparing dishes that will help keep you cool on our long, hot, dog days of summer.  Dog Day Dinners is $58 per person.  Then we will prepare for a Labor Day Party with our Labor Day BBQ.  This class will be on Wednesday 8/29 and is $63 per person.

Upcoming classes for Kids – Our kid’s boot camp for ages 8-12 has a waiting list, but if I get enough requests, I will consider running it again this summer.  If you are interested, let me know.  The information on this class can be found at Class Info - 8-12 Year Olds. 

Our boot camp for teens ages 13-18 is on 7/23 thru 7/27.  There are still a few spots available for this class.  If your teen wants to learn how to cook, this is the class for them.  These sessions run from 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. and cost $195 per week.  See Class Info - 13-18 Year Olds for menu details.  We have had quite a few requests to hold this on another week.  Unfortunately, we are unable to add an additional boot camp this year. 

I have also been getting requests from parents for a class or two for kids 5 to 7 years old.  I am tentatively scheduling a class on Sat 8/4, but am considering a few other dates.  If you are interested, please let me know.  These classes will be very small and will require that an adult stay during the class.

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.  

Dress code reminder – The first time someone books a class, I always inform people to dress comfortably.  For your own personal safety, I am also requesting that you wear closed toe shoes to class.  We get out of the habit of wearing closed shoes here in Phoenix since it is so warm, but safety absolutely must come first. 

Payment reminder – It has always been our policy to require class payment up front.  Please remember to send your check prior to class.  Keep in mind that the only thing that assures your place in the class is payment in full.  Also, remember that we have a 72 hour cancellation policy, so if you need to cancel, please do so more than 72 hours before class whenever possible. 

Special Offers – For the month of July, register for any adult class through September and bring a friend.  Save $10 on your class with your friend’s paid class.  This offer does not apply to kids classes.  These classes must be attended from July through September and apply to adult classes.  Only one discount may be applied to any class.

Our website – Refer to our website often at www.simplyimpressive.com for the latest in class information.  In case you haven’t noticed, class schedules are available for the remainder of the year.  I have also added additional Saturday and evening classes that so many of you have requested. 

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.  So, here’s the schedule as I know it today. 

Sonoran Living, Channel 15, on Monday, July 2 from 9-10 a.m. where we will be making Salads and lighter dinners.

Channel 12 News, School Solutions, on Friday, July 6, 5:40 a.m. and 6:40 a.m., where kids from 8-12 will be featured making breakfast.  Make sure to TIVO this since the kids will be getting up really early to do this show!!!

Good Evening Arizona, Channel 3, on Wednesday, July 11 from 5-6 p.m. featuring teenagers from our Teens Boot Camp. 

Arizona Midday, Channel 12, on Monday, July 16, 11 a.m. to Noon, where we will be making potato salads. 

We will be posting videos of these TV appearances on “You Tube” shortly if you miss any of these appearances. 

We’re still posting recipes in The Groves Report and The View.   If you get either of those newspapers, be sure to check ‘Recipe Corner’ column for our recipes.

Simply Impressive Blog – Watch for my blog shortly where we go through the trials and tribulations of the allergy diet I am currently dealing with.  I have learned so much in the last few months that I want to share these experience with you.

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. 

Have a great July and I hope to see you in a class soon.  Don’t forget to bring a friend.

Fajita Salad Recipe

It’s just too darn hot to eat heavy meals, isn’t it.  We have the perfect recipe for you.  We all love fajitas, so why not turn your favorite Mexican meal into a lighter dinner.  Try out fajita salad recipe.  It’s simple yet delicious.  If you watch the teenagers on Channel 3, they were making this recipe for the TV cameras.  Back

Fajita Salad with Taco Shell Bowls

Serves 4 to 6

	To make fajita filling:
1	Yellow onion, medium sized
1	Green pepper, medium sized
1	Red pepper, medium sized
1 tbsp	Vegetable oil, divided
1 lb	Chicken breasts, boneless/skinless cut into small chunks
	Fajita seasonings:
1 tsp	Kosher salt
1/8 tsp	Freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp	Chili powder
2 tsp	Cumin
2 tsp	Tequila (optional)
Dash	Garlic powder
	To make salad:
8-10 cups	Romaine lettuce, washed and torn
½ cup	Southwestern blend (Corn/black bean/pepper) frozen vegetables, thawed
½ cup	Cheddar cheese
4 tbsp	Sour cream (optional)
4 tbsp	Pico de gallo  (optional)
4 tbsp	Guacamole (optional)
4	10” Flour taco tortillas bowls, baked
	Cilantro lime ranch dressing

For the fajita toppings, slice onions into thin rounds.  Set aside.  Clean and slice peppers into thin slices.  Set aside.

Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in skillet.  Sauté onions 3 minutes.  Add peppers and cook until peppers are al dente.  Remove from pan and set aside.

Cut chicken breasts into thin slices that are about 2 to 3 inches long.  Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the same pan.  Add chicken to the pan and sauté until chicken is almost cooked through.  Season with fajita seasonings and cook until done.  Add tequila to pan when chicken is done and cook for another minute.  If not using tequila, substitute either water or chicken broth.

To serve, divide lettuce among four tortilla bowls.  Sprinkle Southwestern blend vegetables and cheddar on top of lettuce.  Place chicken/peppers/onion mixture on top.  Top with sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole, if desired. 

Top with cilantro lime ranch or your favorite dressing and serve.  Back