Yippee, it’s here.  I used to hear everybody saying that when summer finally arrived.  I lived in the Midwest and after our long winters, we were thrilled to put away our heavy coats.  But here, it’s just the opposite….except for me.  I still love the summer, even here in Phoenix.  My sunscreen is ready, and so is my grill.  Even though it’s hot, we still like to enjoy a great meal.  And that’s exactly what we will do this June...great meals that help keep you cool. 

We also have some very helpful information at the end of the newsletter about how to make the most out of your BBQ grill.  Check out the article about making the most out of your BBQ grill (BBQ article). 

Class Schedule -- For June, we are offering classes on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  And this month we have a special Wednesday morning class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

If you see a class that is not offered on an evening or weekend, just request that it be added.  I can put it on the calendar and see what happens.  The more notice, the better, so I can advertise the additional dates.

June Classes – In June we really turn up the heat on ‘cool’ cooking.  Back by popular demand is our Simple Dinner Salads class (Tues 6/5 & Thurs 6/7) where we will teach you how to make several salads that are hearty enough for even the biggest appetites.  We will also show you how to make a healthy, edible bowl that’s fun to make and eat, without all the fat.  Cost for this class is $58 per person. 

In our Kabobs class (6/12 only) you will make kabobs where your food cooks evenly and tastes great every time.  We have recipes that are great for meat eaters and vegetarians alike.  Price per person is $58.

On Wed 6/20 and Sat 6/23 we will have our Summer Grilling class where we will make cedar planked salmon as well as other great items outside on our grill.  Keep your house cool while you prepare a wonderful meal.  Price per person is $58.

If you are too plum out of ideas on how to make a healthy meal that is fabulous, join us at our Healthy Summer Cooking class (Tues 6/26 and Thurs 6/28).  We will prepare grilled flank steak and all the trimmings.  Price per person is $58.

Upcoming classes for Adults – Mark your calendar for our upcoming classes for July.  We are splitting the month between adult classes and our kid’s boot camp. 

For our adult classes, we have Simple Desserts on Tuesday 7/17 and our Healthy Eating/Stir Fry on Tuesday 7/31.  Sorry, no weekend or evening classes in July.

Upcoming classes for Kids -- Our kid’s boot camp for ages 8-12 runs on 7/9 thru 7/13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  See Class Info - 8-12 Year Olds for menu details.  The price for the ‘tweens’ session is $180 per week.  We may open up a second week for our 8-12 year old boot camp since we already have a waiting list.  If the week we currently have scheduled doesn’t work for you, let us know.  We might just be scheduling another week that works better for you. 

Our boot camp for teens ages 13-18 is on 7/23 thru 7/27.  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, too, so watch our website for possible additions. 

I have also been getting requests from parents for a class or two for kids 6 and 7 years old.  I am looking at scheduling a class during the summer.  If you are interested, please let me know.

Survey Winner – I am pleased to announce that Judy Sesler  won our current survey drawing.  Judy will receive a gift certificate for a free class.  Congratulations, Judy.  For those of you who have attended classes and completed our survey, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I have implemented some changes as identified in your surveys.  I also take the suggestions for other classes to offer and you may see your suggested class on the calendar soon.

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.  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 – We are continuing our summer special.  For the month of June, book and pay for three classes at the same time and receive $10 off your third class.   These classes must be attended from June through August 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 through mid-October.  And if you can believe it, we are finalizing our holiday schedule now.  So if there is something you absolutely want to learn regarding holiday baking or candy making, make sure you tell me right away so we can schedule them, if possible. 

In the media – I hope you caught our article in The East Valley Tribune where we talked about picnics and provided a few great recipes.  If you missed it, you can check it in the May 19 At Home section of the East Valley Tribune.  Or, check it out online at Picnics.

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.

See Simply Impressive on Sonoran Living on Monday, June 25 at 9:00 a.m.  It’s on Channel 15 in Phoenix.  We will be making light summer meals. 

I’ve cut down on TV quite a bit lately, but so many of you have asked me to see some of the TV spots from the past.  So over the next few weeks, we are putting our spots out on “YouTube”.  I’ll be putting links to them in our upcoming newsletters.  So grab your cool drinks and be prepared to learn (or laugh, if you are so inclined).  We’ve got a link in this newsletter coming up a little later.  It was my first TV spot and I definitely had the sun in my eyes, but it certainly was fun. 

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.  Don’t forget Fathers Day coming up.  We have some great classes scheduled.  Call or e-mail us for details on gift certificates. 

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

Getting the Most out of your BBQ Grill

It’s Phoenix, it’s summer, and you’re doing everything in your power to keep cool.  But you’re hungry, and you want real food.  As you go to turn on your oven, the fear comes over you.  You don’t want to heat up the whole house.  What to do, what to do?

I want to remind you that you have the best tool in your own backyard to eat well in the summer without heating up your whole house.  That tool is your BBQ grill.  Gas or charcoal; it doesn’t matter.  Right now you are probably using your grill to grill a steak or chicken.  But why stop there.  By setting up your grill properly, you can use your grill as an oven.  You can ‘bake’ a roast, or a meat loaf or even desserts. 

Last year I offered a class on using your grill as an oven.  In it, we made macaroni and cheese, a cake and a tasty meat loaf.  If you missed that class, let me fill you in on how to do this on your own.  Or better yet, watch one of our TV shots from Sonoran Living at BBQ Grilling.

To use your grill as an oven, just set it up for indirect heat.  Indirect heat on a grill is where you have the heat source ‘around’ rather than ‘under’ your food.  Each grill is different so refer to your owners manual on how to do this.  Then, check the temperature of your grill by using a thermometer.  Some gas grills have these built in.  If your grill does not have this, just purchase an oven thermometer.  Generally you are shooting for about 350°, but if your grill is hotter or cooler, you can adjust your baking times accordingly.  Put your food between your hot areas of your grill and let your grill do the baking for you.  It’s really simple and a great way to show Mother Nature that she’s not getting the best of you!!

So fire up your grill and don’t feel like you have to give up your favorite foods just because it’s summer.  Be creative.  You’ll be glad you did.