Ahhh, September is upon us and the end of our long, hot summer is just about here.  Summer vacations are over and fall is nipping at the calendar.  With weather cooling down a bit, it’s time to think about cooking again. 

We have had so many requests for kids’ classes that I’m waiting for things to settle down again and will definitely include some classes for the 8-12 year olds.  Watch our calendar as we will be adding additional kids’ classes soon.  And don’t miss the Shamrock Farms offer for kids identified later in this newsletter.

Many of you will be having Labor Day BBQs this weekend and I always love to serve fun salads at mine.  This month, we will be featuring an old standby, the Broccoli Salad.  It has broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and a whole lot of flavor.  It is simple to make and much better than the stuff you buy at your grocery store’s deli.  Find the recipe at the end of our newsletter.

Saving Money at the Grocery Store – Lately a few radio and TV stations have asked me to do features related to saving money at the grocery store.  I will be featuring information in this newsletter each month to help you stretch your dollar further.  Today’s money saving tip is one I learned when doing some research for KTAR.  Do you know that some grocery stores accept competitor coupons?  In my area, Albertson’s is more than happy to accept a store coupon from another store.  Lately I’ve been getting a lot of $5 off coupons for a local start-up store.  Instead of throwing them out, I now bring them to Albertson’s for an extra boost in my grocery savings.

Also, around the holidays many stores feature double and triple coupons.  Make sure to use up some of the lower value coupons you have around your house.  The doubling and tripling can really help your budget. 

Organic Produce and Dairy Farm Tours – Over the past few years, I have had quite a few calls regarding organic produce.  While I have not done an organic class per se, I have been trying out a lot of different organic products.  I recently learned that a local farmer is selling organic food baskets and is making them available to us.  To learn more about this, see http://www.superstitionfarmtours.com/organic.html or contact Todd Venable of ‘Our Organics’ at ourorganics@gmail.com.  He mentioned to me that they will be adding an additional pick-up point shortly in Gilbert.  

Even if you don’t purchase the organic products, bring your entire family out to the farm tours at Superstition Farm.  We brought the kids a few weeks ago and everybody, including the adults, loved it.  You can find out about the tours at http://www.superstitionfarmtours.com/Tours.html.

September Adult Classes – Classes are back in full force in September.  We are offering classes on Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., our Thursday morning quick classes are from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, and our Saturday classes have a new time of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

On Thursday, 9/4 we will have a quick morning class, Thai Salad with Chicken.  This class features a flavorful and easy salad that even those with hearty appetites will love.  Cost for this class is $49 per person.

On Tuesday 9/9 we will have our Healthy and Hearty Salads class where we will prepare several salads that are simple and delicious.  They are perfect for this, or any time of year.  Cost is $63/person

On Tuesday 9/16 and Saturday 9/20, we will have our Dog Day Dinners where we feature cool recipes and seasonal vegetables.  See Dog Day Dinners for our menu.  Cost per class is $63 per person

On Tuesday 9/23 and Saturday 9/27 we are featuring our Italian Night class.  Last time we offered it, we opened up additional sessions and still had a waiting list.  If you love Italian food, this is a must to attend.  Cost per class is $63 per person.

On Tuesday 9/30 we are offering our Panini and Soup class.  We will make several Italian grilled sandwiches, using both a panini machine and stovetop methods.  Cost per class is $63 per person.

Upcoming Classes for October – October brings up cooler weather and classes that are perfect for the Fall.  We have both 3 hour and ‘quick’ 2 hour classes as well as several Saturday classes.

On Tues 10/7 and Sat 10/11 we offer our Oktoberfest class.  We will make a fantastic German meal that is great for the Fall. Cost is $63 per person. 

On Tues 10/14  and Sat 10/18 we will be making Fall Casseroles.  We will prepare 3 simple casseroles that will help you get out of the kitchen fast.  $63/person

On Tues 10/21 we again feature an International gem.  Our Thai One On class features a simple yet delicious Thai meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. $63/person

Our last class in October is offered on Tues 10/28 & Sat 11/1.  It is our Dinners in a Hurry  class where we will use deli meats in creative ways to make simple dinners in a hurry.  $63/person

Special Offers – Our special for the month of September is sign up and pay for a class in September and receive $5 off your class fee.  Also, if you recommend a friend who has never taken a class here before, you will receive $10 off your next class.  One discount per person, please.

Special Kids Offer With Shamrock Farms – Shamrock Farms is looking for kids from 6-12 to be part of their ‘Roxie’s Taste Buds’ group.  Selected kids will serve as the official consumer flavor panel.  This group also does things like participate in a milk mustache photo shoot, get tours of Shamrock Farms Farm and lots of other fun stuff.  Applications must be turned in before September 14, 2008.  If you are interested, go to www.shamrockfarms.net and click on the Contests & More link.  

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.  

Methods of Payment – Remember that payment is due up front for classes.  While we prefer checks, we also take PayPal as an alternative payment method.  If you absolutely must pay with credit cards, let us know so that we can send you a PayPal invoice via e-mail. 

Cancellation Policy – For our adult classes, we must have at least 72 hour notice before class in order to apply a full credit towards another class.  Cancellations made less than 72 hours before class will NOT receive a credit.  Of course, if WE cancel a class, you are entitled to a full refund. 

Cookware Discounts – We are pleased to offer our Simply Impressive friends a 10% discount at Andrews Restaurant Supply & Equip.  Andrews is located at 1719 E. Southern Ave in Tempe.  Call them at 480-496-4755.  The offer excludes equipment, glass and special orders.  Tell them that you are from Simply Impressive.  Offer expires 12/31/2008.

In the media – A while back I was featured on the Vibrant Nation website which is for women over 50.  They recently asked me to provide them with a monthly feature.  Watch http://www.vibrantnation.com/ for recipes, restaurant reviews, cooking ideas, etc. 

I would like to thank for your continued support of Simply Impressive Cooking School and I hope to see you in a class soon. 

Recipe of the Month

Broccoli Salad

Makes 6 servings

6 cups	Broccoli florettes broken into small pieces
1 cup	Mayonnaise
2 tbsp	Granulated sugar
2 tbsp	White wine vinegar
½ cup	Red onion, diced
½ cup	Dried cranberries
8 rashers	Bacon, crumbled (about ½ cup)
⅔ cup	Sunflower seeds
dash	Freshly ground black pepper
	Salt to taste

Blanch broccoli in boiling water for about 1 minute.  Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking.  Keep in ice water for about 5 minutes.  Drain well. 

Cook bacon until crisp, if necessary, and crumble.

Mix together mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar to make a dressing.  Stir in onions, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds and broccoli.  Season with salt and pepper.  Chill until ready to serve.