Hi, everyone.  It’s still beautiful here in Phoenix, but the weather is starting to warm up.  The orange blossoms are gone and their annual flower and perfume display is just a memory now.  Life is beautiful, isn’t it. 

After a few weeks off, we are back in full swing again.  We’ve got our adult classes scheduled each week in April.  If you are already thinking about how to keep your kids entertained this summer, check out our kids and teen classes on our website.  We’re giving you more options for the kids classes this year with full week sessions, 3-day sessions, an advanced teen class and even a full-day option for 8-12 year olds during one of our weeks. 

This month we are featuring a recipe to use your ham that is left over from Easter.  We are also offering some great specials for April so make sure to check them out.

April Adult Classes – We are offering classes on Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and our Saturday classes are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For menus, ‘mouse over’ the class name at April Class Calendar.

On Saturday 4/4 and Thursday 4/9 we are offering our Polish Pierogi class where we will prepare pierogi with three fillings...perfect for your holidays.  If you have never eaten homemade pierogi, you absolutely must attend this class.  Be sure to bring containers to take some of these delectible treats with you.  $63 per person. 

On Tuesday 4/7 and Saturday 4/11, join us at our Easter Brunch class.  You will prepare a fantastic make-ahead Easter brunch.  $63 per person. 

The weather is getting warm and it’s time to start enjoying salads again.  Sign up for

Hearty Dinner Salad II where you will prepare wonderful salads hearty enough for the main meal.  If you think we’ll be only learning to make salads, you’re wrong.  You will also learn to make pan roasted pork tenderloin, poached chicken and so much more  This class is scheduled on Tuesday 4/14 and again on Saturday 4/14.  $63/person. 

On Tuesday 4/21 and Saturday 4/25 we will be holding our Pasta 3 Ways class.  We will make lots of pasta meals that your family will love.  $63 per person. 

If you love salmon, be sure to sign up for our Tuesday 4/28 or Saturday 5/2— Grilled Salmon class.  We will make a wonderful cedar planked salmon meal.  $63 per person. 

Upcoming Classes for May – We are offering classes on Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and our Saturday classes are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For menus, ‘mouse over’ the class name at May Class Calendar.

Repeated from our Tuesday class … If you love salmon, be sure to sign up for our Saturday 5/2— Grilled Salmon class.  We will make a wonderful cedar planked salmon meal.  $63 per person. 

Prepare yourself for summer entertaining with our Pool Party Appetizers class.  We will feature some great recipes that work well in our hot summer.  This class is scheduled on Tue 5/5 and again on Sat 5/9 —$63 per person. 

Were you born without the ‘grilling gene’?  If so, come to our Grilling Basics class.  We will learn how to grill foods correctly. Our focus will be on making various types of meats, but we will also make sides and desserts.  Classes are scheduled on Tue 5/12 and repeated on  Sat 5/16.  $63 per person.  This makes a great early Father’s Day gift for the guy in your life.

If you love to entertain but don’t want to spend the whole time in the kitchen, plan on attending our Memorial Day BBQ on Tue 5/19 and repeated on Sat 5/23.  We will prepare a great grilled meal that won’t take you away from your guests.  $63 per person. 

Plan on attending our Hearty Dinner Salads III on Thurs 5/28 where we will make some of my favorite salads including a fajita salad, chicken salad and Thai beef salad.  The cost for this class is $63 per person.

Kids (8-12), Teen (13 & up) and Advanced Teen Classes – Our summer boot camp classes are now on our website.  See our June Calendar and July Calendar for the schedules, menus and prices.  Note that we are offering discounts for those signing up by May 15.  If you are not already on our kids/teens mailing list, let us know and we will add your name.  You will receive information about our young people’s classes before the general public. 

Our classes are scheduled around vacation time for several of our local school districts, so hopefully they will fit within your schedule.

Keep in mind that we hold private classes for kids, too.  Give us a call so we can design a schedule and menu to fit your child’s needs. 

Special Offers – Our specials for the month of April are below.  One discount per class, please.

Sign up for any class in April and receive $5 off that class. 

We still have our ongoing special which is -- sign up a friend who has never taken a class here before, and you will receive $10 off your next class with their paid enrollment.

Don’t forget the savings on our kids and teen classes if you sign up and pay by 5/15.

Private groups – we love to hold private group sessions and hold them at my place or yours.  We can accommodate up to 12 at our location.  If you would like more information on private classes, give us a call.  We can plan special menus to fit your needs.

In the Media – We are still limiting the TV and radio shows we are doing, so this one will be a special treat.  We will be on Sonoran Living audience show on April 10 at 9:00 a.m.  While this will be telecast live at 9 a.m. on Channel 15, this is the first time we will be doing a show with an audience.  So, if you’d like to attend the Sonoran Living live audience show, go to the Sonoran Living website (www.sonoranliving.com) to sign up.  You will have a great time….and it’s free, too.

As mentioned, we have cut our media appearances way down this year.  We are getting closer to having many of our other appearances available on the internet.  We hope to have them available over the next few months.  

Do you Twitter?  If so, follow us to see what we’re up to.  Find us at http://twitter.com/SimplyImprssve.  My twitter tweets will also be found on my Facebook page (become my friend…Judy Toth).

Thanks -- I would like to thank you for your continued support of Simply Impressive Cooking School.  Have a great Spring and hope to see you soon. 

Recipe of the Month – With Easter upon us, many of us serve ham for the festivities.  After we’re done with our meal, there’s usually a lot of ham leftover.  This month, I’d like to feature another use for your ham.  We are using a pre-made crust in this recipe, but if you have the time, make your own crust.  You can also purchase the dough from Trader Joe’s or even your local pizza parlor.  Enjoy your leftover ham in a new way.  Oh yes, if you do not have leftover ham, just purchase a thick slice of ham from the deli and dice it up.  It works just fine.

Ham Pizza
Serves 1 to 2 

8”	Boboli Crust
3 tbsp	Mayonnaise
1 tbsp	Dijon mustard
2 tbsp	Parmesan cheese, shredded
½ cup	Ham, diced
¼ cup	Asparagus tips, cooked and chopped
¼ cup	Cheddar cheese shredded
¼ cup	Mozzarella cheese shredded

Preheat oven to 450°.

Mix together mayonnaise, mustard and parmesan cheese.  Spread atop the Boboli crust, leaving about ½ inch border on crust.

Sprinkle on ham and asparagus.  Sprinkle on cheddar and mozzarella.  Bake for 8-10 minutes until crust is warm and cheese is melted.  Enjoy!