Tax time is over now and that leaves some time to enjoy this beautiful weather we’re having.  Take some time to view the wildflowers or check out a farmers market.

I’ve been checking out local farmers markets.  I have not been to the ones in Mesa yet, but there is a great one in Town and Country center in Phoenix.  If you happen to be by 20^th Street and Camelback on Wednesday mornings, stop on by.  As I visit locations in the East Valley, I will let you know what I find.

Spring is definitely here and along with it, some of our best produce is available.  To see what’s in season now, check out the Arizona seasonal produce calendar.  I have several friends that have their own gardens here.  I have never been successful with a garden here in Phoenix, but this year I think I’m going to try.  Wish me luck.  

This is Earth Week.  Try to do something special for our planet.  We are doing our part by offering a solar cooking class.  Sign up for the class to see how the hot Arizona sun can be used to cook your food.

I get questions all the time on which oils to use for various purposes.  Read our selecting the correct oil for cooking article to learn about various common oils.  If you missed it, don’t forget to read our guide to selecting olive oil article for information about using olive oils. 

Upcoming classes for April  -- We are offering classes on Saturday classes are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  To see details, go to April Class Calendar and “mouse over” the class name.

• Saturday 4/24, Solar Cooking demonstration and tasting,  special time 11:a.m. to 1:00 p.m., $25 per person

Upcoming Classes for May 2010 – We are offering classes on Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and our Saturday classes are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  To see details, go to May Class Calendar and “mouse over” the class name.

• Saturday 5/1, Grilling Basics, $63 per person.  This is the last time this class will be offered
• Saturday 5/8, Pasta, Sauces and More, $63 per person.
• Saturday 5/15, Ice Cream class, $63 per person
• Tuesday 5/18 & Saturday 5/22, Hawaiian Luau Entertaining class $63 per person

Kids’ and Teen Classes – Our kids’ 8-12 and teen classes are on the calendar so make your plans accordingly.  More information will follow, but we want to give you the dates.  Notice that there is a discount for those who sign up and pay prior to May 15, so be sure to take advantage of that discount.  One other thing…if, for some reason you believe your child belongs in a session that doesn’t include their age, give me a call and we can discuss it.  Sometimes it can be appropriate to have a child sign up in a class that is for a different age group, but it depends upon the child, their maturity and experience in the kitchen 

·       Ages 8-12 Cooking Camp – June 7 – 11; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $245 week; $225 with early signup discounts – menu tentatively planned is brunch, pasta, party foods, Food Network favorites and build your own class.

·        Ages 8-12 Full Day Cooking Camp – June 21 – June 25; 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; $395; $350 with early signup discounts.  Menu set as chicken alfredo, Mexican, pizza, Asian and ravioli along with recipes and fun educational information for the full day.

·        Teens Cooking Camp -- July 12 – 16; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  $260; $240 with early signup discounts – menu tentatively planned is grilling, Mediterranean foods, Party foods, Desserts and a ‘build your own class’ day where the students will pick what they want to make in this class.

If there is enough interest, we may schedule 1 or 3-day sessions for kids too.  Let us know if that is something you would be interested in.

Special Offers – Our specials for the month of April are below.  Also, watch for our Twitter discounts as they are tweeted.  Be sure to mention the discount when signing up.  One discount per class, please.

Attend a class in April and receive $5 off of any adult class through June.

Sign your child up for any of our kids and teen classes and receive $10 off of an adult class for you.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our early signup discounts for our kids and teen classes. 

In the Media – If you missed the recipes we made on the Valley Dish, check out salmon salad with maple glazed almonds.  If you don’t like salmon, you can substitute pork tenderloin or chicken breasts. 

I am still posting lots of articles and recipes on my site as Mesa Food Examiner.  I am also starting to put my East Valley restaurant reviews there so you know some great local places to try.  Be sure to stop by, or better yet, subscribe to the Mesa Food Examiner so you will automatically see what we are posting.  It’s free.  Just click where you see ‘subscribe’ to get them automatically. That way you can read what you want, and ignore the rest.