It is just about summer break for kids and everybody seems to preparing for the hot weather ahead.  I’m still waiting for the pool to warm up.  It is taking a long time this year. 

We have received several calls asking us to add kids and teen classes at other times throughout the summer.  It seems like we hit everybody’s vacations.  So we will definitely be adding a 2-day series for 8-12 year olds in the end of July and if there is enough demand, we will add a few days for teens in June if at all possible.  Watch our website for details as they are posted. 

We are just about ready to post our classes through the end of the year.  We finally have our beginners series scheduled for those of you who have been asking for one.  It will run in the early Fall. 

There has been so much talk lately about food sustainability; especially about seafood.  If you do not know whether the seafood you enjoy is sustainable, take a look at the pocket guides at sustainable seafood.  Better yet, print them off so you can be assured of selecting sustainable seafood next time you go shopping. 

Don’t forget to check our Arizona seasonal produce calendar to take advantage of the best fruits and vegetables available at the best price.  Because of the weather we’ve had this season, some items may be running a few weeks later. 

For a great seafood recipe featuring halibut, see Moroccan seared halibut with peach and jicama fresca.  Eddie Matney from Eddie’s House in Scottsdale was kind enough to share his recipe with us.  You can still pick your own perfect peaches from Schnepf  Farms to use with this recipe.

Upcoming Adult Classes for June 2010 – We are offering classes on Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  To see details, go to June Class Calendar and “mouse over” the class name.

• Thursday 6/3, Grilled Favorites, $63 per person. 

Kids’ and Teen Classes – Our kids’ 8-12 and teen classes are on the calendar so make your plans accordingly.  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 – June 11; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $245 week – menu tentatively planned is brunch, homemade pasta, desserts, 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 per week.  Menu set as chicken alfredo, Mexican, pizza, Asian and ravioli along with recipes and fun educational information for the full day. This is just like having two cooking classes in one day with a break in between.

·        Teens Cooking Camp-- July 12 – 16; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  $260 per week; – menu planned is grilling, Mediterranean foods, Party foods, Desserts and a ‘Food Network Favorites”.

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 May 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 and you must mention the discount when you sign up for the class.

Attend a class in May and receive $8 off of any adult class through August.

If your child is attending any of our week-long boot camps, you are eligible to receive $10 off of one adult class.  While  you must sign up and pay for the class in May,  you can take any class scheduled for the rest of the year. 

In the media – Last month we had a solar cooking class.  Channel 12 heard about it and did an interview with Jackie, our solar cooking expert, and me.  If you haven’t seen the segment, watch Solar Cooking with Jackie and Judy.  You can also see Channel 12’s article at Channel 12's article by Nicole McGregor .  We have already had a few people ask us to repeat the class, so if you want to attend one, make sure to let me know. 

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.