Summer is here and for those of us in Phoenix, that may not be said with enthusiasm.  With temps rising, we are going to be looking for ways to cool off.  A nice bowl of ice cream sounds good right now…or maybe some iced tea.

We have had quite a few people try to sign up their kids in cooking camp and were unable to accommodate them.  So we decided to add a 3-day session for ‘tweens’.  This session will be held from Monday 7/25 thru Wednesday 7/27.  This, too, will be added to our calendar shortly, but registration has already started.

We currently have an ice cream class scheduled on 7/28 but are moving the class to Saturday August 13.  If you are currently signed up in this class I will contact you to confirm the new date shortly.

We have also added a few classes in August that are not yet on our calendar.  They will be added shortly but are provided here and are available for sign-ups now.

As I write this newsletter the thermometer is tickling 115°.  Sounds to me like it’s time for a nice cold glass of iced tea.  Our friends at Souvia Tea provided us some information on the best ways to make iced tea.  Be sure to try their chai iced tea latte available at the end of this newsletter.  We are also including one of our favorite ice cream recipes at the end of the newsletter. 

Please celebrate our country’s birth safely and keep your fingers crossed that our cooling monsoon rains will start soon 

Grocery Store Help -- I used to be able to remember everything I needed to buy at the grocery store, but that can be tough.  There’s a website that has a free grocery list maker that you may like.  It’s at www.grocerylistmaker.com.  Give it a try to see if you like it.  It doesn’t cost a thing and can save you some time.

USDA Guidelines for Pork – In case you missed it, I want to make sure you see the USDA’s new guidelines for cooking pork.  To get more information see new pork cooking guidelines.

Healthy Snacks for Kids -- We will be holding a free class at the Chandler Public Library, Bashas branch on Wednesday July 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.  The topic will be healthy snacks.  The class is open for kids 10 and up.  Please call the Chandler Public Library to reserve a spot.  You do not have to be a Chandler resident to attend.

Beginner Series -- We have just added another beginner series session to our schedule.  We are doing something different this time by scheduling classes on Wednesday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.  The series will be held from 9/7 thru 10/5.  The price for the entire series is $299 for those registering by July 7.  After that date, our prices will increase to $325.  The website will show $325 for everyone but as a newsletter reader, you will receive the discounted price.

Classes for July 2011 -- We are offering both adult and kids/teen classes in July.  Our adult classes are on Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Our kids/teen classes are weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  See class details on our July class calendar. 

On Thursday, July 14 we will be offering our Let’s Get Pickled class where we will be making several different types of pickles (dill and bread/butter along with pickled jalapenos).  $68/person

Note:  our Thursday, July 28 we will be offering our Ice Cream Desserts class will be moving to August 13.

Our last Kids 8-12 Mini Camp is offered on 7/11 thru 7/13.  This session offers pizza, picnic food and desserts.  $150 per session

On Monday 7/18 thru Friday 7/22 we are offering our Teen Boot Camp.  The menu will feature Mediterranean, Thai, French, Caribbean and American menus.  Cost is $260 for the series.

JUST ADDED -- On Monday 7/25 thru Wednesday 7/28 we are offering a Mini Boot Camp class for kids ages 10-14.  The menu will be posted on our website within the next few days.  The cost is $145 for the series if you sign up by July 7; $155 after that date.

Upcoming Classes for August 2011 -- We are back to offering all adult classes in August.  Our classes are scheduled for Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

JUST ADDED -- Our Canning Basics class will be offered on Thursday, August 4.  In this class we will learn the basics of waterbath canning as we can tomatoes, salsa and jam…along with a special treat.  Cost per class is $68 per perso

NEW DATE -- On Thursday, August 13 we will be offering our Ice Cream Desserts class.  In this all new class we will make homemade ice cream and sorbet as well as several ice cream desserts.  $68 per person.

East Valley Tribune (Get Out section) – My article on meatless Mondays appeared on June 8 edition of the East Valley Tribune.  Read the article at Meatless Mondays for some ideas.  Our next article will feature jazzing up summer picnic side dishes.

In the Media – Catch us make Three Tomato Pomodoro on the Valley Dish, Channel 12 on July 8 at 3:30.  We gave you the recipe last month, but you can find our three tomato pomodoro video and recipe.  It’s perfect for Meatless Mondays or a hot summer day in Phoenix. 

Do you Twitter?  If so, you may have seen discounts we tweeted about.  If you did not, be sure to follow us.  Our Twitter name is SimplyImprssve.  We offer special deals thru Twitter, so get ‘plugged in’ today at http://twitter.com/SimplyImprssve. 

Special Offers – For July, register and pay for any individual class in July or August and receive $10 off the 1^st class, $15 off the 2^nd class, and $20 off the 3^rd class.  The more classes you sign up for, the more you save since 3 classes will save you $45.  Valid for new registrations only.  Not valid for the beginner series.

Recipe of the Month — Rum Glazed Ice Cream -- If you love to cool off with ice cream, you may want to try our rum glazed ice cream.  It’s perfect to serve to your company or to enjoy with your family.  Feel free to make the glaze without the rum if desired.

Drink Recipe of the Month — Chai Iced Tea Latte -- As we all try to keep cool, you might want to try Souvia Tea’s chai iced tea latte to help keep you cool during our hottest days of summer. It’s simple to make and very delicious.

Privacy policy -- We are committed to protecting your privacy at Simply Impressive.  We will not collect any personal information from you that you do not volunteer, and we are the sole owner of all information collected.  We do not sell, share or rent this information to others.

Copyright – Simply Impressive Cooking School 2011, All rights reserved