Our last cooking class for this season was with Chef Paul Cecconi and his trusty Sous Chef Huan (spelling, I’m not sure) at the Home Hardware in Osoyoos, B.C. Chef Paul is from the Local Lounge & Grille in Summerland, B.C. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/85/1483234/restaurant/British-Columbia/Penticton/Local-Lounge-Grille-Summerland
The theme for the night was Mexican and wow, it did not disappoint.
To begin with, when we arrived at the store, the Chef had already set out all items he would need for the show. This Chef is super organized. Truly…out of 10 he rates a perfect 12. Huan was 2 steps ahead of Chef all night long anticipating his every move.
The night started off with a Margarita with Okanagan apples and lime. Different in flavour and texture but still nice, rimmed with blue salt.
Then we had homemade tortillas, fresh tomato salsa, guacamole, Enchilada sauce, Mexican Churros with Lime-Chantilly Cream. Recipes are on-line at Home Hardware-Osoyoos. http://www.osoyooshomehardware.ca/
The biggest secret to us, local foodies, is to take chicken (whole, part, or just breasts). Put it in simmering water. Bring it back to the simmer, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 20 minutes (still covered). Believe it or not…it is cooked, juicy and fall apart chicken.
Chef Paul, Huan and my husband Don, shredded the chicken. Then he added the enchilada sauce (OMG it was good)…add some sour cream, salsa if you wished and wrap it in the tortilla….this was pure bliss on a plate. Now add the churro and cream and it was a perfect way to close the season of cooking shows with wine pairings.
Thank you Chef Paul and Huan and a big thank you to Frances and her staff at Home Hardware.
We did this yesterday for supper and it works and it works beautifully. Thank you Chef Paul.