"Jillyanna's pizza classes were so well received that I decided to expand the offerings this year," explained owner Jill Strauss. "People who enjoyed learning about the joys of making wood-fired pizzas last season can now broaden their repertoires, and new students will have their pick of several exciting new cooking topics."
The season will kick off on May 4 with the first in a series of monthly brunch classes. This new course will be part demo, part hands-on, and participants will help make egg dishes, toppings for breakfast pizzas, vegetable gratins and fruit salads. Students also will enjoy crostini with smoked salmon and other gourmet toppings, Tuscan coffee cake, fresh squeezed juice and locally roasted coffee. Summer brunch at Jillyanna's will be offered every Sunday in July and August from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and the cost is $150 per person.
In honor of Mother's Day, Father's Day and Grandparents' Day, Jillyanna's has scheduled special parent and child classes this year. To be held on Sundays, May 11, June 15 and September 7, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., this 2-1/2-hour pizza-making class is designed for one parent and one child age 9 and older who want to have fun while strengthening their bond. Homemade pizza dough will be provided along with an array of delicious, child-friendly ingredients. Participants will design their own pizzas and help make fruit and vegetable salads. Dessert pizza and homemade gelato will also be served. The cost is $250 per parent and child duo.
Jillyanna's signature 3-1/2-hour pizza classes begin Friday, May 9, from 5-8:30pm. Like last season, students will learn to handle three types of pizza dough and cook them in three different ovens: electric, gas and wood-fired. Gourmet toppings include seafood; sausages; meatballs; farm fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs; aged balsamic vinegar; imported Italian cheeses; extra virgin olive oils; and nuts. Chef's appetizer, farmer's salad, iced tea and dessert are included in the course fee of $150.
"All our classes are hands-on, very interactive and lots of fun," said Strauss. "Participants get to really get their hands in the process and then enjoy the fruits of their labors around a beautifully set table. The limited class sizes (8-10 people) and intimate setting allow me and my staff to provide personal attention and meaningful interaction with each and every student. Plus there are almost always a few leftovers to take home and enjoy later."
Other highlights of the season include:
- Sunday Pasta classes: Two pasta classes will be offered in May (18th and 25th, 3-6:30 p.m.) . Students will learn to make fettuccine and ravioli as well as fillings and sauces accented by fragrant herbs.
- During the Kennebunkport Festival, Jillyanna's will offer a special pizza lunch class on Thursday, June 5.
- Themed events, including classes on Haunting Halloween Pies (October 31), Flavors of Thanksgiving (November 15), and Prelude Pies (December 5).
- Due to demand, Jillyanna's will offer a three-day wood-fired week-end intensive, Friday, September 26-Sunday, September 29. Tailor made for those who really want to explore the world of wood-fired cooking, this class includes pizza party supper on Friday night, continental breakfast and hearty wood-fired lunch on Saturday, gourmet wood-fired supper on Sunday and recipes.
The full schedule and course descriptions are available at www.jillyannas.com.
Jillyanna's Woodfired Cooking School enjoyed phenomenal success in its inaugural season, attracting students from across the country--Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California and Texas--and earning rave reviews from the Portland Press Herald, the Boston Globe and Trip Adviser, among others. The truly unique offering is a fabulous option for everything from date nights, birthday parties and team building events to bridal and private parties. The classes are festive, elegant and delicious and can be tailored to meet the needs of the host or hostess.
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