Whether you want to add to your healthy-dish repertoire or razzle-dazzle partygoers with a spicy new potluck dish, cooking classes can help.
It’s all about festive vegetarian recipes for the holidays at Down to Earth stores’ cooking classes this month. Here’s a rundown:
Kapolei
Classes run 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 4460 Kapolei Parkway, 675-2300
» Today: "Eat Your Beans!" — Tempeh Bean Balls, Black Bean Stew and Mung Bean Dal
» Dec. 14: "Holiday Treats" — Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, Vegan Sugar Cookies and Icing and Anise Cookies
» Dec. 21: "Warming Holiday Foods" — Pumpkin and Cauliflower Gratin, Brown Rice Polenta and Garlic Braised Greens
» Dec. 28: "After the Holidays: Delicious Detox Recipes" — Pineapple Quinoa, Taboulli and Easy Miso Soup
» Monthly class, 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 17: "Good Luck Food!" — Lentil & Kale Coin Salad, Hoppin’ John, Long Life Noodles
Kailua
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays, no registration required; 201 Hamakua Drive; 262-3838
» Dec. 20: "Mexican Winter Delight!" features Albondigas, Sopas Especiales and Mexican hot chocolate
Pearlridge
5:30-6:30 p.m. first and third Mondays, no registration required; 98-129 Kaonohi St., 488-1375
» Dec. 19: "Christmas Cheer!" — Maple Walnut Cupcakes, Apple and Pear Chai Pie and Salted Chocolate Bark
Kahului, Maui
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, no registration required; 305 Dairy Road, 877-2661
» Tuesday: "The Classics" — Veggie Burgers, Vegan Ranch Dressing and Chocolate Milkshake
» Dec. 20: "Pizza with Pizzaz!" — Raw Pizza, Spicy Marinara Sauce and Herb-Nut Paté
» Dec. 27: "Mexican Fiesta!" — Veggie Taco Meat, Spicy Salsa and Horchata
Meanwhile, in Asian cooking instructor Walter Rhee’s neck of the woods, classes are geared toward dishes perfect for holiday potlucks.
Cooking classes are held at Palama Market, 1210 Dillingham Blvd.
Food tours meet at the intersection of King and Smith streets, outside Hawaii National Bank (45 N. King St.)
All classes and tours are $80. For reservations, call 391-1550 or email walter@waltereatshawaii.com. The lineup:
» How to Make Kim Chee & Related Dishes (4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday): Kim chee mandoo, noodles, stew, pancake and stir-fry.
» The Only Korean Cooking Class You Will Ever Need (2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday): Basics of bulgogi, barbecue pork, rice dumpling soup, spicy fried rice cake, chap chae and Korean sauce.
» Ultimate Korean-Chinese Dishes (2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday): Chajangmyun (black-bean sauce noodles), champong (seafood noodles), lahjongi (hot, spicy chicken) and sogogi tang soo yook (sweet-sour beef).
» Secrets of Japanese Cooking (2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15): Knife techniques, sautéed, broiled, steamed and simmered dishes and an overview of the best Japanese restaurants and cookbooks.
» Secrets of Sushi Rolls (4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16): Hands-on class offers tips and techniques for making maki.
» Taste of Chinatown Tour (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17): What to eat, where to go, how to eat and how to tell a good eatery. Learn history, culture and food science.
» Oodles of Korean Noodles (2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17): Learn to make various types of noodles plus sauces, toppings and broth for each.
