26 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, March 18, 2010 Gerry is writing today... It's the beginning of March and I have been busily enjoying myself redeeming some Christmas gift certificates. Naturally, some of them had to do with food-- what else? A couple of weeks ago, Dave and I enjoyed some time with Lori's oldest son, Alex at a local Chinese restaurant with his generous and thoughtful gift certificate. Of course, being 16, he scooped up the leftovers. Thank you Alex, we enjoyed our evening together! In mid-February, Alex, Michael, Grandpa Dave and I Grandsons help shake off winter with special experiences travelled to Buffalo for the weekend. This gift Lori Gysel & Gerry certificate for the three of us was Kentner courtesy of Dave. Dave and Alex got to enjoy a Buffalo Sabres game one night while on another night, Michael and I participated in a cooking class at the Culinary Arts Centre at Auburn Watson on Walden Ave, just down the road from the Galleria Mall. This facility is the creation of the CIA, the Culinary Institute of America where we have toured and eaten in several US locations over the years. This was Michael's first adult cooking class and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. As it was a "handson" class, each set of two people made one recipe for this Celebration Dinner Party Menu. The menu as follows: · Roasted sunchoke soup with garlic chips and herbed crème fraiche · Pan seared Maine sea scallops with leek fondue, tomato marmalade and parmesan tuilles · Roasted prime Kurobuta pork loin · Panzanella salad · Haricots vert and baby carrots Two chefs supervised the preparation of the meal while all 16 participants cooked. The chefs then served this delicious meal up buffet style. Would-be-chef Michael at 13 years was treated as one of the rest of the adults and I must say "held his own", as he prepare tomato marmalade. Michael and I shared the gift certificate for their "shop" and purchased a silicone whisk, stainless measuring spoons and a four- cup liquid measuring cup. A wonderful experience and a fun night with a grandson. My other certificates were for movies, clothing and the spa. It's been a wonderful month and has beaten the blahs! Have fun and keep cooking! What's Cookin': Chicken Wings with Nippy Basting Sauce Ingredients · 2 lbs chicken wings · 1 1/2 cups flour · 1 tsp each of salt, pepper and paprika · 1 tsp garlic powder · 1/3 cup melted butter Sauce ingredients · 1 cup white sugar · 1 tsp each of dry mustard, paprika, and salt · dash of pepper · 1 cup cider vinegar · 1 clove garlic, minced · 3/4 cup ketchup · 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce · 1 tbsp curry powder Method Wash and pat dry wings. Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Dredge wings in flour mixture. Shake off excess. Brush all sides with melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes. Turn wings and bake another 20 minutes until crisp and golden. Combine all sauce ingredients and simmer 5 minutes. Brush wings with sauce and bake another 10 minutes. Email questions and comments to Lori and Gerry at whatscookin@independentfreepress.com SUMMER HOCKEY BEGINS! Youth Boys / Girls 7 to 17 year olds 4, 5 & 6 year old Instructional 905 451.9275 Our14th Year! Teams & Individuals We Play 3-20 Min Periods 905 840.7370 or 905 796.7876 Visit our website: www.arenapro.com Our 35th Year! Summer Mens