We've Moved!

If you're just finding this via an old link or in case you haven't updated, we've moved our site here:
http://www.slowfoodcincinnati.org
and post most of our events here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Slow-Food-Cincinnati/214789577151?fref=ts

Thanks.

Cooking with Whole Grains - Sep 10th, 10AM - 1PM

Do you want to expand your use of whole grains but find the bulk bins bewildering? Join me as we discuss the following:

o Cooking techniques and recipe ideas
o Types of whole grains and seeds (physical examples will be provided)
o Levels of grain processing and how it affects the cooking process
o Buying and storing tips

We will then move into the kitchen to make an entire meal based on whole grains and seeds – salad, fritters and a dessert. You will leave with the knowledge to incorporate more than just wheat and rice into your everyday cooking!

Classes are held at the Meshewa Farm, 7550 Given Road. The cost of the class is $40. Sign up on the "cooking classes" tab of www.dandelionchef.com. Email Laura with any questions: laura@dandelionchef.com.

Charcoal Grilling Class : July 16th, 10AM-1PM

Charcoal grilling is simple in theory – light the coals and cook until “done”. Why then is it so hard to get perfectly cooked food from the grill? Join me to learn the essentials of charcoal grilling:

• What to consider when purchasing a grill


• Proper tools and equipment


• Building/starting a fire based on the food being grilled


• Preparing the grill for cooking


• Grilling techniques and tips for consistent results


• Turning your grill into a smoker

We will then fire up the grill and start cooking! Everything will be cooked on the grill: bone-in, spice rubbed chicken, farm fresh vegetables and more. You will leave with the skills and knowledge to take the guesswork out of grilling! Cost of the class is $40. The class is held at Meshewa Farm, 7550 Given Rd. Sign up on Laura’s website at http://www.dandelionchef.com/ and send any questions to Laura@dandelionchef.com.

Slow Food happy hour Thursday June 16th

Join Slow Food Cincinnati for our next happy hour at the Northside Tavern on June 16th from 6-8PM! This time we will be starting off with local and organic snacks in the front courtyard from another Northside favorite, Picnic and Pantry. You can also enjoy drinks specials like $3.50 draught beer, $3.25 well drinks and $4.25 wine until 8PM!

If you missed the first happy hour, it was not only fun and social, but also a really great opportunity to talk to the leadership of Slow Food Cincinnati and let us know what you think.

Whether you are looking to get involved, have an idea for an event or just want to have a drink with other like-minded people, the happy hour is your opportunity!

RSVP on facebook if you plan to make it! We hope to see you there!!

Chicken Class : June 11th, 10AM-1PM

Buying a whole chichen is an economical alternative to buying pre-cut parts. However, “breaking it down” and properly cooking each piece can be intimidating. Join Dandelion and Turner Farm in the kitchen for step-by-step, hands-on instruction on how to safely and efficiently break down a whole chicken into breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks. You’ll learn the best cooking procedures for each piece and then end the class by preparing a few recipes together. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a new “favorite piece.” Visit the cooking classes tab of Dandelion's website to sign up. The cost of the class is $50 which includes a whole chicken from Turner Farm.

Quick Bread Cooking Class : May 14th 10AM - 1PM

Dandelion, in collaboration with Turner Farm, is holding a class focusing on quick breads - that is, breads made quickly by using a leavener other than yeast. Made fresh and at home these breads are not only "quick", but easily surpass the flavor and texture of any store-bought or pre-packaged option. We will discuss different types of quick bread, mixing techniques and flavor additions. We will also have hands-on experience making two styles of quick bread: 1) biscuits in a savory application and 2) scones in a sweet application. They will be served with various accompaniments from the farm so you won't leave hungry. To sign up, visit the "cooking classes" tab of Laura's website: www.dandelionchef.com. The cost of the class is $35. Contact Laura with any questions at laura@dandelionchef.com.

Risotto Class : April 16th

Dandelion, in collaboration with Turner Farm, is teaching a risotto making class on April 16th from 10AM-1PM. You will not only have hands-on experience making risotto, but you will also learn why each step in the process is so important. Below is just a sample of the questions that will be answered:

• Rice varieties: what properties you should look for in choosing rice


• Acidic component: why an acidic component is so important


• Stock: why you need to add stock in small quantities


• Flavoring: when should you add meat, vegetables and herbs


• Ratios: how much uncooked rice, stock and wine is needed per serving

Also, we will be making 3 or 4 varieties of risotto in the class for all to try, including Mushroom, Saffron and Spinach w/ Goat Cheese!

Visit the "cooking classes" tab to sign up: http://www.dandelionchef.com/. We hope to see you there!

Slow Food Happy Hour!

Slow Food Cincinnati will host their first happy hour at MOTR Pub on April 26th from 6-8PM! Not only is it fun and social, but it’s also your opportunity to talk to the leadership of Slow Food Cincinnati and let us know what you think. Got a great idea for an event? Looking for ways to get involved? Want to learn more about Slow Food? Just looking to have a relaxing drink with other “Slow” minded people? The SFC happy hour is your opportunity! MOTR Pub is located at 1345 Main Street in Over the Rhine. Can't make it this time? Don't worry - we plan to hold these informal get-togethers every couple of months at various locations around the city.

Slow Food and Wine in Porkopolis

Slow Food Cincinnati and The Party Source host this introductory tasting of heritage pork and handcrafted wine. This is the way pork tasted when Porkopolis ruled the world! We'll try some local wines plus some classics from the Italian home of Slow Food. Meet local producers, farmers, vintners and more in this taste education event of "good, clean and fair" food.

The event will be held on May 11th from 6:30 - 8PM at the Party Source. The cost is $25 and you can reserve your seat here: http://www.thepartysource.com/eq_itemview.php?Id=3031

We hope to see you there!

Matt, Sarah, Krishna and Laura
Slow Food Cincinnati Board

Cooking Class : April 16th

Turner Farm and Laura Robinson will hold a hands-on, farm-to-table cooking class in the Meshewa kitchen on April 16th, from 10AM – 1PM. This is the fourth in a series of classes that will focus on essential cooking techniques using seasonal ingredients picked fresh from the farm.

Risotto is one of very few dishes that is generally better prepared at home than in a restaurant. This is mainly due to the fact that world-class risotto has no effective shortcuts and is never prepared ahead of time. In this class you will learn proper risotto-making techniques and the science behind each indispensible step. As always, we will integrate food from the farm to create a few seasonal varieties of the dish.

The class will begin in the Meshewa kitchen, located at 7550 Given Road in Cincinnati. After we finish eating (and weather permitting), we will tour the Turner Farm gardens. Please dress appropriately.

To sign up, please visit the “cooking class” tab of Laura’s website: www.dandelionchef.com. The cost of the class is $35. Email Laura with any questions at laura@dandelionchef.com.

Fresh Pasta Making Class : March 12th 3-6PM

Turner Farm and Laura Robinson will hold a hands-on, farm-to-table cooking class in the Meshewa kitchen located at 7550 Given Rd*, on March 12th, from 3-6PM. This class is focused on making fresh pasta from scratch. We will walk through all step together and finish with a meal at the end of class. Please bring your own rolling pin and dress appropriately as we may tour the Turner Farm gardens, weather permitting.

To sign up, please visit the “cooking class” tab of Laura’s website: www.dandelionchef.com. The cost of the class is $35. Email Laura with any questions at laura@dandelionchef.com.

*Please note the classes are NOT held at Turner Farm. They are held at the Meshewa Farm, which is located next to Turner Farm. The kitchen is in the same building that is occupied by the Cincinnati Waldorf School Early Childhood Center.

Slow Food Cincinnati needs your help!

We’re calling out to all our members and fans to join us in a discussion for the future direction of Slow Food Cincinnati chapter.  We, as a chapter, are undergoing reorganization and we want to hear from you on how we can keep SFC alive.  Tell us what types of events you want to have for 2011 and what you want to gain from Slow Food Cincinnati chapter.  And finally, for those that want to volunteer your time with the organization, this is for you.  Some of the areas where volunteering opportunities are available: Communications (blog, website, emails) and Outreach (start contacting restaurants/farmers, get their support), Finance (bookkeeping, budget, treasurer) and Event Planning. 

The meeting will be at Park + Vine on Saturday February 26th at 10 AM. 

We look forward to seeing you there,

The Slow Food Cincinnati Board
Matt, Krishna, Laura, and Sarah

TEDx Free live streaming food talks this Saturday

Just a quick note that TEDx Manhattan's theme this Saturday, February 12th is "Changing the way we eat" and they will be holding a free live-stream of all the speakers from 10:30AM to 6 PM with dozens of awesome food speakers including president of Slow Food national Josh Viertel.  Check out the speakers and how to stream on their site here: http://www.tedxmanhattan.org/ its a great chance to catch a number of talks while kicking back after a trip to you favorite farmer's market.

Cooking Class : Feb 12th

Turner Farm and Laura Robinson will hold a hands-on, farm-to-table cooking class in the Meshewa kitchen on February 12th, 2:30-5:30PM. This is the second in a series of classes that will focus on basic cooking techniques using seasonal ingredients picked fresh from the farm.

Everyone has their favorite soup. For some it's the comfort of a hearty chicken noodle, for others it's the complexity of a classic French onion. Others still prefer the richness and depth of a chowder or bisque. In any case, the success of a good soup depends on both a good stock and the appropriate introduction of any variety of ingredients. In this class we will begin by making an easy and flavorful stock. We will then learn how to best introduce vegetables, starches and meat to build a soup that will convince you homemade really is better!

The class will begin in the kitchen, located at 7550 Given Road, adjacent to Turner Farm. After starting on the stock and weather permitting, we will tour the gardens and pick the vegetables used in the soup, so please dress appropriately. We will then finish back in the kitchen and enjoy a meal together.

Space is limited, so please email Turner Farm if you are interested in joining (turnerfarm@zoomtown.com). The cost of the class is $35 and a check must be received by February 9th to reserve your spot in the class. Checks are payable to Turner Farm.

January Cooking Class at Turner Farm

Turner Farm and Laura Robinson will hold a hands-on, farm-to-table cooking class in the Meshewa kitchen (adjacent to Turner Farm) on January 8th, 10AM to 1PM. This is the first in a series of classes that will focus on basic cooking techniques using seasonal ingredients picked fresh from the farm.

In this class, you will learn the ins-and-outs of two fundamental kitchen recipes: a pie dough and a custard. Once mastered, these two classic components will become invaluable tools in your kitchen repertoire and work in a variety of applications. In this class, we will combine the dough and the custard to form a lovely quiche!

Weather permitting, we will start by picking the greens that will be used in the dish. We will then make our way to the kitchen to make the dough from scratch and assemble the custard. We will end by enjoying the meal together.

Space is limited, so please email Sally @ turnerfarm@zoomtown.com if you are interested in joining. The cost of the class is $35 and a check must be received by January 5th to reserve your spot in the class. Checks are payable to Turner Farm and can be mailed to Turner Farm, 7400 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243.

Pumpkin Pie Baking Class at Turner Farm

Using winter squash, eggs and other ingredients from Turner Farm, participants will leave with an unbaked crust and filling for one fresh pumpkin pie to bake at home. The basics of pie crust making will be demonstrated and then experienced hands on. One pie will be baked and shared with the participants. The class will be held at the Meshewa kitchen (adjacent to Turner Farm) on November 13th from 9:30AM to noon. The cost is $30 per person. Reservations are needed by November 10th. To reserve your spot, email (turnerfarm@zoomtown.com) or call (513 561-7400). This class is co-sponsored by Turner Farm and Slow Food Cincinnati and will be taught by Sarah Anthony.

Participants should bring their own:
Pie pan (glass or metal will do)
Storage container to take the filling home in
Rolling pin
Mixing bowl
Mixing spoon

Optional:
Pastry cutter
Pastry cloth
Measuring spoons and cups
Sharp knife

Nectar Dinner Canceled

We'd like to thank those that expressed an interest in our Nectar fundraising dinner, but we had to cancel the October 10th dinner because we have not met our attendance goal necessary to go ahead with the event. Keep watching the blog, as we'll have a few upcoming events to get involved with before everyone gets too busy cooking and hosting delicious holiday meals.

Slow Food membership drive

Now through October 15th, Slow Food USA is running a membership drive with the goal of adding 10,000 new voices to connect into the local and national food scene. A donation of $25 will pay for a yearly national/local membership. This will connect you both to the information and resources of the national chapter but also to the opportunities and discounted event prices through Slow Food Cincinnati.

Go here to find out more information and to become a member today:

www.slowfoodusa.org/JoinTheFoodFight5

Autumn Blossom Banquet

We wanted to make local Slow Food supporters aware that the Autumn Blossom Banquet is coming up on September 25th. The dinner is on the organic Blue Sky Farm in Villa Hills, KY and includes the locally made pottery that the meal is served on. Tickets are $100 and some proceeds benefit Slow Food. Go to the website for more information and to order tickets.

August 2010 Newsletter

Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events:

• Sunday, October 10th: Slow Food Dinner at Nectar Join Slow Food Cincinnati for a private dinner at Nectar in Mt. Lookout. Chef/Owner Julie Francis embodies Slow Food ideals year-round, serving local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible. Dinner will include a fall salad course with wine pairing, a main course with wine pairing, and a dessert course, all served family-style. A vegetarian option will be available. Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. Tickets, which include three courses with beverages, tax, and gratuity, cost $55 for members or $60 for non-members, and can be purchased online here. Members, please contact Krishna atvolunteer@slowfoodcincinnati.org to receive your discounted pricing.

• Saturday, September 25^th: Slow Food Day of Service Join Slow Food Cincinnati as we participate in this National volunteer initiative. We will head to the Anderson School Garden to help them with preparations for next year’s growing season. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sarah at sarah {at} slowfoodcincinnati {dot} org to sign up.

But Wait, There's More! Keep an eye out for more info on these other exciting events later in the year.

• Bread Baking with Blue Oven Bakery Slow Food Cincinnati will travel to Williamsburg, OH to get a lesson from the pros at Blue Oven in how to bake bread.
• Cheese Making with Blue Jacket Dairy Angel from Blue Jacket Dairy will be offering a free cheese making demo here in Cincinnati.
• Member Meeting All registered Slow Food Cincinnati members are invited to join us for our membership meeting, which will be held in late fall, to discuss the future direction of our chapter. We will be holding a vote for next year’s board positions, so if you are interested in running for one of the open positions, please email Sarah at sarah@slowfoodcincinnati.org to have your name placed on the ballot.

Recent Events

What an exciting month we've had! Thank you to those who came to our Movie Night at UC. We hope to screen more movies in the future-- are there any you're interested in seeing?

Turner Farm and Lidia Hirsh provided the basis for a great canning class! We couldn't have asked for much more than great weather, delicious tomatoes, and a beautiful place like Turner to learn about canning. If you missed out this year, don't worry-- we hope to have another class next year.

We are enormously grateful to everyone who volunteered for, or just came out and ate the great food at Farmers' Fair last weekend. We hope you ate new foods, learned new things, and had a wonderful time at one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Thanks to the Farmers' Fair board and sponsors for all their hard work, and to Ed Begley, Jr., Jay Denham, Berlin Reed, Josh Durr, and the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars for the entertainment

If you haven't already, please check our Facebook page for pictures from our recent events, and please feel free to add your own photos.

Finally

We'd love to hear from you. If you are interested in volunteering to help with events or if you have event ideas, please email Laura at events@slowfoodcincinnati.org. If you can help out in other ways, please email Sarah at volunteers@slowfoodcincinnati.org. And remember, there is strength in numbers. Please bring your friends who are interested in becoming members of SlowFood Cincinnati, or who just want to learn more about why it's cool to be Slow. And don't forget to keep up to date with all the latest information on our blog.