B Whether you love to cook or are intimidated by the mere thought, no worries–help is here! I discovered Hipcooks this past Christmas as I was perusing the ‘cooking class options’ out there in Portland. Frankly–everything I saw was spendy….and for not much of an experience.B Then I clicked on Monika’s business and I’ve been hooked on ‘cooks’ ever since!B Their schedule has many options that cover a wide range of styles and flavors—there is always something for everyone! Last month mom and I did the ‘Soup’ class—and it was fantastic—complete with seven soups and our sit down tasting!
This month however, we went cheezy all the way! With 10 other Cheese Whiz’s (the name of the class), my mom and I learned how to make fresh ricotta, chevre, mozzarella, mascarpone and as a bonus–how to combine the cheese left overs in your fridge, add wine and whirr in the food processor….wow–cheese spread like you’ve never tasted! (note: do not add any blue cheese or purposefully mold cheeses–it takes over). Why in the world would I ever buy any of it ever again in the store? Cheyenne was a great teacher and not only did we make the cheeses, we then finished them off–

• Rolled the chevre in spices and herbs
• Used the mozzarella on pizza with a balsamic reduction sauce we made in class
• Filled dried and re-plumped apricots with mascarpone, rolled in pistachio’s
• Created hollowed out, broiled plum tomatos and filled with ricotta.

At an average class price of $55.00 (compare otherB company’s cookingB classes at $110+), this four hour class was delightful in any way! All of us can’t wait to see what we’ll do next month! And there is another Cheese Whiz class in August!
Monika and her team offer affordable, fresh, organic when possible, resources, tips, knife skills etc. in a delightful environment. One of the things they are known for is not measuring–and learning how to season to taste! Hope to see you at one of their classes soon! MaybeB at ‘Healthy Fresh &B Zingy’B B or ‘Endless Summer Salads’B or ‘Thrill of the Grill’!B No matter what you choose, you’ll only end up coming back for more!B 3808 N Williams Ste 120