For our Foodie Friends

Living in the center of Manhattan’s restaurant district, and confined to a kitchen smaller than my Texas closet, we decided it was time to update our kitchen skills and try our hand at some new dishes.   Williams Sonoma is just a mile from here so we checked their list of upcoming classes. Skipping past the vegetarian and pasta classes we settled on Cooking with Cast Iron (brings forth memories of camping at Broken Bow).  It seemed like something we could both embrace.  The class would be held in the Sonoma kitchen at Columbus Circle and participants take home a 10-inch cast iron skillet.  Sounded good.

When we arrived, there were about a dozen seats situated around the Sonoma kitchen island.  It was announced we would be making Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken and Skillet Brownies. Did someone say BROWNIES? We were early and found good seats in the center.  The chairs quickly filled, and strangers became acquaintances as introductions were made, stories were shared and laughter eased the group into a comfortable shared experience.  There was the dancer, the student, the analysist, the trader, the ones who brought their own wine, a lady planning dinner parties on her rooftop, and a few others.  Oh yeah, and the crazy retired couple who moved from Texas to NY.

Our chefs described how they were preparing our meal, as students asked questions, and shared ideas.  The food smelled wonderful, tasted good, and the evening was delightful as this diverse group of strangers bonded in a common meal in this crowded city.

Interested in the recipes?

They are from Ina Garten’s Cooking for Jeffrey, and they are listed on her website, Barefoot Contessa.

Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken

Skillet Brownies

Both were good but you really should try the brownies!