Cooking Class with Friends

Summertime in Marco Island allows its residents to explore hobbies and cultivate new experiences without the large crowds from season. The Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) recently held its Vini and Friends Cooking Class hosted by CJ’s on the Bay’s General Manager, Chef Laura Owen.

“I decided to do a real summer menu because most of this stuff you can prepare up front,” Owen commented. “If you have friends over for dinner, most of this you can make either earlier in the day or the day before and you’re ready to go.”

The summer menu consisted of Gazpacho, Marinated and Grilled Flank Steak over Wilted Spinach with Packet Potatoes, and fresh Cherry Hand Pie. The three dishes are simple ways to entertain guests with foods that fit the season.

“Cherries are a great fruit to use for baking as we enter the summer season,” Owen commented. “They’re gone before you know it.”

After the presentation, the MIWC sampled each dish accompanied with a glass of wine. The recipes were provided by Owen for the members to recreate the meals at their leisure.

For all the recipes visit coastalbreezenews.com.

Chef Laura holds demonstrations for groups of up to 20 people. CJ’s on the Bay is located 740 N. Collier Blvd., at the Esplanade in Marco Island. For more information call 239-389-4511.