Cookling Classes for Developmentally disabled and Autistic Students

I did a cooking class on appetizers at yesterday and spoke with the regional sales manager. We discussed the possibility of cooking classes (by me) given to kids with developmental disabilities or autism. My husband's background (just completed his M. Ed. in Special Education this week.)and my cooking could work well together especially in a commercial cooking environment like Miele. We are running this by others to get ideas together. If you have suggestions, please let me know.

Helen

Being Adir's Mom

I have been Adir's mom for 14 years. Every day he surprises me. Since he has Down Syndrome, he is not your average or typical 14 year old, but he is definitely 14.

This became apparent while looking at the Sunday paper's ads this week. He saw Toys R Us...he pointed out his wish list. He wanted to know why he never had the "my first tool set" (geared for 3 or 4 year olds)I pointed out that at 3 not only was he just starting to run, he was then using toys for 1 or 2, by the time he was at the right "developmental milestone" he was tooo big. He also wants to buy suits to impress the girls in his class. He wants to start dating, kissing, etc etc. His hormones of all things are on target. oy vey...

This morning he wanted to wait for the school bus by himself (assert independence). I said for ESE (Exceptional Student Education) students need a parent to wait with them or the parents get in trouble. He shouted at me that "I am NOT ESE!!" over and over. Oh JOY?!? LOL>

Helen

Baked Brie with Apricot & Almonds

At my cooking class at Miele this week, people were wowed by one of the simplest appetizers to prepare... Baked Brie. The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for the puff pastry to defrost.

Baked Brie
Serves 10
Ingredients
· 1/2 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
· 1 (8 ounce) package brie cheese, round
· 1/8 cup toasted almonds, slices (optional)
· 1/4 cup apricot preserves
Directions

Preheat oven to 425. Lightly grease cookie sheet.
Roll puff pastry out slightly.
Place the cheese wheel on top of puff pastry (leave rind on).
Place preserves on top of cheese.
Place the almonds on top of preserves.
Bundle Puff Pastry up and around the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Let cool for five minutes.
Serve with your favorite crackers or sliced apples and pears.

Helen Gottesman, Helen’s Home Cooking & Catering
561-676-2078

Gluten-Free Diet and Special Requests

On Sunday morning, I received a call from a woman that just moved here from Michigan. She wanted me to cook a gluten-free organic diet for her. she needed this RIGHT AWAY. I was able to meet with her later that day. I did my shopping for her at Whole foods and the Kosher Marketplace in Boca Raton (kosher organic meats abound).
I cookedd and delivered her the food on Monday. She was sooo excited, she filled her refrigerator and could not wait for a taste testing of everything!!

I made>

Chicken Soup with vegetables
Mega Chunky Vegetable Soup

Roast Chicken with Orange Juice
Chicken Fricasee (tomato sauce)
Salmon with lime, ginger and tamari
Chicken with broccoli stir fry

Plain Brown Rice
Quinoa Pasta
Homemade tomato sauce
Baked Butternut Squash
Baked Sweet Potato

She is referring my cards to Dr. Albert Robbins, a well known allergist in Boca Raton that is dealing with her health issues.
What can I cook for you?

Helen