* February Cook & Dine

I know I said I would be back today with the last of our Vegas vacation but I am taking a quick break from that to post February's Cooking Class fun. This month there were two classes as usual, but seeing as how I work on Wednesday nights at Millers- I attended class on the 11th and not the 19th. The 11th was ALSO Aaron's birthday... I know.... bad wife!? BUT wait, it's a week night and we had just returned from a long weekend in Vegas. I also made sure to have a nice birthday dinner [spinach & chicken manicotti] for Aaron ready when he got home from work that night AND a 9x13 pan of his favorite frozen dessert. The three of us sat down to have dinner together before I left. I wouldn't usually skip out on hanging at home with Aaron on his birthday but he didn't mind much at all- I made sure of it.

I didn't want to miss out on class because so many ladies that I enjoy cooking, chatting and laughing with would be there. AND we also had a couple newbies... Leah & a new GUY!!! He fit right in with us ladies- so much that he would be suggesting that his WIFE join us the next time ;) For real though, he had a lot of fun and picked up a few tips for in the kitchen- I also feel that he took MORE food pictures than I DO- he's cool if he pauses to take a picture of his food before eating! too funny!! We loved having him there! I feel sort of bad that I am not remembering his name, but I feel like it was Scott!? Don't me mad... Scott... if you are reading this!? Or was it Mike?

We all had a great time making a few new & creative items. It was a FULLY carb loaded night but extremely delicious! We used Wildtree's Red Bell Pepper & Garlic Blend for the following items; Pizza Soup w/ Pinwheel Pasta, and EASY [something i am always scared to make/eat] Carbonara- that was REALLY GOOD! and Loaded Chicken and Cheese Potatoes all served with a side of bread for an option. It was pretty difficult picking a favorite but I feel like everyone really liked the soup. It was light, yet hearty and had TONS of flavor!
[my small plate- i was STUFFED!]
Even though I had just chowed down my SECOND dinner of the night- I still had room for dessert. Imagine that!? After watching Mick & Kelly somewhat struggle have too much fun making the Red Velvet Waffles- I couldn't NOT be excited for this 'Build-Your-Own Valentine's Trifle'.

We layered red velvet waffle squares, brownie pieces, strawberries, white chocolate pudding, whipped cream, chocolate shavings AND chocolate sauce to create this masterpiece!
[p.s. on the left is the one Scott/Mike built! ;)]
For the month of March, we have classes a week earlier than usual. If you are going STIR CRAZY like I am and looking to distract yourself from something other than ways to melt 200' of snow- come on over to cooking class! Hope to see you then!