Class schedule

The Kitchen Girls are scheduling classes well into spring. We have an upcoming herb class being taught on Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 1 to 3 pm. "Ten Best Herbs to Keep on Hand"

Also in March, on the 28th, we will be teaching an two hour soapmaking class. This one is loads of fun, and is one of our most popular classes.

I'll be covering the basics of making an herbal salve in April. We're excited to add our new Cheesemaking class in May, and in June will be teaching the soapmaking again.

More and more people are inquiring about private classes. It goes to show that there is a great interest in learning how to create things ourselves. Be just a tad bit more self sufficient.

If you are interested in our classes, go to our website at www.thekitchengirls.com . You will find descriptions of what we offer. Or email us at thekitchen@thekitchengirls.com . We are always happy to answer questions and make your acquaintance.

~ Paula

The Kitchen Incubator Project

Kim and I went to a meeting last night concerning the new Kitchen Incubator Project being started in the neighboring town of Bloomington, Indiana. What a wonderful idea.

This projects provides a commercial kitchen space for anyone interested in starting a food based business. The project also provides, if you become a member, business training, networking and a retail outlet for the end product.

While the Kitchen Girls are not about producing a product for retail sale, we do believe in supporting local business, and especially, local grower's guilds and CSA's.

As our world changes and we find that we must adapt to the higher cost of living, I highly suggest looking into your local community. Find the local growers, the CSA's, the community gardens, the small scale organic farmers, and give them as much support as you can.

When the gas prices go back up, we all may find that supporting our local economy pays off, and allows us to keep putting food on our tables. While I don't want to sound like I'm shouting from a soap box, I do think it's important to keep as close of a local connection to our food and our economics as we possibly can.

So, if there is an Incubator Project in your community, a local CSA, a community garden or kitchen, or even a nearby neighbor with a large garden plot, give them a call and ask how you can support or volunteer for their project. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised when freshly grown produce is handed to you throughout the summer. Plus, volunteering can make a person feel wonderful, and these days, we all need that.

~ Paula

Lot's of Snow

Almost 12" of snow, plus a layer of ice, after two consecutive winter storms this week.

It was bound to happen, Indiana getting slapped with major winter storms, but two in a row can be a bit much. At least we didn't lose power here, as some folks in the Hoosier state. For that I am counting my blessings.

One of the things I do have to get done is digging my car out from under all this. Plus try to get out a quarter mile lane. Considering that I drive a VW Beetle, with only 4" of clearance, I could be stuck at home for a while.

If you're like me, and you also have to shovel snow, here are a few Kitchen Girl tips.

Always dress in layers. This way you can shed a layer of clothing as your body warms up. You don't want to sweat heavily and catch a chill.

Speaking of warming up. Take a few minutes and walk in place, stretch your muscles, be active and get your body used to the idea that your going to be exercising. Shoveling snow can be a workout!

Don't overdo. Keep in mind your fitness level. Take breaks on a regular basis. Be kind to yourself.

To keep your feet warmer, put bread sacks over your socks before putting on your boots. This way, your tootsies can stay dry if your boots are not waterproof, or if snow falls down the top of your footwear. This simple little tip works wonders!

Not meaning to sound like your mother here, but lift with your legs, not your back.

While you may have heard most of these tips before, and think I sound like a broken record, it pays to heed the advice. Shoveling snow is hard, heavy work, and not worth a heart attack, or a thrown out back.

I myself will keep this in mind as I head out the door to free my car from Ole Man Winter.

Baking Bread Class

Wow! I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted. I certainly didn't mean for so much time to have flown by between posts.

I am happy to report, as the picture above will attest, that I taught a bread baking class this past Saturday, which was a great success. The only downer to the day was that Kitchen Girl Kim, my partner in crime, was not able to attend due to illness in her family.

Otherwise, the two hour workshop was fun, lively and well received. And I know for a fact that we will offer it again!