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Passion for Spices - Cooking School, Team Building & Organic Spices

31 Woodland Avenue
Summit, NJ, 07901
908-380-0644
Passion for Spices

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Passion for Spices - Cooking School, Team Building & Organic Spices

  • Our Story
    • HOME
    • CEO May Fridel
    • Wholesale
    • Chef Instructors
    • Team Passion
    • Partners
    • Media
  • Shop
    • Spices
    • Indian Cuisine Diabetes Cookbook
    • Subscriptions
    • Gift Card
  • Culinary Literacy Center
    • Culinary Literacy Center
    • Spice Guide
    • Cooking Oil Guide
    • Grain Guide
  • Cooking School
    • Calendar
    • About Our Cooking School
    • Passion For Spices 15th Year Anniversary
    • Adult Cooking Classes
    • Summer Cooking Camp 2025
    • Corporate Team Building
    • Private Cooking Events
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Passion For Spices™ Team is Gearing Up for our Annual 2020 Around the World Summer Cooking Camp

February 16, 2020 May Fridel
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The Passion for Spices™ Team is very excited to start this year’s Around the World Summer Cooking Camp! Every year, young chefs spend their summers learning and explore foods of the world, from the history to the culture to the science behind preparing food. At Passion for Spices™, we showcase food literacy and teach our young chefs to use sustainable cooking practices such as not wasting food and utilizing all parts of the food ingredients. We also help them learn the best practices of organizing in the kitchen and learning Kitchen 101 skills. We are thrilled to add more chefs to our culinary team, which has diverse experience and knowledge about foods of the world. We are looking forward to welcoming our campers to our 11th Annual Around the World Camp, and we expect to be even better this year. The kids will have a wonderful experience learning about food ingredients and techniques, while enjoying a culinary journey, traveling across the globe and the US.

Due to high demand, this year we have introduced new themes and even an additional fun-filled week.


Foods of the World I: Roadtrip America

July 6-10

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This year, we have introduced our new week, Foods of the World I: Roadtrip America, where the young chefs will explore different food and culture of different regions in the US. We will be introducing them to the New England, Pennsylvania Dutch, Cajun, Pacific Northwest, and Southwest food.

Foods of the World II: Around the World

July 13-17

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The second week is our international Foods of the World Week, where the young chefs will be making stops all around the globe. This year, the culinary regions that the young chefs will experience are the Southern American, Country French, Italian, Austrian, and Asian.

Art and Science of Cooking and Baking

July 20-24

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The third week of our summer cooking camp is all about the art and science of the cooking process. Our chefs will be teaching basic cooking techniques, and the young chefs will get enhanced in their skills of making various dishes including pasta, baked goods, etc. This year we will be showcasing the art and science of pasta, pastries, bread, relishes, and cakes.

Farm to Table

July 27-31

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For the Farm to Table week, we will be showcasing local and fresh seasonal food ingredients, and utilizing them in multiple recipes. The young chefs are introduced to various fruits and vegetables, and our recipes will enhance their culinary skills as well as get them used to a variety of foods in their diet. This year we will be featuring eggplants, tomatoes, squashes, and stone fruits to the young chefs. The last day of this week is a tradition for us to visit the Murph Farm, where the campers and their families will have a Harvest Festival incorporating farm fresh fruits and vegetables.

Families Cooking Together

JULY 10, 17, 24, 31

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In our Families Cooking Together Workshop, families come together to cook following a theme, and enjoy the food that they make with their family members. This year the themes include Sushi Night, Taco bar, Bite-Sized Hors d’Oeuvre Night, and Classic Tuscan Delights.

Culinary Teen Competition

August 10-14

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For our Culinary Teen Competition, we put several teams of teens to the progressive culinary test! Our professional chefs will be working with each team everyday, and each team will learn new techniques, building their skills as they go. At the end, they will increase their skills in planning, preparing, creating and presenting a 3 course meal using mystery ingredients from our seasonal "market basket" along with open access to our "community pantry." Finished dishes will be judged on presentation, use of seasonal ingredients, technique, flavor development, and teamwork. Based on their performance, teams are awarded points, with each team receiving a daily score. On the final day, daily scores will be added together and whichever team has the most points wins!


We are looking forward to having our 11th Annual Around the World Cooking Camp, and we are hoping to have even more children come and enjoy the culinary journey.

This year, our team includes Chief Culinary Educator Chef Sam Kadko, Executive Chef Thor, Executive Chef Klaus, and Executive Pastry Chef John Sarchulli.

All of the ingredients used during the weeks of camp are local, fresh, and of the highest quality. Each day we have a totally different theme, but all to show kids that their food can be delicious, healthy, and sustainably grown!

The registration has opened, please take advantage of the Early Bird Discount until May 31st.

Camp Brochure
register here
Tags cooking school, cooking class, cooking camp, summer camp, summer cooking camp, around the world camp, kids cooking, young chefs
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Memories From Our 2019 Kids and Teens Winter After School Cooking Program

February 2, 2020 May Fridel
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At Passion for Spices™, we recently finished the second session of our Kids and Teens After School Cooking Program, where young chefs came and experimented with classic cooking techniques, and foods of the world. The families were very thrilled that the kids learned a lot of recipes and techniques, and got introduced to many dishes from around the world.

As always, the Passion for Spices™ Team focuses on seasonal and sustainable food ingredients, and the classes are taught by top level culinary professionals. We focus on giving the great foundation about food and good eating habits for our young children. We were so thrilled to see the enthusiasm and excitement that each and every child experienced in our sessions.

Our team really enjoyed all the sessions, and we are looking forward to our Spring After School Cooking Program, starting February 5th!

Here are the highlights from our Winter After School Sessions:


Session 1: Easy One Pot Meals for the Winter

Chicken Pot Pie
Classic Bread Pudding

classic bread pudding
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Session 2: Classic Christmas Feast

Classic Whole Roasted Cornish Hen with Chestnut Dressing
Scalloped Potatoes
Classic Christmas Cookies

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Session 3: Weeknight Comfort Food

Slow-Braised Chicken with Celeriac and Lemon
Roasted Winter Root Vegetables

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Session 4: Easy hearty Meals

Turkey Loaf
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

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Session 5: Classic Italian

Classic Winter Stew
Winter Green Salad

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winter green salad

The young chefs enjoyed the Winter After School Program, and it gave them a productive and enjoyable way to spend their time.


We are excited about our Spring After School Kids and Teens Cooking Program coming up soon. The first session will be on February 5th, and the Passion for Spices™ Team is looking forward to welcoming the young chefs again.

Spring After School Cooking Class Menu

We will be showcasing many classic and authentic recipes from around the world, making sure to incorporate seasonal and sustainable ingredients.

February 5th: A Day in the Mediterranean
Israeli Cous-Cous with Spring Vegetables
Chicken Souvlaki with Pita

February 12th: Tasty Soup for Spring
Straticella Crispy
Herb Cheesesticks

March 4th: Crazy for Quiche
Ham & Cheese Vegetable Quiche
Biscotti

March 11th: Empanada Day
Classic Beef Empanada
Sweet Berry Empanada

March 18th: Viva Italia
Lasagna
Tiramisu

Click to Register
Tags cooking class, cooking school, after school, young chefs, youth cooking
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A Special Birthday Party Celebrated Thai Style

January 14, 2020 May Fridel
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At Passion for Spices™ this week, we were thrilled to host Karen’s Special Birthday with her dear friends cooking Thai Style.

The menu was curated based on Karen’s favorite ingredients, and we came up with the following: Chicken, Coconut, and Galangal Soup, Chicken Satay, Thai Potstickers, Golden and Red Beet Carpaccio with Thai Flavor, Vegetable Pad Thai, Chicken Massaman Curry, and Chocolate Pot de Creme.

Chicken, Coconut, and Galangal Soup

Chicken, Coconut, and Galangal Soup

Chicken, Coconut, and Galangal Soup

Chicken, Coconut, and Galangal Soup

The potstickers were made with a vegetarian filling instead of its intended filling. The chopped up cabbage, carrots, and scallions were sautéed and incorporated into the potstickers.

Making the Vegetarian Thai Potstickers

Making the Vegetarian Thai Potstickers

Vegetarian Thai Potstickers

Vegetarian Thai Potstickers

The chicken satay was marinated with simple Thai flavors and served on a skewer. It was served with a flavorful peanut sauce.

Chicken Satay

Chicken Satay

Chef Helen Demonstrating How to Skewer the Chicken Satay

Chef Helen Demonstrating How to Skewer the Chicken Satay

The beet carpaccio was made from golden and red beets with a Thai style vinaigrette incorporating Thai flavors like Galangal, Lime, Sesame Oil, and more.

Beet Carpaccio

Beet Carpaccio

Cutting Golden Beets

Cutting Golden Beets

At the end of the culinary event, everyone sat down together to enjoy the food that they prepared.

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The meal ended with a lovely Chocolate Pot de Creme topped with freshly whipped cream.

Chocolate Pot de Creme

Chocolate Pot de Creme

Serving Pot de Creme

Serving Pot de Creme

Our Upcoming Classes

Tags cooking classes, cooking school, thai cooking, private cooking classes, private cooking even ts
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Passion for Spices Team™ Wishes You a Happy New Year

December 29, 2019 ajay thakkar
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Cheers everyone for a wonderful season with family and friends relishing good food, and celebrating quality time together.

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful connection with our community and we love to showcase good food celebrating these special occasions.

Christmas Baking Event for our Veterans

Christmas Baking Event for our Veterans

Christmas Baking Event for our Veterans

Christmas Baking Event for our Veterans

We are grateful for the expansion of our cooking school this year including the Private Cooking Events and Corporate Team Building Events. Passion for Spices™ hosted many memorable events throughout the year - here are some highlights.

Kids Classes

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Adult Classes

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Private Cooking Events

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Corporate Team Building

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Passion for Spices™ will be offering many more Foods of the World and Basic Cooking Skill Classes in 2020. We look forward to welcoming you into our cooking school. Check out our current upcoming classes for the winter season.

Upcoming Cooking Classes

We want to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, and Flavorful New Year and we hope that everyone can enjoy more cooking and quality time with their family.

Please enjoy the complimentary recipe and menu for your New Year celebration.

Best Wishes and Happy New Year from the Passion for Spices™ Team.

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roasted goose with balsamic

Roasted Goose with Balsamic Pomegranate Glaze

Procedure:

  1. Prepare a gas or charcoal grill for rotisserie cooking over indirect medium heat (or according to the instructions for your grill). Place the drip pan under the center of the spit.

  2. In a small saucepan, combine the molasses, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce into a small bowl to use for basting the goose, and pour the rest into a small serving bowl for passing at the table.

  3. Meanwhile, remove all the excess fat from the goose. Wash the goose and dry it thoroughly both inside and out with paper towels. With a sharp metal skewer, prick the goose skin all over, especially the thighs, 50 times. Season the goose inside and out with salt and pepper to taste. Tie the legs together and brush the goose all over with a light coating of the orange-marmalade mixture.

  4. Place the goose on the spit and secure it with the clamps. Attach it to the rotisserie mecha­nism, cover the grill, and cook until the tem­perature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 160°F (71°C), 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours, depending on the heat of your grill. About 15 minutes before the goose is done, brush it all over again with more of the orange sauce. When the goose is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes.

  5. Carve the goose and pass the remaining orange sauce on the side.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary leaves
One (4 to 4 1/2 pound) goose
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Tags cooking classes, cooking school, passion for spices, new years menu, new years cooking
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Together We Brought Christmas Cheer to our Veterans

December 16, 2019 May Fridel
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At Passion for Spices™, we were thrilled to host our Second Annual Cookie Baking Event for our Veterans, in collaboration with Summit Elks Lodge.

It was so wonderful to see the community of Summit coming together to support our veterans for this holiday season. It was a great way to thank wonderful men and women who served our country.

In our cookie baking team, we had many community leaders including one of our City Councilmen for Summit.

Everyone enjoyed the cookie making workshop, and it was a joyful event where we made the cookie dough, decorated the cookies, and packaged these special treats. It was a lot of fun!

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We baked about five types of classic Christmas cookies including Spiced Gingerbread Cookies, Lemony Butter Cookies, Chocolate Star Cookies, Fridel Grandma’s Candy Cane Cookies, and Mini Chip Snowball Cookies.

There were fifteen members from the Summit Elks Lodge who came to cheer on the vets at the Christmas Party in the Lyons Veterans Hospital this week. It was such a pleasure to serve the vets a Christmas dinner, and at the end of the event the cookies were handed over to the vets. We are sure that they will enjoy the delicious treats.

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We love this tradition at Passion for Spices™, and we will be continuing this every year. It is a great way to celebrate the holidays, and say thanks to our veterans.

Please enjoy the complimentary cookie recipes from Passion for Spices™. Click here to view them:

Christmas Cookie Recipes

Happy Holidays to all from Passion for Spices™ Team!

Tags cooking class, cooking school, christmas cookies, veterans, christmas for veterans
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