Tuesday, March 27, 2012


Since spring has arrived, I can't help but bake some of my favorite recipes with fresh herbs and even strawberries.

No fruit announces spring like strawberries do!

Yes, the strawberries are from the Antalya area greenhouses, but it's welcoming to see some color at the pazar.

So, I've decided to teach some spring-themed baking classes in April at my home. Learn to prepare an impressive spring brunch for your family and friends. I'll share several of my favorite spring recipes for a complete gourmet meal.

Spring Brunch Menu Class:
Strawberry-Mint Soda
Piped Almond Tea Cookies
Herbed Sablés
Individual Quiche with Seasonal Herbs and Kaşar Cheese
Strawberry Clafoutis - a rich French custard-like dessert
Here's a colorful version of my Piped Almond Tea Cookies dipped in chocolate and ground pistachios.
Class dates are:
Strawberry-Mint Soda
Tuesday, April 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, April 12, 7-10 p.m.

In the Spring Brunch Menu Class, you will learn how to make a classic French pâte brisée dough, which is used to make the Herbed Sablés and the crust for the quiche. Strawberries will appear in a simple fizzy soda and in a clafoutis dessert.

The class will be part hands-on and part demo in my kitchen here in Istanbul. Directions will be given upon reservation. The cost is 50 TL per person. Whatever treats we don't eat during the class, you will take home.
Herbed Sablés garnished with dill, parsley and sage.
But first, I'll end March by teaching a class with some of my sweet and savory favorites at the Istanbul Culinary Institute. This class will take place this Saturday, March 31, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the culinary school. Please contact the school to reserve a spot in this fun class!

Sweet and Savory Treats Class:
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Piped Almond Tea Cookies
Cinnamon and Sugar Biscuits
3-Herb Savory Biscuits
Crispy Cheddar Cheese Straws make a great snack or appetizer for a party.
Later in April, I am tentatively teaching two more classes at the school. Please watch the calendar for more details.

I would like to offer baking classes on a regular basis, so if you are interested please let me know. Minimum of four participants per class. I also am happy to arrange kid-friendly baking classes for after school.

Hope to see you soon at one of my baking classes!
Learn to make this Individual Quiche with Seasonal Herbs and Kaşar Cheese!


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9 comments:

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i love those sables! are you offering online classes too? hehe!!!

Joy said...

@jaz, I just enjoyed some of the sables with my salad for dinner too. =) I'll post the recipe later after the classes. Can't give away all my secrets yet.

Danielle said...

Yum...almond cookies and clafoutis are two favs! I love your new banner, too! :)

BacktoBodrum said...

I'd love to come along - after 30 years cooking professionally I need some inspiration, but I'm in Bodrum . If I get the chance to come up to Istanbul, I'll get in touch.

Joy said...

@Danielle, So do I! I've found a good bitter almond extract here from my favorite spice store in Eminonu. It really makes a difference in the flavor of these almond cookies.

@BacktoBodrum, Definitely, please let me know. Also, I am tentatively scheduled to teach a weekend baking class at Erenler Sofrasi in Bodrum on May 12 and 13. Maybe I'll see you there? =)

Kyra said...

I would love to sign up for a class in April, do you do reservations by email?

szaza said...

ooooh yummy!
I wish I saw this sooner— I'd love to be a student of yours.

Becca Ramspott said...

I'm noticing the bright spring green flavor and color in all these wonderful treats! Love the fresh herbs pressed into the sables and the ground pistachios on the almond tea cookies. Looks delicious ...

P.S. SO THRILLED we got to chat yesterday. We miss you guys and dream of Istanbul and the wonderful time we had there! Got to get back someday ...

Joy said...

@Kyra, Yes, please email me at myturkishjoys@gmail.com. I still have openings available on the April 10 daytime or April 12 p.m. class.

@Szaza, Maybe you could make the April 12 class? =)

@Becca, thanks for the comments! Spring is always my favorite time of the year...fresh and bright colors. Good to chat with you too! And of course, you and Matt are always welcome to stay with us again. xo