SACE joined Chef Peter Kwong, Spooner ComEd instructor, for a one-of-a-kind epicurean adventure Saturday, October 29th. Local participants traveled on that beautiful fall day to meet the international chef at the Mandarin Kitchen Dim Sum House in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Peter Kwong truly brought the promised “touch of the heart” to life! His enthusiasm for oriental cuisine and gracious ability to host this authentic cultural tradition helped participants form easy friendships. “It was an experience for sure!” said Mary Ann Kies, among those attending this informal oriental trek to the Twin Cities. “Time spent sharing tips, family stories and memories with Peter and his family made this day extra special!” “I would not have known what to choose without Chef Peter’s guidance,” were comments shared by travelers upon returning to Spooner.
Maybe travelers will wow guests with home-made Chinese dishes this Thanksgiving instead of turkey dinner! To experience this favorite Chinese tradition kept for hundreds of years definitely widens ones world view. “It was quite tempting to see the more than 70 varieties of Dim Sum.” Bite-sized appetizers fondly known as a “touch of the heart” along with traditional teas were all that Peter had said they would be.
Menu items written in hànzì, simplified Chinese characters (as well as English), encouraged us to feel a bit worldlier. “Seeing Chinese servers bring Dim Sum carts around to our table with small steamer baskets of traditional Chinese foods was enjoyable. How neat that we never had to leave our seats to order,” reminisced Bill, driver and fellow traveler.
“The history Peter shared along with what exactly we were eating really made this experience distinctive,” enthused a participant who joined the group from a nearby community enroute to Minnesota. Steamed Lotus Paste Buns and Pan Fried Turnip Cake were a bit of a surprise, while other memorable items ranged from Steamed Squid to Tofu Skin in Oyster Sauce and all the way through Egg Tart for dessert.
“Loved the shopping experience, too!” Shuang Hur, an oriental grocery store in Nicollet that Peter frequents, really piqued interest in this epicurean venture! “It was fun and very helpful to talk with Peter on how to prepare specialty food items.” “Eyeing up squid, octopus and eel among the many varieties and sizes of shrimp at the fish counter was a treat!” “Peter’s knowledge on which products produce better tasting meals will be fun to show off back home,” were among comments made by participants.
One touring member bought several frozen foods that promised to be a snap to steam at home and relive the adventure. She was surprised to see such great prices for lobster tails that were “good-sized.” Another commented on how excited she was to try fresh persimmon and papaya that found their way into her basket almost immediately upon passing the exotic fresh produce section. “So many sights, sounds and oriental specialties to take in! People-watching was one of my favorite highlights. I was fascinated to see the foods and other items local shoppers chose. Woven fish baskets and hats (as seen in story book pictures of Chinese people working on boats or in rice fields), as well as oriental glass dishes and stainless steel woks were among treasures found on the tightly packed shelves. “And now I know we are not the only ones tempted by our favorite junk-foods if I am to guess from the processed foods marked with a variety of oriental titles! Packaged crackers, chocolate, and sugar plums, in addition to roasted squid and crisp eel were arranged near the sardine aisle,” observed Karen Collins, Spooner Area Community Education Director.
It was neat to hear Peter wonder at how excited we were to experience the many unique items at a store he often frequents when visiting his son’s family in the cities. “I just stopped here last week to purchase items for our family and the upcoming Chinese Cooking classes in your area. This is just part of what I do when getting ready to cook. How fun to see all of you so enthusiastic!” said Peter.
Peter will continue to spice up Spooner ComEd offerings. Spots still remain for three international cooking series (Chinese, Mexican, and Italian) yet this fall season. For instance, Peter’s upcoming Chinese Cooking 101 takes place the next three Thursdays, November 10 – December 1, starting at 6 p.m. in the Spooner High School.
Explore regional cooking styles with Chef Peter and your neighbors - Cantonese, Szechuan, Hunan, Shanghai, and Peking - using local ingredients. “You do not have to hunt for expensive ingredients to create great tasting cuisine,” invites Peter Kwong. “Make fun and delicious food with what you've got in your own home!” Pot stickers, egg rolls, lemon chicken, Kung Pao chicken, fried rice and more are among his international menu in the coming weeks at SACE!
For more information on this Chinese cooking series and other Spooner Area Community Education opportunities, contact Karen Collins, Community Education Director, at 715-635-0243, ext. 4343, or email collinsk@spooner.k12.wi.us. Class additions are made when a leader steps forward so remember to check back often.
Last Update: Nov 08, 2016 8:54 am CST
