Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Pig Out


Last summer, my husband and I did one of Ben Bebenroth's Plated Landscape Dinners. The first stop was New Creations Farm in Geauga County. Our climb up a hill to visit the pigs, raised humanely and sustainably and without hormones or antibiotics, was memorable. The animals wander in large open wooded spaces and much to our surprise, they were gentle and friendly. They live a good life until it's time give it up for us humans.


Their delicious and highly prized meat, served at a number of area restaurants known for offering locally-sourced food, is the centerpiece of a Feb. 27 class at The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking in Chesterland. Taught by the school's director, Stefanie Paganini, it includes preparation demos for pork sliders with spicy tomato jam, split pea soup with ham, and roasted chestnut and apple stuffed pork chops. Kristen Boehnlein, who owns and operates the farm with her husband, Scott, and their eight children, will be on hand to talk about the how and why of what they do.

The 2.5 hour class starts at 6 p.m., and the cost is $55. Pre-registration required. If this one's sold out, there are many other interesting sessions coming up, including "Advanced Methods for Pork" for more experienced cooks in March.

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