Scene Stealers – Cooking Demos

Join the Denver Public Library and special guests for Scene Stealers – Cooking Demos. Events are free and open to the public. For additional information please call 720-865-1206. View the complete Denver Scene schedule (PDF).

Whole Foods Market sponsors this series of scene stealing cooking demos. For more information on the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, click on the Whole Foods logo.

November 10 - December 8

Croquembouche – A Creampuff Sculpture

Saturday, November 10, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

This stunning French dessert will be a show stopper at any gathering – and it is not as hard as it looks. Chef Shellie Kark creates this towering cake of choux pastry cream puffs filled with custard and then ‘gilds the lily’ with a golden halo of spun sugar. A theatrical dessert for a holiday gathering, the translation for croquembouche is “crunch in the mouth” – but it is truly a feast for the eyes. Recipes and samples included.

A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, San Francisco, Chef Kark has worked in a number of renowned restaurants including La Folie in San Francisco and Seattle’s Dahlia Lounge. Since moving to Denver, Kark has become a local celebrity chef making frequent live appearances on the NBC affiliate, 9NEWS, where she demonstrates and creates unique dishes for viewers of the four o’clock news. Chef Kark is also the co-founder of the DVD based KitchenCUE™, a DVD cooking course that clearly and concisely teaches the techniques of cooking while you participate! Chef Kark's latest KitchenCUE™ DVD will be available for purchase at this event. For more info on Chef Kark, go to kitchencue.com.

Italian Timpani

Saturday, November 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

If you’ve seen the film Big Night, then you remember the tense moments when the chefs unveil their special creation, a timpani, at the end of the movie. A beautiful molded pasta dish that involves multiple ingredients, timpani is a dish reserved for celebrations – and it always brings down the house. Pulcinella Ristorante’s star chef Antonio Race demonstrates this magnificent entrée. Recipes and samples included. For more info on Chef Race, go to pulcinellaristorante.com.

The French Garde Manger – Blue Cheese and Grapes in Pistachios

Saturday, November 24, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

In theatre lingo – these amuse bouches are the set dressing for any party. Another French specialty, garde manger refers to chilled foods prepared in a cool pantry; they are usually highly decorative and showcased on buffet tables. Talented local Chef Joseph Abeyta will show you one of the most classic, beautiful and easy to create garde manger dishes. Recipes and samples included.

Chocolate Truffles

Saturday, December 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

The finale that always receives a standing ovation, chocolate truffles are a mélange of melted chocolate, butter or cream, and flavorings such as liquors, liqueurs, spices, vanilla, coffee and nuts. An elegant gift for the holidays, they are simple to prepare and the flavor possibilities are endless. Chef Joseph Abeyta demonstrates how to make Grand Marnier, Espresso and Mint Truffles as well as several coating options. Recipes and samples included.

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A sign language interpreter will be provided upon request with five business days notice. Call 720-913-8484 TTY or contact Lorrie.Kosinski@ci.denver.co.us.