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UPCOMING CLASSES

June Cooking Classes

If you’ve already had a particular recipe in one of my previous classes, please ask about receiving a discount on fees on the new class that includes the same recipe.

$50.00 Gift Certificate

If you’d like to purchase a gift certificate for someone to attend one of my classes, you can call me at 319-393-7675 or “register” online.

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

Mini-Class: 

Join me for one of my quick “lunch and learn” cooking classes. 

Each mini-class is from noon to 1 p.m. 

$25.00

 Friday, June 14 – Creamy Asparagus Soup and Cheese Biscuits

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Three-Day Cooking Camp for Kids

It’s great to get your kids in the kitchen to learn lots of skills while they are off from school for the summer.

Send your kids to this limited hands-on cooking camp for some tasty fun in the kitchen.

On the menu:

Day 1 –  Pizzas with Pizzazz

Day 2 – Fruit Pocket Pies and Individual Cream Pies

Day 3 – Cake Pops and Healthy and Fruity Popsicles                       

$135.00  

June 17, 18 and 19 (Monday to Wednesday)

1:15 to 3:30 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Appetizing Appetizers for Summer

If you are looking for some great new appetizers to serve at your summer gatherings, then this class is for you!

On the menu:  Asparagus and Chicken Appetizer Pizza, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil and Roasted Pepper Bruschetta, Chilled Asparagus with Basil Aioli, and Coconut Chicken Tenders with Mango-Red Bell Pepper Salsa.                

$45.00

June 21 (Friday) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Red, White and Blue All-American Desserts

Looking for great summertime desserts that will wow your family and friends?  This class may be perfect for you!

On the menu:  Best-Ever Cherry Pie; Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Trifle, Red Velvet Shortcakes with Blueberries and Cream.                  

$45.00     

June 25 (Tuesday) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

If you are interested in learning how to use fresh herbs, then this class is for you. You’ll get a taste of great ways to use various fresh herbs, plus how to extend their shelf life.  Fun gadgets are available for making fresh herbs easier to use.

On the menu:  Fresh Pineapple Salsa, Marinated and Grilled Rosemary Chicken, Chickpea Salad with Basil and Italian Parsley; and Fruit Salad with Fresh Mint Dressing. (GF)                                                            

$45.00 

June 27 (Thursday) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Grilled Pizza (Limited Hands-On) Party

Learn to make a variety of pizzas from scratch and cooked on the grill.

On the menu:  Homemade Gourmet Crust Pizza with Bruschetta Topping, Italian Sausage Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza and Fruit Pizza.     

$50.00

June 28 (Friday) 6 to 9 p.m.

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Couples Cook (Hands-On): Sensational Summer Menu

Hand’s on Class.  Cook with other couples (in my kitchens) to create a gourmet dinner to eat and enjoy together. Each couple will prepare one course of the dinner.

On the menu:  Peachy Iced Tea Spritzers, Creamy Olive Spread on Crostini, Roasted Asparagus Soup, Tossed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Grilled Herb-Marinated Rib-eyes, Stir-Grilled Mixed Veggies; and Crunchy Layered Peach Dessert.                  

$135/couple

June 29 (Saturday) 6 to 9:00 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

July Cooking Classes

Monday Mini-Classes: 

Join me for one of myquick “lunch and learn” cooking classes. 

Each mini-class is from noon to 1 p.m.                                 

$25.00 

Monday, July 1 – Italian Sweet Corn and Pasta Salad, Summer Couscous and Asparagus Salad

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

Sensational Summer Grilling Favorites: (GF)

On the menu:  Marinated and Grilled Pineapple Chicken, Grilled Jerk-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin, Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon and great summer sides.                                                        

$50.00

July 2 (Tuesday) 6 to 9 p.m.    

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Frozen Desserts Class: Perfect for the 4th  of July Festivities (GF)  

On the menu:  Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce and Homemade Caramel Sauce, Mango Sorbet, and Layered Peachy Ice Cream Dessert.                                                          

$45.00

July 3 (Wednesday) 6 to 9 p.m. 

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Cake, Cake and More Cake: 

On the menu:  Patriotic Red Velvet Cake, Easy German Chocolate Cake, and Caramel-Turtle Pecan Cake with frostings for each.  (Each person will be able to take home samples from the class.)                          

$45.00 

July 5 (Friday) 1 to 4:00 p.m.

 

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Monday Mini-Classes: 

Join me for one of myquick “lunch and learn” cooking classes. 

Each mini-class is from noon to 1 p.m.                                 

$25.00 

Monday, July 8 – Cold and Creamy  Mango Soup and Strawberry Soup

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Fish and Seafood Specialties: 

On the menu:  Shrimp with Creamy Wine Sauce, Grilled Italian Tilapia, BBQ Salmon; and Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli.    

$45.00

July 10 (Wednesday) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

 

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Etiquette Class for Adults (Hands-On):

Learn proper table settings and etiquette for eating properly. Includes a 4-course meal (soup, salad, entrée/side dish/bread and dessert).             

$55.00

July 11 (Thursday) 6 to 9 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Grilled Pizza (Limited Hands-On) Party Class:

Learn to make a variety of pizzas from scratch and cooked on the grill. 

On the menu:  Homemade Gourmet Crust Pizza with Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Topping, Sundried Tomato, Bacon, Red Onion and Cheese Topping, Breakfast Pizza and Peach Pizza.                                                               

$50.00

July 12 (Friday) 6 to 9 p.m.

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Kid’s Table Etiquette Class (Hands-On): (Ages 5-13)

Send your kids to learn proper etiquette.  Includes a 4-course meal (soup, salad, entrée/sides and dessert).                                   

$45.00

July 15 (Tuesday) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

The Thrill of the Grill – Grilling on Wood Planks: (GF)

Intrigued with the idea of grilling on wood planks? 

On the menu:  Cedar-Plank Salmon, Maple-Plank Pork Chops, Cedar-Plank Tilapia and Maple Plank-Grilled Peaches.              

$50.00        

July 17 (Wednesday) 6 to 8:30 p.m.   

Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Mexican Meatless Favorites:

On the menu: Southwestern Quesadillas, Mexican Roasted Vegetable “Lasagna”; and Hearty Tex-Mex Main-Dish Salad, plus a surprise dessert.          

$45.00

July 18 (Thursday) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Sensational Summer Sides:

On the menu:  Fresh Roasted Corn and Italian Pasta Salad, Sweet Potato Salad, Grilled Summer Veggies, Fresh Tomatoes and Bread Salad.    

$45.00

July 19 (Friday) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

 

Monday Mini-Classes: 

Join me for one of myquick “lunch and learn” cooking classes. 

Each mini-class is from noon to 1 p.m.                                 

$25.00 

Monday, July 29 – Tarragon Chicken Salad with Buttery Biscuit Squares

 

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Crazy for Coconut Class:

Back by popular demand. 

On the menu:  Party Pina Coladas, Coconut Chicken with Mango-Pineapple Salsa, Caribbean Flank Steak with Coconut Rice and Easy-Creamy Coconut Cake.                          

$50.00

July 30 (Tuesday) 6 to 9 p.m.              

 

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

Pork on the Grill:

On the menu:  Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Pulled Pork on the Grill, Tarragon Pork Chops and Herb-Rubbed Pork Loin with Honey-Onion Sauce.              

$50.00          

July 31 (Wednesday) 6 to 9 p.m.

 Click here to REGISTER NOW

If you’d rather register by phone; please call Nina at 319-393-7675

 

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Upcoming Events

Appetizing Appetizers - June 21, 2013

KGAN TV – June 13, 2013 – Father’s Day

by Nina
June 13th, 2013

Featured on KGAN TV with The J Crew
(Jason, Joy and Justin)

Father’s Day Recipes
June 13, 2013

Balsamic and Herb-Grilled Pork Tenderloin
1 pork tenderloin (1¼ lb.)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup clover honey
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
1 large clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Place pork tenderloin in 1-gallon-size resealable plastic bag, set aside. In 1-cup glass measure, measure and whisk together remaining ingredients; pour over pork. Seal bag; refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours. When ready to cook, preheat gas grill on medium-high (400º F.) for about 10 minutes. Place pork on grill. Close grill; cook for 8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 145º F. Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Remove from grill; cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into medallions. Makes 4 to 5 servings.

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KGAN TV – May 7, 2013

by Nina
May 7th, 2013

I was on KGAN this morning with the J Crew – Jason, Joy and Justin.  Here is the recipe we made together.  If you visit my blog, be sure to post a comment or leave a message that you stopped by.

Mother’s Day Scones for KGAN

May 7, 2013

 Toasted Pecan Scones

1 cup self-rising flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans

2/3 to 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon crystallized sugar

 Preheat oven to 450º F.  Convect-Bake.  In medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar and pecans with enough cream to form dough into a ball. Turn dough out onto surface dusted with all-purpose flour.  Fold dough about 5 times to knead (do not overwork dough), adding just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to your hands.  Shape into a round, patting into a 5-inch-diameter circle, flattening slightly in the center.  Gently place on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper.  Using a pizza cutter or bench cutter, cut to make 8 wedges.  Pull apart slightly.  Brush tops with remaining cream.  Sprinkle with crystallized sugar.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 8 scones.  Great served with Fruit Jam. 

 

For a great Mother’s Day Breakfast –serve these scones with Creamy Scrambled Eggs, Peppered Bacon and Fresh Fruit.

 

 

 

Compliments of Nina Swan-Kohler, Cooking in the Kitchen with Nina

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KGAN/FOX 28 – March 26, 2013

by Nina
March 26th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi:  I was on KGAN/FOX 28 this morning with Jason

and Joy and Justin hovering in the background  . . .

 

Here’s the recipe I demonstrated.  It’s perfect for

your Easter Brunch.

 

Caramel-Pecan French Toast

3 large eggs

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

12 slices cinnamon raisin bread

Filling:

2/3 to 3/4 cup honey-nut cream cheese, softened

Topping:

½ to 2/3 cup lightly toasted, chopped pecans

1/3 cup melted butter

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup clover honey

 

Preheat oven to 350° F.  In medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream and vanilla; set aside.  Spread cream cheese on half of bread slices.  Top with remaining bread slices to make a “sandwich.”  Dip in the egg mixture; turning to coat all sides.  Place in one baking dish (approx.13x9x2-inch each) coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle pecans over each “sandwich.”  Meanwhile, in a 2-cup glass measure, whisk together butter, brown sugar and honey.  Drizzle over top of bread.  Bake at 350° F. for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes 6 servings.

Serve with Peppered Bacon, Fresh Raspberries,

Blackberries and Green Grapes, Topped with

Coconut Yogurt and Passion Fruit Juice and

Coffee or Tea, too.


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KISS Radio Recipe

by Nina
September 20th, 2012

Hi:  I was on the radio with Kat and Andy this morning and we featured my recipe for Tex-Mex Tailgaters’ Chili Dip.  This recipe is found in my cookbook:  Tailgates to Touchdowns:  Fabulous Football Food.  Please enjoy this free recipe.  Let me know what you think, too, in my comment section below.

Tex-Mex Tailgaters’ Chili Dip

Serve this flavorful dip to kick off your next tailgate party.

1 lb. lean ground pork or beef

2 cups chunky salsa (mild, medium or hot)

1 cup water (divided)

1 package (1.61 oz.) brown gravy mix (Pioneer Brand recommended)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño pepper (optional)

Tortilla chips or crackers

In 2-quart saucepan or large skillet, cook and stir ground pork until pork is no longer pink; drain.  Add salsa and 1/2 cup water; heat to boiling.  Meanwhile, dissolve gravy mix in 1/2 cup cool water; stir in cumin.  Stir into boiling mixture; cook and stir until thickened.  Stir in beans and jalapeño pepper.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Transfer hot dip to heated server.  Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.  Serve with tortilla chips.  Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Chili Dip Quesadillas:  Spread dip on flour tortillas; sprinkle with shredded cheese.  Place another flour tortilla over each.  Cook on hot griddle for 2 to 3 minutes per side.  Cut into quarters.

Extra Points:

  1. 1.     Use mild, medium or hot salsa, depending on your personal preference.
  2. 2.     You can make this dip a couple of days ahead of game day; just reheat it in the microwave before serving.
  3. 3.     Pack this dip in one of the popular heat-and-tote carriers (Pyrex Portables) to keep it hot until serving time.
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Savory Pot Pies Class

by Nina
September 13th, 2012

Hi:

I had my New-Fashioned Savory Pot Pies Class last night.  My recipes were not your mother’s pot pie recipes – they were creative with great new flavor combinations.  If you were there, let me know what you thought of the class.

Thanks, Nina

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Tasty Tuscan Toasts – Featured on KISS Radio

by Nina
August 30th, 2012

H everyone . . .  I was on KISS radio this morning with Kat and Andy.  Here’s the recipe we discussed and they ate.  :)

Please let me know if you visit my blog by responding or commenting.

Thanks, Nina

 

Tasty Tuscan Toasts

12 slices peppered thick-sliced bacon, cooked until crisp, crumbled

1 package (8 oz.) shredded Italian blend cheese

1/3 cup real mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)

3 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons finely snipped fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 boxes (5 1/4 oz. each) white melba toast rounds

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients except toast rounds.  Spread a teaspoonful on each toast round.  Place on baking sheet.  Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Serve warm or cool.  Makes about 6 dozen appetizers.

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New Web site announcement day!

by Nina
July 10th, 2012

I announced my new web site address today!  I’m hoping lots of people check it out and sign up for my classes online.

As you’ll see I have my August schedule online, too.

Let me know if you have suggestions for future classes, I’m always interested in hearing from you via my comment section.

Let’s talk soon.

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Here’s my Patriotic Flag Cake

by Nina
July 2nd, 2012

This was fun to make and serve.  It tastes as good as it looks, too.  Nina's Patriotic Flag Cake

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Making plans for the 4th of July

by Nina
June 30th, 2012

I’m busy making plans to host a picnic on July 4th.  I like to serve summer favorites like burgers, brats, corn on the cob, watermelon, etc.  But I’m going to add some new patriotic desserts.  I have several in my collection of personally-developed recipes – so I’ll make a couple of those, but I will also make a new flag cake that looks especially fun and impressive.  I’ll take a photo and post it later.

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Nina’s First Blog

by Nina
June 20th, 2012

Hi and welcome to my new web site and blog . . .  Cooking with Nina.  I’m so excited to finally have a web site all about my cooking classes.

I hope you’ll consider coming to one of my cooking classes sometime soon.  Please read the testimonials on this web site to see what others have said after coming to my classes.  I hope it makes you want to come.

I’ll be giving some tips from time to time on my blog and also helpful hints on where to purchase items  to get special deals, etc.

Last night’s class was so fun and funny. The group came to have a good time and a good time we had!!  We laughed and laughed . . .  you know cooking should make people happy.  I know I’m happy when I’m cooking and I hope that feeling rubs off on those that come to my classes.

More later . . .

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