Culinary expert shares know-how

Meet Taste of Home Cooking School culinary specialist Dana Elliott.

Dana conducts cooking schools throughout the United States. In an average year, Elliott can put 40,000 miles on her car traveling to towns like Green­castle to share her passion for cooking!

"Balancing the travel schedule and my personal life can definitely be a challenge, but it's worth it to see the excitement people share for cooking," says Elliott.

She will be the expert sharing information during the Taste of Home Cooking School "Swing Into Spring" show on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds Community Building

Elliott has a few thoughts to share.

What's the number one thing to keep in mind when cooking?

"I always say cooking should be enjoyable first and foremost! If you're not having fun in the kitchen, try changing things up a bit. When I get into a cooking slump, I always try a new recipe, something that is out of the ordinary for me to prepare. I also make sure it's something that makes my mouth water! I figure if my mouth is watering, I must be excited to cook it!"

What are some handy helpers you keep in your kitchen?

"For preparation I find it helpful to have a sharp chef's knife, various cutting mats, heat-resistant spatulas and skillets with tight-fitting lids. I also keep a variety of things on hand for after the meal -- inevitably, I always wind up with leftovers! So I keep an assortment of different sized plastic bags and plastic storage containers to fill with leftovers. One helpful trick I've found is to fill a few smaller containers with the leftovers and freeze them. They make very convenient lunches on busy days!"

What's your favorite recipe you'll be preparing at the show?

"Well, honestly, I love them all! However, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the Chocolate Almond Dessert Crepes -- they are sweet and satisfying. They also have chocolate, which I love!"

What's your favorite part of the cooking school experience?

"I think the energy of the room is my favorite. It's so encouraging to see people as passionate about cooking as I am!" Elliott says she is looking forward to coming to Greencastle. "We're going to have a lot of fun at this event! Trust me, you don't want to miss it!"

"We're expecting a pretty large turnout, so get there early to find seats," says John York of the BannerGraphic. Tickets cost $10 each and can be purchased at the BannerGraphic and The Brazil Times. For more information contact York by calling 653-5151, ext. 19, or e-mailing john@bannergraphic.com.