A crash course in Asian cuisine

Amanda, front left, and Elizabeth Allee work together on a spring roll under the instruction of Phung Ly, right, of the Asian Market in Terre Haute Thursday night at Greencastle Christian Church.

GREENCASTLE -- About 30 cooking students at Greencastle Christian Church Thursday night got not only a lesson and a three-course meal, but also a lot of laughs and an all-around fun evening.

The church hosted the Asian cooking class instructed by Phung Ly of Terre Haute's Asian Market.

They were treated to a balanced menu of fresh spring rolls, Japanese udon noodle soup and chicken lettuce wraps.

Ly, who laughed often during her presentation, expressed to her students her desire to always use quality ingredients.

"I don't want to make something cheap; I want to make something good," she said. "That's for me, for you and for somebody else."

At the same time, Ly also recognized value.

"You see, very easy," she said upon completing a spring roll. "And you go to the restaurant and they charge you too much."

The three courses were spread out, as Ly commenced the next lesson up on completion of one dish, giving plenty of time to digest and even make room for seconds.

"If you need more, let us know. I don't want you to go home hungry," Ly said.

Ly, whose parents moved from China to Vietnam in 1940, moved to the United States in 1974. She opened the Asian Market in 1996.

Besides special classes like Thursday's event, she also gives one or two classes at the market each month. Her next two are slated for May 17 and 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. Classes are $15 per person, per night. Call 812-238-3687 for more information.

The event was the kickoff of a special weekend at Greencastle Christian Church.

"This is the first event of our missions weekend to remind us there is a bigger world out there than just Greencastle," Debbie Leonard said.

Missions weekend continues with an international bazaar at 5:30 p.m. today as well as missionaries speaking during Sunday's services.