Williams Sonoma - June Free Jr Culinary Technique Classes

Get the little one's up and ready to get their cooking on with Williams-Sonoma fun FREE chef classes.

Never heard of them? Well you're in for a treat with this hour long class that includes a cooking demonstration, generous samples and printed recipes to take home. Your little one's get hands on experience and a tasty treat - yay!

Father's Day Fun with Dad

Saturday, June 20 @ 10 am

Discover some great gift ideas for Dad on Father's Day! You'll learn how to use everything from the latest kitchen gadgets to our favorite ice cream maker, which turn out awesome frozen desserts. Then you can create a delicious treat that Dad and the rest of the family will enjoy.

Class is suitable for ages 5-13.

American Girl Event: Baking with Grace

Saturday, June 27 @ 10 am - 1130 am

Join WIlliams-Sonoma and American Girl for a hands-on baking class inspired by Grace - the 2015 Girl of the Year! Each student will learn Grace's favorite French Madeleine recipe, then finish the pastries with dark chocolate, white chocolate, and a few other toppings. We'll also make and decorate sugar cookies from scratch. Each child will take home a special American Girl goodie bag! $30 per child.

Suitable for ages 8-12 - call your local store to sign up as class size is limited to 12 students.

WILLIAMS SONOMA - JULY CULINARY TECHNIQUE CLASSES

Cooking. Food. Yum!

Try something new - that's where Williams-Sonoma comes in. Not only do they carry tons of fantastic kitchen and home supplies but they're now also offering cooking classes and FREE technique classes!

Every month Williams-Sonoma hosts new and fun classes for you to attend and learn something from. Learn about cuisines from around the world - and close to home -from their talented chefs and culinary experts.

Nothing like going home and showing off some new skills in the kitchen. So even though this month's almost over and I'm late in posting this info, you can still participate in their awesome upcoming class for adults and kids:

Fresh From the Farm: Cobblers, Crumbs & Pies
Sunday, July 6 (call local store for time)With farmers’ markets at their everything-is-in-season glory, choosing which fruits to carry home can be the hardest part of shopping. Join us and we’ll celebrate regional picks and create delicious fruit desserts.

Get Inspiralized
Sunday, July 13 (call local store for time)
Join us for a class designed by Ali Maffucci, blogger and founder of Inspiralized.com, the ultimate online resource for cooking with the spiralizer. This class will teach you some of Ali’s favorite recipes and tips. These recipes are perfect for summer, many of them are gluten-free and paleo-friendly as well.

From the Garden
Sunday, July 20 (call local store for time)
Are you ready for your bumper crops? Join us in this class and learn how to make the most of summer’s bounty. Whether you have bushels of tomatoes, corn, zucchini or peaches, learning how to can these favorites is not only practical but a delicious way to enjoy summer’s finest later.

We Love Tomatoes
Sunday, July 27 (call local store for time)
A ripe tomato may just be the perfect piece of summer produce. Join us and learn delicious ways to enjoy tomatoes, tools for preparation and knife skills to make the most of every plump, juicy tomato that passes through your kitchen this summer.

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Handheld Fruit Pies
Saturday, July 5 @ 10 amJuicy fruit and a yummy crust – learn how to make delicious personal sized pies. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Spiralized
Saturday, July 12 @ 10 amBy now you’ve tried our spiralizer, but do you know how many fun things you can spiralize? Join us and we’ll teach you how to get “inspiralized.” Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Spectacular Summer Salads
Sunday, July 9 @ 10 amWhat’s your favorite part of the salad? Join us and we’ll teach you how to prepare a delicious salad filled with vegetables, meats, cheeses and croutons and tossed with a creamy dressing. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Shakes
Saturday, July 26 at 10 amFrom fruit to chocolate, shakes are fun any time of the day. We’ll teach you how to combine different  flavors – or even swirl in a fruit sauce or add a crunchy topping. Suitable for ages 5 and up.

General Info:

•Each 1½ - to 2 hour class includes a cooking demonstration, generous samples of featured dishes and printed recipes to take home.

• Class fees vary by store location.

• Participants receive a 10% discount on store purchases the day of the class.

• Available at select stores; class dates and times vary by store location.

• Space is limited and reservations are required. Select store only, contact your local store for more details.

Find your local Williams-Sonoma store here.

Williams-Sonoma - June Culinary Technique Classes

Cooking. We all do it. It's delicious must.

But sometimes you get stuck in a rut or want to try something new - that's where Williams-Sonoma comes in. Not only do they carry tons of fantastic kitchen and home supplies but they're now also offering cooking classes and FREE technique classes!

Every month Williams-Sonoma hosts new and fun classes for you to attend and learn something from. Learn about cuisines from around the world - and close to home -from their talented chefs and culinary experts.

Nothing like going home and showing off some new skills in the kitchen. So even though this month's almost over and I'm late in posting this info, you can still participate in their awesome upcoming class for adults and kids:

(Junior Chef)

Ice Cream In Minutes

Saturday, June 28 @ 9:30 am

Kids will learn how to make ice cream in minutes. Suitable for children ages 5-12. 

Not only will they get hands on experience but they'll also get to eat it!

(Adult Chef)

Everything Ice Cream

Sunday, June 29 (call local store for time) 

From a classic custard-based ice cream to new twists on cool treats like frozen yogurt and sorbet, you'll be scooping up the dessert everyone craves. Master your ice cream making as well as learn creative ways to serve it.

General Info:

•Each 1½ - to 2 hour class includes a cooking demonstration, generous samples of featured dishes and printed recipes to take home.

• Class fees vary by store location.

• Participants receive a 10% discount on store purchases the day of the class.

• Available at select stores; class dates and times vary by store location.

• Space is limited and reservations are required. Select store only, contact your local store for more details.

Find your local Williams-Sonoma store here.

Father's Day Restaurant Discounts

BJ's Restaurant & Brewery - is giving dads a free limited edition pint glass June 14 and 15. 

Boston Market - Buy one BBQ Ribs Individual Meal and get one free with this coupon.

CA Pizza Kitchen - 3 Course Meal for Two for $39.99.  One Appetizer, Two Entrees, One Dessert.  Friday, June 13th through Sunday, June 15th.

Claim Jumper - Father’s Day Champagne Brunch Buffet featuring over 20 signature items including a carving station with smoked Ham, slow roasted Turkey and Roast Beef, Peel & Eat Shrimp and more. 9 am – 2 pm.  $24.99.  Includes beverage (Champagne, Bloody Marys, Sangrias, Mimosas, coffee and juice).  Full menu available at 10:30 am.

Hometown Buffet - Enjoy an exclusive Father’s Day menu, featuring Prime Rib, Rancher’s Select Sirloin, Carved Ham, and all of Dad’s favorites from Friday, June 13 (3:30 pm – close) through Sunday, June 15 (11 am – close). During this special weekend, restaurants will also be distributing a Two Can Dine for $17.99 coupon for a future visit, with the purchase of two beverages.

Hooters -  Dads can buy 10 wings, get 10 wings free on Sunday, June 15th.

Outback Steakhouse - Treat Dad early.  Give him his choice of soup or salad, a 6 oz. Victoria’s Filet, Bone-In NY Strip, Bone-In Ribeye, or Prime Rib & Lobster, plus a side and a dessert. Starting at $19.99.  Offer good now through Sunday, June 15 with this coupon.

Redbox - has a special promotion now through June 15 in honor of Father’s Day. Reserve any movie or game online and get 50 cents off another DVD.

2nd Annual IE Cupcake Fair

Sunday, May 4  @Riverside Convention Center

Did someone say "cupcake"? Count me in...whatever it is!

The Second Annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is set for Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Riverside Convention Center.  The fair has cupcake tastings, judging, giveaways, cake decoration demonstrations by California Cake Decorations & Supply Co., live entertainment, free massages, Kids Zone provided by Seeking Sitters Inland Empire, Craft Corner and lots of shopping!

“The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is back for more delicious fun! We’ve learned a few things since last year’s Premiere event and we’re excited to say this year is going to be bigger and better,” said Su Pak event creator and founder of IEShineOn.com.

Last year’s bakers included not only the best bakers in the Inland Empire but also the best cupcake baker in the United States! Desiree Massei from [desi]gn Cakes & Cupcakes, a three time Cupcake Wars winner and Casey’s Cupcakes also a Cupcake Wars winner.

This year, Su has partnered with some great community organizations like Riverside Downtown Partnership, the Riverside Center and Dameron Communications and best of all, this year's proceeds will benefit Community Connect and California Riverside Ballet. Nothing like giving back to your community.

The IE Cupcake Fair is a family event with cupcake tastings, professional and amateur baking competition, live entertainment, a spa zone with free massages, a kid’s zone with professional babysitters from Seeking Sitters Inland Empire and a free photo booth hosted by Shutter Cubby.

Event info:
Location - Riverside Convention Center: 3637 5th St. Riverside, CA 92501
Time: 12 - 4 pm (VIP enters at 11 am)

Ticket info:

Tickets are now on sale and if you act fast you can catch the "early bird" sale (ends 4/9/14).

"Early Bird" General Admission: $15

"Early Bird" VIP General Admission: $30

General admission: $28

VIP: $35

VIP vs General Admission:

VIP Receives:

• Early Entrance at 11 a.m. (General admission starts at 12 p.m.)
• Goodie bag with local discounts, T-shirt and more goodies!
• 6 tasting tickets PLUS 1 additional tasting ticket

General Admission Receives:

• 6 tasting tickets
• Admission starts at 12 p.m.

** Kids 3 and under are free (tasting tickets will need to be purchased separately)**

_____________________________________________________________________

Casey's Cupcakes Grand Opening in Hunting Beach

Calling all cupcake lovers...

Seriously, you may want to listen up because this one's especially for you and your taste-buds.

Casey's Cupcakes will open their sixth location at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach on Saturday, November 23.

Not only is this exciting news because SoCal is getting yet another one of Cupcake Wars winner Casey Reinhardt's delicious shops but also because there's going to be gifts/prizes for those who attend the grand opening.

With an appearance by Reinhardt, and special "pink tickets" burried in cupcakes making 5 lucky customers recipients of prizes such as a spa-pampering overnight stay at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside with spa treatment at Kelly's Spa, cupcakes for a year, and Bella Terra gift cards, how could you possibly stay away...?

When:      Saturday, November 23
                Grand opening event - 11 am (Appearance & ribbon cutting by Casey Reinhardt)
                Store hours 10 am - 10pm

Where:     Casey's Cupcakes
                Bella Terra
                (Next to Century Theaters)
                7777 Edinger Avenue
                Huntington Beach, CA 92647

About Casey's Cupckaes:
Casey’s Cupcakes is an award-winning cupcake boutique inspired by CaseyReinhardt’s great-grandmother’s homemade cupcakes. Casey's Cupcakes com in 20 delicious flavors from the popular Rockin' Red Velvet and Sassy Strawberry to Decadent Dark Chocolate and Luscious Lemon. A gluten free Rockin' Red Velvet and sugar free Coconut Vanilla are also offered and each month a special "Cupcake of the Month" is featured. Each boutique takes design inspiration from a classic Parisian cafe with a glamorous Hollywood twist incorporating bright splashes of pink with classy black accents and whimsical accessories. Casey's Cupcakes has six locations in Southern California in Laguna Beach, Hunting Beach, Fashion Island, Woodbury Town Center, Irvine Spectrum Center and at the AAA Four Diamond, and Historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. For more information on Casey's Cupcakes visit caseyscupcake.com

Cupcakes can be pre-ordered online & picked up at any of the six locations. Cupcakes are $3.50 each.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Why Not Let Someone Else Cook

This is going to be the first year I host Thanksgiving dinner for my little family. I know for most people this is a big deal, they go all out and cook all day long, running themselves ragged just so everyone else can eat a ton of food. I say everyone else because I for one never end up eating after I cook...who wants to grub after spending 8+ hours staring at it on the burner? Yeah, not this lady.

I like to really enjoy my food so I'm letting someone else do the cooking! Being as we're uber close to the day you're probably thinking it's too late to place an order...wrong. You'd be surprised how many restaurants will take orders up until the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Here's a list of places I found are still taking orders until this Friday, Nov. 22.

Marie Calendar's (various locations)- They wiill supply everything from a Turkey or Ham to the coffee you serve with your pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving feasts start at $99 for 6-8 people. You can even place your order online.

OrangeTree Deli* (Orange, CA) - Their regular Thanksgiving dinner (they say feeds 5-6 people, IMO it feeds 6-8) includes: Cooked turkey (cut or whole), 2 pies (pumpkin & cherry), homemade cranberry sauce, homemade mashed potatoes, stuffing, green salad, homemade biscuits & butter, utensils, and drinks. They charge $15.95 per person, so if you have a party of 5 this meal will cost you $79.75. Website does not give info on this dinner, call 714-998-4847 & ask for Leah for more details.

Lucille's BBQ (various locations) - Not just BBQ...you can get a whole smoked Turkey for as little as $49.99 or opt for their delicious Holiday Family Feast with Fixin's starting at $149.99.



*This is who'll be cooking up my Thanksgiving dinner. I had them once before, 2 years ago, and they made such a great meal I swore I'd use them if I ever had to host.

Restaurants Are Thanking Veterans With FREE Food

To all those brave men and women that have fought and are still fighting for our country...Thank you!

Local restaurants all over the U.S. are showing their gratitude by providing free delicious food for all active and retired military personnel. If you know someone who's served or still is, let them know and have them take advantage of this great deal. They earned it.

Applebees - Stop into a participating Applebee's on Monday, November 11, 2013 to get your Veterans day free meal. 

You'll be able to choose a meal from a limited Veteran's Day menu that includes steak, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, salad, pasta, chicken, and shrimp. You can see the complete menu by using the link above. This deal is dine-in only and beverages and gratuity are not included.

You'll need to bring in one proof of military service such as a U.S. Uniform Service ID card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings statement, photograph in uniform, be wearing your uniform, a veterans organization card such as American Legion or VFW, or a DD214.

Texas Roadhouse -  will be giving away Veterans Day free meals for lunch on Monday, November 11, 2013 to active, former, or retired military.

Free entrees include your choice of steak, country fried chicken, country fried sirloin, pulled pork, pork chop, cheeseburger, BBQ chicken sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, grilled chicken salad, or chicken critter salad plus your choice of sides. You'll also get a free coca-cola product, tea, or coffee.

You'll need to bring in a military ID, Veterans Affairs card, or Discharge papers. Dine-in only at a Texas Roadhouse near you.

Red Robbin - Please be sure to contact the Red Robin you want to visit to make sure they are participating.

Veterans and active duty military can stop into their local Red Robin on Monday, November 11 to get a free Red's Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.

Be sure to bring your military ID to take advantage of this Veterans Day freebie.

Denny's - Stop by Denny's on Monday, November 11, 2013 and all active, non-active, and retired military personnel can get free all you can eat pancakes from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

All Denny's locations are participating in this promotion and you'll just need to bring a valid military ID along with you.

LongHorn Steakhouse - LongHorn Steakhouse is giving away free Texas Tonions and non-alcoholic beverages to veterans who stop into their local Longhorn Steakhouse on Monday, November 11 through Thursday, November 14, 2013.

You'll need to bring proof of service with you for this freebie such as wearing your uniform or showing Military ID.

Little Ceasars - Stop into a Little Caesar's near you and get a free order of Crazy Breadfor Veterans Day 2013. This is valid for veterans as well as active military members.

Bring in proof of service such as your ID card or DD-214 form to get this freebie.

BJ's - BJ's will be giving free pizzas or lunch specials to veterans on Monday, November 11, 2013.

Red Lobster - Veterans can stop by Red Lobster and get a free appetizer Monday, November 11 through Thursday, November 14, 2013.

They get to choose from Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites, Lobster Pizza, Sweet Chili Shrimp, Crispy Calamari & Vegetables, Lobster-Artichoke-and-Seafood Dip, Lobster Pizza, Lobster-Crab-and-Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms, Parrot Island Coconut Shrimp, Crispy Fried Green Beans, Mozzarella Cheesesticks, or Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.

California Pizza Kitchen - California Pizza Kitchen is having a Veterans Day free meal as well and both veterans and those in active military duty can take advantage.

Stop by your local California Pizza Kitchen on Monday, November 11, 2013 and you can get a free pizza and non-alcoholic beverage when you dine-in.

You'll need come in uniform or bring your military ID or another proof of service.

Chili's - Visit Chili's on Monday, November 11, 2013, to get your Veterans Day free meal if you are a veteran or on active military duty. You'll get to choose between these free meals:

• Oldtimer with Cheese
• Chicken Crispers
• Margarita Grilled Chicken
• Classic Turkey Toasted Sandwich (full)
• Lighter Choices Grilled Chicken Salad
• Soup & Salad Combo
• Any Flatbread (full size)
• Any 9" Pizza
• Any Lunch Combo during lunchtime

You'll need to show proof of military service to get your Veterans Day free meal.

Olive Garden - Olive Garden is having a Veterans Day free meal for all veterans on Monday, November 11, 2013.

Veterans can choose a free entree from a special menu. All these entrees come with freshly baked garlic breadsticks and choice of unlimited soup or salad.

Starbucks - Starbucks will be giving out free tall brewed coffees to veterans, active duty military, and their spouses on Veterans Day.

Call ahead to make sure your local Starbucks is participating.

Krispey Kreme - Veterans can start their Veteran's Day off with a free breakfast at Krispy Kreme that includes a doughnut and a small coffee. No purchase is necessary.