YES, I DO TAKE REQUESTS AND CUSTOMIZE PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
All of my programs are insured. All programs are suitable for all ages and skill levels. All tasting programs serve healthy samples of items prepared. I am also a certified food service sanitation manager in the State of Illinois.
All of my cooking programs and classes are compliant with County and
State rules and regulations for on site programs regardless of
location. All programs are fire code and health department regulation compliant.. At present I offer 50 different program topics on a far ranging subject matter spanning time and distance. No property has ever suffered any damage, on any level by my hand. I work out programs to meet budgets of hosts. I do private training sessions, and larger show appearances. No class is too small or too large. All are welcome, none excluded. A HEALTHIER APPROACH TO EATING This program includes a cooking demonstration & tasting, while covering a wide range of ideas and methods to improve your diet and eating habits in a reasonable and straightforward manner. Everything from cookware & sanitation, to fluid intake and purchasing food will be touched on. Sink and running water to rinse utensils and 3 tables plus electrical outlets needed. Running time about 60 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 90 minute set-up ARMING YOUR COOKING ARSENAL ARM YOURSELF FOR THE COOKING CAMPAIGNS WITH THE RIGHT UTENSILS & COOKWARE. FIND OUT WHICH COOKWARE IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH, AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU BUY KITCHEN UTENSILS, POTS & PANS. DEMONSTRATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF COOKWARE, UTENSILS, KNIVES, CUTTING BOARDS, WILL BE TOUCHED ON INCLUDING KNIFE SHARPENING, MAINTENANCE, TIPS TO MAKE YOUR KITCHEN SAFER, CLEANER, MORE ORGANIZED. TIPS ON WHAT NOT TO GET, WHERE TO GET WHAT YOU WANT, AND WHY, HANDY LISTS & CHARTS ALL KITCHENS NEED, PLUS BEVERAGES & GOODIES, & FREE PRIZES. I ARRIVE 1 HOUR BEFORE START OF CLASS, AND HAVE ABOUT A 35 MINUTES BREAKDOWN, average running time of 1 hour. TARGET AGE GROUP: TEENAGERS AND ADULTS EQUIPMENT NEEDED: TWO TABLES, ELECTRIC OUTLET AWESOME APPETIZERS
Great, versatile recipes that are a great fit in numerous situations and occasions will be the subject of this program. Chef Niksic will make and serve various appetizer samplings, both hot and cold. Swedish Meatballs, Hummus and a versatile Roasted Red Bell Pepper Cheese blend will all be served. Recipes will be passed out and beverages will be served. Skilled and unskilled cooking levels
Three tables and electric outlet Running water & sink to rinse off utensils Running time about 60 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 90 minute set- COOKING DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR! NOT
ONLY A TASTING OF TYPICAL FOODS SERVED DURING THE ACTUAL BIRTH OF OUR
NATION, BUT ARTIFACTS, POSTERS, NEWSPAPERS, DIORAMAS, PICTURES,
REPLICAS, PERIOD MUSIC AND MUCH MORE! I HAVE BEEN A STUDENT OF THE
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MY ENTIRE LIFE AND CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE EXTREMELY
WELL SCHOOLED ON THE SUBJECT. MY FAVORITE HISTORY SUBJECT! COOKING DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN THIS CLASS WE REACH BACK TO A HARD TIME AND TAKE A SEAT AT HISTORY TABLE SERVING MEALS FROM THE GREAT DEPRESSION. MUSIC AND NOSTALGIA RULE WITH A LOOK BACK AT A DEFINING MOMENT IN OUR COUNTRY'S RECENT PAST.COOKING FOR TWO PREPARING, COOKING, BUYING FOR TWO WHILE CUTTING WASTE, COST, AND EFFORT WITHOUT HURTING NUTRITION OR ENJOYMENT OF YOUR MEALS. COOKING ON THE BOZEMAN TRAIL Another history/cooking class that features versions of meals prepared off a chuck wagon from an historic place & time during the growth of our country. Pictures and music help complete the sketching of this short but important period.CHOCOLATE OVERDOSE!
CHOCOLATE OVERDOSE! #2 CHOCOLATE OVERDOSE! #3 Indulge in one of life’s real treats. Enjoyed by all, chocolate knows no bounds. Samples and examples of chocolate will be shown, and Tasted! Recipes passed out. Domestic and Imported, familiar and not, commercial and hand made chocolates, Semi Sweet, Dark, Milk, White, Bittersweet, and cocoa will be on hand, Fun, surprise chocolate treats, beverages, and prize giveaways will rule. Discussion will cover handling, storage, melting, uses and misuses. Recipes will be passed out. Nice Valentine’s Day, Christmas or fall program. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 5 Tables six foot each, electric outlet. Running time about 60 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 90 minute set COSTA RICAN CUISINE FROM
MY PERSONAL VACATION TO COSTA RICA THIS PROGRAM FEATURES PICTURES,
PERTINENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY TO HELP PLAN A TRIP THERE AND
MOST OF ALL A COOL SELECTION OF TASTY COSTA RICAN CUISINE! COSTA RICAN
CUISINE HAS A STRONG FRENCH INFLUENCE! PURA VIDA! DECADENT ICE CREAM! Chef Michael Niksic shares his original, absolutely decadent Ice creams and recipes! NO MACHINE NEEDED! Bring your eatin pants cause the calories are off the calculator screen.tasting, making, and do's + dont's. Set up time is about 90 minutes, class runs for about 60 minutes, brak down is about 1 hour. 4 tables, DOMINATE YOUR BARBECUE GRILL! Chef Michael Niksic ignited the Mesquite Grilling cooking wave that swept over the Chicago area in the 80"s. Check out why as he shares his knowledge and how to apply it in your backyard! Adult class. The indoor program covers: Grill preparation, building a fire, choosing good utensils, myth busting, cool recipes for seasoning blends, a tremendous marinade recipe, and the making of a grilled mushroom and tomato soup. Recipes handed out. Beverages served. Outdoor class will cover grill preparation, building a fire, choosing good utensils, myth busting, cool seasoning blends put to use in tastings, and a tremendous marinade applied & sampled! Recipes handed out. Beverages served.FABULOUS SORBETS! The lighter side of the heavenly frozen dessert universe. Fruit sorbets that will trip your switch! NO MACHINE NEEDED! Chef niksic will share his restaurant proven sorbet recipes and a cool tasting of these frozen delights are included in the program!FAST & SLICK STIR FRY FAST, EASY, FLEXIBLE COMBINATIONS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR RECIPES! FRENCH NOUVELLE CUISINE
Choice of Salmon or Sea Scallop Mousse served with Spinach & Shallot
Coulis. GLOBAL SAMPLER THIS
PROGRAM IS CUSTOMIZED BY THE FACILITY TO MATCH MOST ANY COMBINATION OF
CUISINES AND COUNTRIES TO MAXIMIZE ATTENDANCE AND PUSH UP FOOT TRAFFIC
FOR YOUR EVENT. GLUTEN FREE COOKING ITS NOT WHAT YOU CAN'T EAT, ITS WHAT YOU CAN AND THE LIST IS ENDLESS. ITS NOT AS HARD AS SOME WOULD HAVE MOST BELIEVE. HEARTY, SAVORY TASTINGS THAT WILL ASSAULT THE SENSES AND LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE! iTS THE METHODS, NOT THE RECIPES.GREAT SALAD DRESSINGS
Chef Niksic shares some of his most popular salad dressing recipes he has served during his career. Dressings will be made during the program and sampled. Dressing samples made will also be passed out to lucky winners. Copies of recipes will be supplied to students. Included will be a creamy 4 cheese dressing, Hibiscus Vinaigrette, and a spicy Thai dressing. 3 tables, electric outlet, sink and running water to rinse utensils Running time about 60 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 90 minute set-up HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM THE KITHCEN The class will highlight very cool food gifts that everyone can produce. The recipients will cherish, enjoy & share (maybe not!) them. The class will show you how to make Artisan Syrups, Seasoning Blends, “Batter Breads” & Salad Dressings! Running time is 70 minutes. Tastings included, recipes distributed.INTERNATIONAL CHEESE TASTING #1 INTERNATIONAL CHEESE TASTING #2 INTERNATIONAL CHEESE TASTING #3
Come and check out cheese
domestic & imported, familiar & new.
Their various serving styles, uses, storage, & handling will
be touched on. Featured cheese will be
sampled in various forms with various accompaniments.
Running Time 70 MINUTES ITALIAN PASTA & SAUCES Program covers cooking linguine, & preparing 2 of the sauces listed here.
MARDI GRAS FEASTIVAL! Check out the making of one of the finest Gumbo recipes you may ever encounter. Demonstration includes tasting. Tasting includes corn bread & gumbo. AND a custom Cajun seasoning blend that is great for blackening or seasoning on the grill. Recipes for all items will be gone over and distributed to all in attendance. Celebrate Cajun style with a great “Naw Lins” dish. 3 tables plus electrical outlets Sink and running water to rinse utensils Running time about 60 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 90 minute set-up MEDIEVAL MEALS EATING HABITS & FOOD CONSUMED BY OUR ANCESTORS DURING MEDIEVAL TIMES IN EUROPE THIS CLASS WILL FEATURE A CASTLE AND KNIGHTS DIORAMA ENCOMPASSING AN ENTIRE BANQUET TABLE! PLUS MEDIEVAL BANNERS & MUSIC & MORE!NOT JUST FOR TOAST! Fine jams and jellies are used in this program in off beat and tasty ways. An eye opener of a cooking program as the creative juices flow. Course includes tasting, recipes, prizes and too much fun. Program runs about 60 minutes, 90 minute set-up and 60 minute breakdown. Operate Your Kitchen Like A Restaurant Tips & insight to trim the budget, stock smart, improve nutrition, better organize and plan meals like a chef! PICNIC SIDE DISHES & PARTY PREPARATION HOW
TO PACK, WHAT TO PACK, AND GREAT FLEXIBLE RECIPES THAT WILL ENHANCE
YOUR NEXT OUTDOOR EVENT REGARDLESS IF ITS AT THE BEACH OR CAMPING, AT A
SOCCER GAME OR CONCERT. PIZZA PIZZA! This program is a sampling program that covers a variety of pizzas and styles of pizzas. Pizzas are toasted during the class to order. They are prepared in various combinations and crusts/breads. Bring your eating pants!PROGRESSIVE POLISH COOKING NEW TAKES ON TRADITIONAL DISHES AND HEARTY, HEALTHY NEW COMBINATIONS UTILIZING NATIVE POLISH FOODS! ROAD TRIP! Road Trips to the 4 Corners of the Country 1) TRUCKIN' TO THE GREAT NORTHWEST TO TILLAMOOK OREGON 2) SHUFFLING DOWN TO SAVANNAH GEORGIA 3) CATCHING A WAVE AT HERMOSA BEACH CALIFORNIA SELLING ON EBAY! LEARN FROM A POWER SELLER STORE OPERATOR THAT HAS DOUBLED HIS SALES DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES. THERE ARE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE COMPETITIVE ON EBAY. THE RULES CHANGE, SO MUST YOUR GAME PLAN. FIND OUT EXACTLY HOW I MANAGE TO COMPETE AND BEAT MUCH LARGER STORES WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING CUSTOMERS, AND RETAINING THEIR BUSINESS. SERIOUS CHILI TO WARM THE SOUL
Experience the incredible
chili offered up by Chef Michael Niksic.
All of the recipes were created by Chef Niksic.
1.Blanco Bean Shrimp & Crab Chili w/ Pita Bread 2. Casa Nostra Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Chili. The chili will be made during the class & served to patrons. Featured recipe will be given to all in attendance. Prizes and serving ideas will be incorporated into the program. These recipes are full flavored, not too hot, hearty and very versatile. They can be used for lunch, dinner, late night snacks, tail gating, camping, Sunday brunch, barbeques, or winter warm-ups. They make a great packed lunch for work or school. All of these recipes have been menu best sellers at numerous restaurants under the direction of Chef Niksic. SPICES AND HERB CRASH COURSE Patrons will be introduced to new spices and herbs they may or may not be familiar with. Compatibility, uses, storage, misuses, applications and blends will be touched on.. Attendees will come in close contact with many exotic and familiar spices, seasonings & herbs. Fun facts and discerning when to use fresh and when not to. A tasting will be included in the programTAILGATE CHOWDOWN This program covers ideas and answers questions on how to pack, serve, prepare for your gridiron party. Menu items served will include:Ultimate Spinach & Artichoke Dip. Bacon & Potato Salad Assorted Enhancements for baked breads, sandwiches & grilled food. Why use mixes when making your feast the best way possible is easy? TIMELESS BRUNCH RECIPES
Spring & Summer Brunch recipes, cool and to the point are prepared. Program includes the making and serving of a variety of delicious dishes. Nice fit for many occasions. Learn the differences in recipes between the ordinary and the classics. Tasting included, recipes distributed. Beverages served. Chef Niksic shares his time proven recipes for Banana Battered French Toast, black bean salsa, and Sun dried tomato-Chive Hollandaise. 4 tables, electric outlet, running water and sink for rinsing utensils. Running time about 60 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 75 minute set-uP TIMELESS BRUNCH RECIPES IIFall & Winter Brunch recipes, satisfying, familiar, & done right. Program includes the making and serving of a variety of delicious items. Nice fit for many occasions. Learn the differences in recipes between the ordinary and the classics. Tasting included, recipes distributed. Beverages served. Fresh Cinnamon Applesauce, Awesome potato pancakes and a rich zucchini bread recipe are featured.
4 tables, electric outlet, running water and sink for rinsing utensils. Running time about 70 minutes, 40 minute clean up, 75 minute set-up Traditional Holiday Classics
This list of side dish classics done right: UBER COOL GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING DEMONSTRATION Learn great ideas and easy methods from ‘El Chef” Michael Niksic. Find out the great building secrets to put together your own masterpiece. Easy to learn ideas, recipes, sources for supplies, handling instructions, and much more! Program includes TV clips, prizes, refreshments, holiday goodies, holiday decorations, linen, music, and the grand prize of the free Gingerbread house to a lucky patron at the end of the festivities. Houses feature different styles, miniature lighting, AND one of a kind figures. Assorted styles of Gingerbread houses will be on display, picture taking is encouraged. Winner’s photo with house can be taken for posting by host organization. Other Gingerbread houses will also be displayed. Set up time takes 90 minutes. Clean-up and packing about 45 minutes. Class time can be adjusted from 1 hour to 1 hour 15minutes with no real issues TARGET AGE GROUP: 7yrs to 70 years! EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 4 six foot tables. Electrical outlet, VHS/DVD access, sink to rinse utensils at program’s end.
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Adult Cooking Programs & Cooking Class Descriptions |