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Fresh Sheet: Learn to cook lentils

By Adriana Janovich adrianaj@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446

PNW Co-op Specialty Foods is hosting cooking demonstrations at the 27th annual National Lentil Festival on Saturday in Pullman’s Reaney Park. Here’s the schedule:

  • Noon: Executive Chef Jamie Callison of Washington State University’s School of Hospitality Business Management and author of “The Crimson Spoon”
  • 1 p.m.: Chef Debi Smissen of Tom Douglas restaurants in Seattle
  • 2 p.m.: Chef Robin Leventhal, instructor at Wine Country Culinary Institute and “Top Chef” contestant

Look here for a few of their recipes.

On the web: lentilfest.com.

Cook-off finalists announced

In more lentil fest news, the event’s Legendary Lentil Cook-off has named its top five recipes.

They are: Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew, by Robin Seletsky of Oneonta, New York; Chipotle Honey Lentil and Red Pepper Dip, by Fiona Green of Keller, Texas; Lentil Crusted Fried Chicken Breast with Spicy Lentil Sauté, by Christopher Morrill of El Paso, Texas; Lentil and Bacon Deviled Eggs, by Suzanne Gerrety of Jacksonville, Florida; and Oma’s Luscious Lentil Bake, by Deanna Gilmore of Moscow, Idaho.

Finalists were chosen from 122 entries from 26 states and three countries. Final judging is at 3 p.m. Saturday at the cooking demo stage. The first 100 fest-goers can taste and vote for their favorite recipe for the People’s Choice Award. First place wins $2,000. Second gets $1,000. Third earns $500. And the People’s Choice Award is $100.

Brown coming back

Tickets are on sale for Alton Brown’s return visit to Spokane.

The guru of gastronomy plans to come back for a performance of “Eat Your Science,” the follow-up to his “Edible Inevitable” tour which stopped in the Lilac City in March 2015.

The new show features “potentially dangerous” food demonstrations. “I don’t want to give too much away, but this time we’re going to play a little game,” Brown said in a recent news release.

The new show is slated for 7:30 p.m. March 29 at the INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Tickets went on sale Thursday at wcebroadway.com or by calling (800) 325-SEAT. For groups of 10 or more, call (509) 777-6253.

On the web: altonbrowntour.com.

Herbal infusions

Quillisascut Farm is hosting an herbal infusions class from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The event includes making tonic, bitters, herbal salts, savory vinegar, compound butter and infused oil. The cost is $35 per person. Sign up at (509) 738-2011 or quillisascutfarm@gmail.com. The farm is at 2409 Pleasant Valley Road in Rice, Washington.

‘Moms’ changes name

Just a Couple of Moms Catering is now Nectar Catering and Events.

The catering company, founded in 2009, moved in 2013 to the basement of the 1889 Building, home of the Nectar Tasting Room in downtown Spokane. Tom and Kathleen White sold the catering company last year to Nectar owner Josh Wade, who’s rebranding the business. A full relaunch is expected next year.

Wade also owns Nectar Wine and Beer and nectarMEDIA, a social media consulting firm.

On the web: drinknectar.com.