Recently, I started doing a free demo, twice a month, as a way for me to spend some more time talking with my students, without the hectic pace of a hands-on class. It's been a really nice experience for me to slow down, and reconnect with what I love - teaching people about food, and the loyal people who have made Mirepoix my favorite place to be.

Yesterday, our class was about oranges. There are two very common types of oranges - Navel & Valencia. Each type has a nice, long, growing season, with peak months in what we consider the "dead of winter". Citrus fruits, particularly oranges, add an unique dimension to recipes. Zesting, juicing, or segments are an enjoyable way to add flavor and interest to some of your favorite dishes.

My favorite chocolate biscotti recipe originally called for dried cherries, but changed it to use candied orange zest instead. Spiced with cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper, it is my new favorite cookie. The recipe includes almonds, which you could leave out (add extra chocolate chips).

Look for our recipe on Facebook tomorrow. If you don't already "Like" Mirepoix on FB, simply search us out tomorrow for class updates, recipes, cooking tips, and other news about our events.