November Week Four

Easy as Apple Pie
In honor of Thanksgiving (and the fact that I'll be very busy in my kitchen this week in preparation for it), we discussed cooking and looked at several different recipes and cookbooks.  There are many specific cooking words, so you may want to review the difference between chop, strain, boil, and bake at Cooking Verbs, Cooking Vocabulary, Cooking Instructions Vocabulary.  Also, don't forget that we usually use the command form of the verb in recipes.

Listening
Learners could try some exercises like Baking Cookies, Dinner Time or the more advanced Cooking Expressions.  For original version, check out some cooking videos: Video Recipes with Chef John, Sorted Food, or Martha Stewart's Cooking School.

Reading
You should try reading some recipes, start with a mind map about how to make a pancake, how to make a bean taco or how to make a banana milkshake.  But for original version, I recommend you check out the numerous wonderful food and cooking blogs out there!  I love Smitten Kitchen and Chocolate and Zucchini.  And for the ultimate resource on recipes, check out Epicurious, they have everything!

Writing
Maybe it's obvious, but the best writing exercise for this is to write your own recipe!  Try to expand your vocabulary, don't say cut, but chop, slice or dice. So go ahead and write your favorite recipe.

December Extra Activity
If you would like to participate in December's Extra Activity (2nd Annual Yankee Swap and Christmas Extravaganza), please fill out your schedule preferences online, as I would like to find the date that works for the most people possible.

Best,
Kelly

"I think careful cooking is love, don't you? The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who is close to you is about the nicest valentine you can give." --Julia Child