NEXT STAGE COOKS: AUTHENTIC MIDDLE EASTERN/ISRAELI CUISINE

Next Stage Cooks: The cuisine of Israel is multi-faceted, and this class dives into some of the classic favorites inspired by the Middle East (hummus, baba ganoush) as well as some less common, but equally authentic, dishes (burika, skhug). In this class you will work with quintessential ingredients from the region, such as: chickpeas, tahini, yogurt, eggplant, goat cheese, and rose water. The menu is varied and shares some very special and delicious recipes! Instructor Zohar Arama owns the local business Yalla Vermont. His company has supplied area co-ops with hummus, tahini, and pita bread for years, and recently opened a storefront in downtown Brattleboro that is a destination lunch spot. Born and raised in Israel, Zohar moved to the United States in 2012. In 2015, Zohar and his wife (who he met in 2001 while hiking the Appalachian Trail) began their work with Yalla in their home kitchen, making hummus and pita bread. After years of trying different techniques and recipes, selling food at farmers markets and products at local stores, Zohar opened the restaurant in Brattleboro. Zohar grew up around people who love to cook (mother, aunts and grandparents) where there were always pots on the stove. He learned to appreciate the freshness of ingredients and not to buy what you can make! “Although I’ve got Greek and Yemeni roots I was exposed to endless ethnic foods in Israel, a young country shaped by emigrants where you get this amazing mix of middle eastern, African, European, S. American…and Jewish cousin, and with some creativity the Israeli kitchen developed into something special!” —Zohar, Arama, Yalla Vermont MENU Hummus Tzaiziki (Greek yogurt dip) Baba Ganoush (Roasted eggplant dip) Chickpea salad with herbs, tomato & cucumber Burika (Egg fried in a filo dough) Burakitos (Baked pockets of dough filled with sweet potato, eggplant & goat cheese) Skhug (Sauce of cilantro, peppers, and spices) Sweets: Sachleb (Sweet, hot rose water drink) and Kenafe (Kataifi noodles, goat cheese, rose water) Beverages: Wine will be served ~ Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. ~