Small portions, big tastes at fair's cooking school

John Kennedy II

Ready to try something new in your kitchen and maybe win a prize?

Then come out to the cooking school at the Plymouth County Fair at 7 p.m. Friday presented by Wells' Dairy, Inc. culinologist John Kennedy II.

What is a culinologist?

"It's part chef, part food science," explained Kennedy, admitting he has "one of the coolest jobs in the world."

He received his executive chef training at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Neb., and holds a bachelor's degree in food science from the University of Nebraska. He's also trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

At Friday's cooking school, Kennedy said his recipes will be more trendy -- "what's popular these days in the restaurant industry."

That will include gourmet sliders or mini burgers with some upscale toppings and mini kabobs using untraditional ingredients.

He will also demonstrate shooters, or desserts in shot glasses.

"I'm planning four or five different flavors of a layered dessert," he said.

His recipes follow the theme of smaller portions, more versatile flavors.

Sharing his love for Italian cuisine he will present a caprese salad and aranchini balls (fried rice balls) with a more Midwestern spin in flavors.

His assistant, a student at Southwest Minnesota State, will also present a recipe during the evening.

Fair board member Candace Nash-Farrer and KMEG's Michelle Stuhr will emcee the 7 p.m. program at Century Hall in the fairgrounds.

Nash-Farrer, show superintendent, assisted by Sandy Schnepf and Barb Galles and a number of volunteers, have gathered a wide variety of items for prize drawings during the show.

They include bags of groceries, food certificates from Plymouth County restaurants, the Plymouth County Pork Producers and the Plymouth County Cattlemen, gift items from gift stores in Plymouth County, and certificates from food vendors on the fairgrounds.

"We have at least $2,000 in prizes to be given away," said Nash-Farrer.

In addition, get ready to answer some trivia questions throughout the program and receive a prize.

At Wells' Dairy, Kennedy is responsible for developing new ice cream concepts for the company.

He also loves to cook and said he is looking forward to Friday night's program.

"It's going to be a lot fun," he said.

And what will Kennedy do after the show?

"My 3 1/2 year old needs to see all the farm animals," Kennedy said. "My family will be here Friday night, and after the program we will go enjoy and have fun at the fair."