Raffetto’s palate cooking classes

2nd and 4th Fridays of the Month 5:30-8 p.m.

Raffetto's Palate cooking classes at the COMO are a fun way to learn kitchen tips and tricks the hands-on way! Join us in the COMO Kitchen with Susan Raffetto’s delicious menus as our guide. Each class will feature a carefully curated menu. Participants will cook in small teams and learn how ingredients work together to make flavorful dishes. After all the cooking is done, it will be time to taste!

Bring your favorite wine or brew to sip and enjoy growing your confidence in cooking and hosting. Must be 21+. Bring your own containers to take home any leftovers.

If you’d like gluten free options, we are happy to try to accommodate. Email p.rouquayrol@thecomo.org no later than noon on the Monday prior to class. We will let you know on Tuesday if we can modify the menu.

Only 15 participants per class - register early!

Members & Nonmembers: $70 per class

Raffetto’s Palate Upcoming Menus

January 12

What can you get from flour, eggs and milk? A delicious Italian meal that will make winter bright!

  • Manicotti from freshly made pasta

  • Stuffed with class-made ricotta like you have never tasted before topped with heart-warming tomato sauce

  • Let’s end with a cannoli cream dessert

January 26

Let’s explore Africa through some favorite dishes!

  • Chicken African Stew - Delicious and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Stews have always been a part of the cuisine in Africa specifically in West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.

  • Jollof rice is a popular dish in West Africa. The name "jollof" originates from a Senegambian kingdom called the Jolof Empire. Many countries of the sub-continent have their own methods of preparation, but the ongoing feud between Nigeria and Ghana regarding whose jollof rice is better may never be resolved. We are exploring the Nigerian version for this class.

  • Malva Pudding, a traditional South African Baked Dessert Cake

February 9: Special Wine-Pairing Class

What do you get when Cove Ledge Liquors joins Raffetto’s Palate at the COMO? An amazing wine-tasting, food-pairing pre-Valentine celebration that will shine the light on our love of food and wine!

The tasting will include pairings with cheeses, poultry, and of course chocolate!

  • Cheeses (hard and soft)

  • Coq au Vin

  • French Chocolate Cake (nearly flourless)

Please Note: This Class is $80. Tickets can be purchased at THIS EVENTBRITE LINK.

February 23

Throw-backs worthy of pulling forward!

  • Manhattan Clam Chowder (tomato-based and oh so yummy)

  • Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Foolproof Biscuits

  • Woolworth’s Cheesecake - A vintage dish from the Woolworth store cafe…creamy, lemony and delicious

March 8

St. Patrick’s Day with a Twist

  • Irish Soda Bread – Bake your own to take home (or eat in class if you prefer)

  • Baked Rueben Casserole (along with our own Thousand Island Dressing)

  • Guinness Cupcakes – one of the reasons that Irish are so lucky!

March 22

Cooking for One: Tips, Tricks, & Sample Meals

  • Chicken Breasts: Let me count the ways chicken can satisfy your palate!  Paillard, Lemon & Mushroom and of course Parmigiana

  • Pasta: Who needs tomato sauce!

  • Vegetable: Focus on Broccoli

April 26

Italy with a touch of Spain will delight your palate!

  • Pasta Rotolo with Spinach and Ricotta (like a vegetarian lasagna pinwheels)

  • Neapolitan Provolone Buns ( you can add salami if you are hungry for meat!)

  • Basque Cheese Cake (no crust)

May 10

Bring On Summer!

  • Giardiniera Dip – this will be your go-to party dish for the summer

  • Martha Stewart’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken

  • Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake for a crowd

About the Instructor

Susan Raffetto comes from a long line of food entrepreneurs.  Since 1906 her family has owned and operated Raffetto’s Pasta in New York City.  Susan has been cooking for family and friends for many years.  Hosting birthday, engagement and reunion parties from her home. Susan is now on the program schedule for the Stonington Community Center offering cooking classes every other Friday.  While Susan’s background is Italian, she has broadened her cooking to entice any palate.