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Sara Salzinski

Teaches at The Chopping Block at the Mart

Favorite class to teach: 
That's a tough one…. I like teaching the more technical classes such as "The Basics", Sushi, Sauce/Stock Making Classes and Cooking for your Baby.

Training/education: 
Graduate of Kendall College in 1997. I trained at Ambria (which is now L2O) and Blackbird.

Cooking since: 
I've been cooking since I was 15 years old.

Favorite childhood food experience: 
My mom cooking and sitting down together for dinner as a family EVERY night.

What made you want to become a chef? 
It was the one thing that I felt truly passionate about. I really enjoy working with my hands.

What is your signature dish? 
I don't really have a signature dish but I really love to cook Thanksgiving dinner, roast and braise meats and make pasta from scratch.

What are the 5 ingredients you can't live without? 
Pasta, butter, salt, cheese and popcorn.

What do you love about cooking? 
It is such a great outlet. It's relaxing (most of the time) and allows me to unwind after a busy day. It feels so good to be able to provide my family with a well balanced, healthy and home cooked meal.

When you're creating a new recipe, what influences and inspires you? 
Other Chopping Block chefs, my husband, cooking magazines and cooking shows.

What advice would you give a new cook? 
Don't be afraid to experiment with new flavors and remember to salt your food!

What are you doing when you're not cooking? 
Taking care of my two beautiful children.

Describe your perfect evening. 
After the kids have gone to bed, my husband and I would fire up the grill and sit outside with a glass (or two) of wine. We would cook up a very delicious yet simple meal and enjoy each other's company.

If you had friends in from out of town, where would you take them to eat? 
Avec or the Publican for dinner, Sun Wah for the BEST Chinese food for lunch and dim sum at Furama for brunch.

Where are you from? 
Highland Park, IL

What was your favorite vacation? 
Going to New Orleans for jazz fest.

What are your hobbies? 
Gardening, reading and listening to music.

What is your favorite band? 
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. I also really dig on The Greyboy All Stars.

What is your favorite sports team? 
I am so not into sports!

If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be? 
My husband, Mike.

What are your guilty pleasures? 
Heavy cream, butter, cheese and chocolate cake.

Who is your favorite celebrity chef? 
Mario Batali.

What 5 tools should every new cook have in the kitchen? 
Microplane grater, lemon squeezer, 10 inch sauté pan, a sharp 8 or 10 inch chef's knife and tongs.

What resources would you suggest for Chopping Block clients? 
The Spice House, Paulina Meat Market and Saveur Magazine. The old PBS episodes of Jacque Peppin and Julia Child are so awesome and informative.

List/describe three of your favorite tips or techniques you use in the kitchen. 
Tips are to always taste your food for seasoning, crush canned tomatoes in a zip lock bag so they don't splatter. I also like to bake cakes but if I'm short on time I will make the cake into cupcakes. It cuts down on the baking/cooling time so you can enjoy them sooner.

My favorite cooking technique is braising. I love creating multiple layers of flavors in one dish. It's also a great way to clean out your refrigerator or freezer.

Classes taught by Sara Salzinski

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