Ann Arbor stay-at-home moms share multicultural recipes with new business venture

Posted: Mar 18, 2010 at 6:49 PM [Mar 18, 2010]

On St Patrick’s Day, there is more to celebrate than leprechauns, green beer and the Irish culture. Though we all can be a little bit Irish on that day, it is also a perfect day for sharing cherished customs, traditions and foods from any heritage.

On March 17, Zaini Lateef and Anna Colmenero, two stay-at-home Ann Arbor moms with a panache for cooking launched their small business: an affordable cooking and tasting class with a strong focus on international foods.

Lateef explained her motivation for starting up the business.

She was laid off two years ago and, in that time, has taken a real interest in cooking and home organization. She and Colmenero, neighbors in the Chapel Hill Condominiums, wanted to invite women out of the house for a social gathering where they have a chance to learn recipes for healthy and easy main dishes.

“We want to build community as well as offer a fun social learning experience.”

Both agreed that learning and tasting foods has been their favorite way to introduce and learn techniques for new foods.

Lateef remembers learning many cooking techniques as a child from her mother just by watching her in the kitchen growing up in Pakistan. Colmenero recalls a time when Lateef shared a recipe by phone that never turned out quite right until they made it together in person.

Their class is offered once a month for $15 per session. This month the recipes are favorites from their own cultures, prepared in a quick and healthy way.

Colmenero shared her secrets for a Mexican Lasagna; she modified a traditional favorite into an easy and good for you vegetarian dish. Lateef introduced us to the simplicity of Chicken Tikka and gave suggestions for where to buy the best ingredients and options for quick and easy side dishes as well.

The duo also offered tips on home organization and kitchen decluttering. Lateef likes a clean and orderly kitchen and is even working on transferring her recipes onto the small business's Web site for easy access.

Lateef and Colmenero have plenty of ideas for recipes to showcase in their upcoming workshops but are open to suggestions. If the classes are successful, they will consider offering additional sessions for a summer kids’ camp or parent/child class.

You can find out more about their upcoming classes at the Food Boutique website.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail and business news in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.