Kosher Remote Thanksgiving Cooking Classes with Smokey Joe

Nov 6, 2020 by Chef David

By Chef David

Nothing about this Thanksgiving is going to be normal, so why not do something outrageous and try a little Tex-Mex to spice up your family gathering. Joseph Godin, also known as Chef Smokey Joe, is a pioneer in kosher BBQ from his iconic restaurant of the same name, which has become part of Bergen County lore. Now, in collaboration with New York-based Ember kosher catering, Chef Joe is spreading his traditional southern-style cooking in a series of three Thanksgiving Classes all held via Zoom.

“If you can’t be with your family and friends this year, just imagine what a great gift these classes would make, and, for an extra treat, you can cook along with your loved ones,” says Chef Joe.

The first class, held this past Thursday evening (and recorded for future use), included his signature onion jam, cornbread, and cranberry sauce. Chef Joe’s casual teaching-style mixed with humor created a relaxed environment, welcoming participants into his kitchen for a 45-minute class.

Culinary Secrets

His ingredients had all been pre-measured, reducing unnecessary downtime, while he shared culinary secrets such as how to dice onions like a pro, zest an orange, and caramelize onions by stirring and gently “sweating” them.

The recipes were all straightforward, making them suitable for beginners as well as more experienced chefs. Breaking down the steps in a manner that made it easy to follow and remember, Joe made cooking fun.

While intended for Thanksgiving, the dishes he prepared were all parve. They would be appropriate to accompany meat or dairy, and would complement any meal all year round. They store well and can be frozen for future use. It would be surprising if participants don’t find themselves tempted to prepare some of the recipes, especially the onion jam, for Shabbat.

Fun and Informative

Watching Chef Joe, as he maintained his easy dialogue throughout the demonstration, was as enjoyable as it was informative, whether he was explaining how to know when cranberries are ready or showing how to modify recipes, such as substituting oil for margarine or adding cut-up jalapeño peppers.

The simplicity and transparency of his session made his joy of being in the kitchen contagious. The class’s use of two cameras made Zoom participants feel as if they were looking over his shoulder to peek into his simmering pots.

Now if only Zoom provided aromas…

This series is highly recommended for those looking for a way to expand their cooking repertoire, especially if they are eager to amp up this Thanksgiving with restaurant-quality recipes. No prior experience is necessary, and it’s a great way to spice up this year’s holiday table at a time when such niceties might otherwise be lacking due to COVID’s social-distancing exigencies.

Two More Classes

There is still time to sign up for the next two classes in the series with access to videos from the first session, too.

On Wednesday, November 11, at 7pm, Chef Joe will present roasted root vegetables with cider glaze, cornbread stuffing, and vegetarian-stuffed acorn squash.
On Wednesday, November 18, at 7pm, the session is entitled “A Tale of Two Turkeys.”

For more information about the classes, contact Chef Joe at Joe@embernyc.com or call 917-239-2269 or register. All participants will receive the Zoom link for each class and full recipes.

“I’m giving away my most cherished Thanksgiving recipes,” says Chef Joe, and they just may become yours, too.