Hens cook
Alumni gather at Vita Nova for cooking demonstration led by HRIM professor
8:25 a.m., Dec. 15, 2011--The University of Delaware New Castle County Alumni Club hosted its third and fourth cooking demonstration last week under the tutelage of Debbie Ellingsworth, a 1977 graduate and chef instructor in the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.
Making holiday-themed appetizers and cookies, more than 40 alumni attended two different classes on Dec. 4-5 to roll out dough, skewer flank steak and learn how to use various ingredients and equipment in the Vita Nova satellite kitchen in the Trabant University Center.
People Stories
'Resilience Engineering'
Reviresco June run
Ellingsworth made alumni and attendees feel welcome in the kitchen regardless of culinary ability. Erin Innes, a 2007 graduate, admitted, “My idea of cooking is to make a reservation,” yet Ellingsworth made sure that Innes and all the attendees not only enjoyed themselves, but also learned new skills.
“I had a fabulous time attending the cooking demonstration hosted by Chef Debbie. She has a way about her that puts everyone at ease and before long the entire group was chatting and laughing," said Janice Lehmann, a 1987 graduate. "Debbie invited questions from the group which covered a wide range of cooking experiences. I am definitely looking forward to the next class.”
Ellingsworth was first approached in the spring by New Castle County Alumni Club’s president, 1983 graduate Scott Bell, who said he is very grateful to have had the opportunity to make use of UD's facilities and work with faculty.
"Throughout 2011 Debbie has hosted four cooking demonstrations for us and over 100 local alumni have participated," Bell said. "These events have helped a broad spectrum of local alumni reconnect with the University of Delaware. Debbie is a talented chef, dedicated alumna, and valuable partner of the New Castle County Alumni Club."
Last March, alumni participated in the first class in which they whipped up Southwestern fare including Mexican-style lasagna, chicken quesadillas and salsa fresca. The second class was just in time for football season where the “kitchen” was moved to the BBQ pit outside the Bob Carpenter Center.
“Debbie was wonderful about being outside and bearing the elements, just as you might at a real tailgate," said Leslie Lundgaard, coordinator of alumni clubs in the Office of Alumni Relations. "Tailgate food was made easy – even from a self-proclaimed non-tailgater! Lucky for all of us the evening was beautiful outside and a great time was had by all."
"As an HRIM alumna, I loved being back in the satellite kitchen -- a place where I spent a lot of time while working at Vita Nova as part of the curriculum,” said Lindsey Timberman, a 2002 graduate and special events chair of the New Castle County Alumni Club. “It was great to see Debbie in action again too, giving great cooking and baking tips throughout the night, just as she did when I was a student. Debbie's passion for cooking and baking shined through during the demo, making it such a fun and interactive night."
To learn about other activities planned for UD alumni, visit the UD Connection website.
About the Office of Alumni Relations
The Office of Alumni Relations is the chief liaison between the University and the worldwide alumni body of more than 151,000 living alumni, which is represented by the UD Alumni Association.
Alumni Relations coordinates major events as Alumni Weekend, reunions and prestigious alumni awards. The office also manages all volunteers and events for the regional alumni clubs across the country and around the world.
About Debbie Ellingsworth
Debbie Ellingsworth is a chef instructor at Vita Nova, UD’s student-run restaurant. She graduated from the Baltimore International Culinary College and has been with the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management since 1997. She is one of four HRIM faculty members who teach in the culinary laboratories held in Vita Nova and is also a co-instructor in the senior practicum.
She previously worked as the kitchen manager and chef for Pizza by Elizabeths, has hosted numerous cooking demonstrations locally and has served as a culinary consultant for many local restaurateurs.