Fort Worth Central Market is pleased to introduce you to one of our talented Cooking School chefs. 

 Christine Ilarraza has been with Central Market for 6 years, and teaches all of our baking and pastry classes and quite a few of the Kids Camp classes, too!

Always a creative-minded individual, Christine headed an Art Enrichment program for local grade school children in her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas.  She learned the art of baking at the American Institute of Baking, also in Manhattan, Kansas, and honed her skills to an expert level over the ensuing years as manager of a local bakery.

Christine loves working with children and teaching the Kids Camp classes.  She's a patient and fun teacher who encourages the youngsters' natural talents in the kitchen.  She quotes, "kids are great, because they aren't afraid of anything!"

Chef Christine loves exploring the aisles of Central Market and discovering new products, including H-E-B Smoked Brisket, which a great value and makes an easy meal.  She's especially excited about Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste, which is pure vanilla with natural vanilla bean seeds in a unique, convenient, paste form that adds a gourmet appearance to any recipe

Speaking of Kids Camp, be sure to register early for our Summer 2009 Kids Camp classes.  Series 1 focuses on basic kitchen essentials and Series 2 explores food from around the world.  There's also a "Kids Camp Extra" class focusing on cupcakes... yum!  Visit our Cooking School page for more information on these or any of our regular classes.  Be sure to check out Christine's class on April 8th, Gluten-Free Baking and Meal Preparation.