Great Dames’ virtual Valentine’s Day-themed event is all about self care

The Wednesday, Feb. 10, edition of Great Dames’ Powerful Conversations series will be a departure from its usual inspirational women-in-business panel discussion.

With that love-focused holiday on the horizon and most people staying in when they would ordinarily go out for dinner, this one will be a virtual Valentine’s Day-themed cooking class with the award-winning chef Curtiss Hemm.

“This is a little unusual for us, but we’re creating an opportunity for self-love,” said Great Dames founder Sharon Kelly Hake. “We all deserve it.”

Hemm is the founder of the Carriage House Cooking School in Peru, New York — North Country Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Small Business of the Year — as well as Pink Ribbon Cooking, a series of recipes and cookbooks for people undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A former dean of culinary arts and director of online programs at the New England Culinary Institute, he has been recognized with 12 culinary gold medals.

A minimum donation of $10 is required for non-Great Dames members to register. Attendees will receive a booklet of recipes, so you can be sure to have ingredients on hand to prepare along with Chef Curtiss. Recipes include a rosemary-laced apple cider mimosa and the components for a decadent chocolate dessert.

“We’re focusing on drinks and dessert, of course, but he’ll have lots of ideas for the entire meal,” said Hake.

The event will happen from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register here.