Two Tarpon Springs cooking classes dish African food traditions

Learn how to cook Jamaican and Cuban staples at Tarpon Springs' Safford House.

By Meaghan Habuda on Mon, Oct 6, 2014 at 9:35 pm

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City of Tarpon Springs

Cooking instructor Clifton McLeod, owner-chef of The Jerk Center.

For the next two Saturdays, the city of Tarpon Springs will hold $20 cooking lessons at the historic Safford House from noon to 2 p.m.

The classes will teach students how to craft Jamaican and Cuban dishes rooted in African food traditions, according to a news release.

Kicking off Saturday, the first class is led by The Jerk Center's owner-chef Clifton McLeod. He will feature a recipe for Jamaican jerk chicken alongside rice and pea offerings. Rum cake will be highlighted, too.

Another lesson — with author Marisella Veiga as its instructor — is set for Saturday, Oct. 18. It will focus on Afro-Cuban fufu (plantain fritters), bollitos (black-eyed pea fritters), congree (red beans and rice) and tropical salad.

After the cooking's done, students and instructors will share a meal together.

Space is limited to 12 students, and interested participants should call 727-942-5605.