Marinades, Cures and Brines

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Agenda Summary:
5:45 arrival, 6:00 Begin, 9:00 Finish

Event Summary

This essential CORE class explores the foundational science and culinary artistry of moisture retention and flavor enhancement. Under the expert guidance of Chef Travis McConnell, Brightwater Faculty and head of our on-site butcher shop, the Butcher’s Larder, students will master the distinct mechanics behind acid-based marinades, equilibrium dry curing, and osmotic brining. By understanding how salt, sugar, and acids alter protein structures at a cellular level, you will learn to transform ordinary cuts of meat into exceptionally tender, deeply seasoned centerpieces, developing the precise control necessary for advanced protein fabrication.

Throughout this hands-on session, the kitchen transforms into a practical laboratory as Chef McConnell guides you through a versatile repertoire of classical and regional recipes. Participants will craft a foundational Poultry Brine designed for maximum juiciness, prepare savory Cider Brined Pork Chops that perfectly balance sweetness and acidity, and delve into the patient craft of charcuterie with a robust Brown Sugar Dry Cured Bacon. To round out the curriculum, the class will explore global flavor profiles by mastering a vibrant, aromatic Peruvian Chicken Marinade, leaving you with the technical confidence and food safety knowledge to engineer your own signature cures.

We want your time in the kitchen to be safe, comfortable, and fun! Before you arrive, here are a few simple things to keep in mind:

• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with good grip — think sneakers or similar styles
• Clothing: Comfortable, fitted clothing with full coverage; avoid loose sleeves
• Jewelry & Hair: Skip the dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair

Event Speaker:
Chef Travis McConnell, Artisanal Butcher

RCA Disclosures

• Nonrefundable: Registration fees are nonrefundable, but may be transferred to another person. If RCA must cancel or reschedule the event, your registration will be refunded.
• Contact Information: By registering for this event, you consent to the sharing of your contact information (such as name, email address, and company) with the event’s sponsors. This information will be shared exclusively with sponsors for purposes related to the event and will not be shared with other attendees or third parties.
• Photographs and Videos: During this event, RCA may take photographs and/or video of you which may be posted to social media and on the association’s website. By registering for and attending this event, you agree to the use of images in photographs and/or video for this purpose. Additionally, other event attendees may take photographs and post said photographs to social media. RCA shall not be responsible for photographs taken and/or shared by other event attendees.
• Session Recordings: This session may be recorded for the purpose of education, training, and use in RCA’s Learning Library. The recording will be used for this stated purpose and shall not be used for any other purpose. Do not share information that you do not wish to be recorded. If you are uncomfortable being recorded, please refrain from speaking and submit questions via email.

Thank you Kalsec, Inc. for supporting year-round RCA events.