Since the staff at the Kingsley Branch Library all share a passion for food and cooking they thought it might be fun to share this passion with their patrons. After discovering that a local professional chef was a regular library patron "Simply Delicious Cuisine with Chef Tom" was created and it has been a hit with library patrons.

On select Saturday's at 11 a.m. Chef Tom Sisco offers a cooking program at the Kingsley Branch Library instructing participants on how to prepare simple, sumptuous, and satisfying food. Check the Kingsley event page for future "Simply Delicious Cuisine" dates.

Over the past few months Chef Tom has demonstrated cooking techniques and shared recipes ranging from cream puffs to ideas for turkey leftovers. Upcoming featured recipe demonstations will include pecan pie and great grains.

"We really enjoy having Chef Tom at the library," said Kingsley Branch manager, Mary Fraquelli. "Patrons comment how much they love him and that it is such an opportunity to learn something new from a professional chef."

WIth more than 25 years of food service experience, Chef Tom Sisco is currently the kitchen and bakery supervisor for Oryana Natural Food Cooperative in Traverse City.  A certified chef with a degree in Food Service Management from the Northwestern Michigan College Culinary Program, Tom has worked in everything from a "mom & pop" diner to a 4-star hotel.  

Tom remembers in the 7th grade, his mother said, "Tom, anybody who likes to eat as much as you do needs to know how to cook!"  And so, he took those words to heart.  

Because of the nature of this program, it is intended for those 18 years and older.  There is no fee and no registration is necessary.

All food and products as well as Tom's time are donated by Tom and Oryana.