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Image for event: Seasoned Together: A Community Herb & Spice Club
Cancelled

Seasoned Together: A Community Herb & Spice Club

Discover. Cook. Connect.

Join us for Seasoned Together, our hands-on herb and spice club! **In August, we will learn to make Pierogies **

At Seasoned Together, we believe that cooking is about more than just food; it’s about community, curiosity, and creativity. Each month, we explore a different herb or spice, learning its history, flavor profile, and unique uses. Then we roll up our sleeves and make a simple, delicious dish together.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this club is a welcoming space to try new flavors, share stories, and connect with others who love food and learning. Come for the ingredients, stay for the friendship, and leave with new skills, new tastes, and new connections!

July's recipe:

Homemade Puerto Rican Empanadillas

Golden, crispy, and packed with flavorful seasoned beef, these Puerto Rican empanadillas are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or delicious meal!

Ingredients

For the Sofrito

3 large yellow onions, peeled and roughly chopped (white onions work too)
3 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
2 pounds orange peppers, stems and seeds removed
6 bunches fresh cilantro (about ⅓ pound)
For the Filling

Ground beef
Badia Complete Seasoning
Sazón seasoning
Prepared sofrito
Oil for frying
 

2 packages empanada discs (available at Walmart and many grocery stores)
 

Directions

Make the Sofrito

In a food processor or blender, combine the onions and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the peppers. Pulse 8–9 times.
Add the cilantro and continue pulsing until the mixture reaches the consistency of chunky applesauce.
Transfer the sofrito to mason jars or freeze it in ice cube trays for future use.
Storage Tips:

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for up to 6 months.
Prepare the Filling

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess grease.
Season generously with Badia Complete Seasoning and Sazón.
Stir in a generous amount of sofrito until well combined.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Assemble the Empanadillas

Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each empanada disc.
Fold the disc in half to form a half-moon shape.
Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
Fry

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Carefully fry the empanadillas in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm and enjoy!

AGE GROUP: | Adults (18+) |

EVENT TYPE: | Food and Drink | Community |

TAGS: | |

Hiawatha Public Library

library@hiawatha-iowa.com
Phone: (319) 393-1414

Hours
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Hiawatha Public Library

 
Mon, Aug 10 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 11 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 12 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 13 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 14 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Aug 15 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Aug 16 Closed

Tel: (319) 393-1414

Upcoming events

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Sat, Aug 15, 9:00am - 10:00am
Hiawatha Public Library
We are collecting school supplies, clothing, and shoes to support students and families in our community. Your donation can help a child start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready.

Mon, Aug 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Guthridge Park
Get blasted!

Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Green State Credit Union Conference Room L006
Science fiction and fantasy open doors to infinite possibilities, which makes them the perfect playground for exploring the craft of storytelling.

Tue, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
Celebrate our Cat Café with a fun and creative art program!

Wed, Aug 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
Join others at the library for open play of American mahjong

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Wed, Aug 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library
Join our 10-Week American Sign Language (ASL) Class and learn a skill that helps build connection, inclusion, and community.

Thu, Aug 20, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Glenn Schminke Room 103.2
Calling all word wizards and lovers of letters! Join the Scrabble Club at the library and challenge your vocabulary skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Thu, Aug 20, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Glenn Schminke Room 103.2
Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons campaign for adults on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month at 5 PM

Thu, Aug 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
New and existing Friends are welcome!

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Thu, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library
Welcome to our friends, new and old.

Thu, Aug 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
Bring your favorite reads and connect with fellow comic enthusiasts!

Fri, Aug 21, 9:00am - 10:00am
Hiawatha Public Library
Finished your latest puzzle? Ready for your next challenge?

Fri, Aug 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Glenn Schminke Room 103.2
Join Our Adult Writing Group!

Fri, Aug 21, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Glenn Community Room 103.1 &103.2
Foam-filled fun!
This event is full

Sat, Aug 22, 9:00am - 10:00am
Hiawatha Public Library
We are collecting school supplies, clothing, and shoes to support students and families in our community. Your donation can help a child start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready.

Sat, Aug 22, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Glenn Community Room 103.1 &103.2
Join us for a cozy event at the library featuring adorable adoptable cats, light refreshments, and plenty of purrs!

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Mon, Aug 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library
Join us for conversations about food and nutrition, physical movement, community building, and researched, relevant information for older adults!

Mon, Aug 24, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
What are we planning?  Teen Programming for Fall 2026/Winter 2026/2027!

Mon, Aug 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Green State Credit Union Conference Room L006
The chemistry between two characters can make—or completely break- a reader’s emotional investment. Whether romantic, platonic, familial, antagonistic, or somewhere in between.

Tue, Aug 25, 9:30am - 10:00am
Stillwater Coffee
A story time with coffee! Ahhhhh!

Tue, Aug 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
Pssst...there's magic on the shelves this month!

Wed, Aug 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
Join others at the library for open play of American mahjong

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Wed, Aug 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library
Join our 10-Week American Sign Language (ASL) Class and learn a skill that helps build connection, inclusion, and community.

Rescheduled
Thu, Aug 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Thursday, August 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library
This relaxing class focuses on gentle stretching, balance, breathing, and mindful movement to help improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

Thu, Aug 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
New venue Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Glenn Community Room 103.1 &103.2
This relaxing class focuses on gentle stretching, balance, breathing, and mindful movement to help improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

Thu, Aug 27, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Glenn Schminke Room 103.2
Calling all word wizards and lovers of letters! Join the Scrabble Club at the library and challenge your vocabulary skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Fri, Aug 28, 9:00am - 10:00am
Hiawatha Public Library
Finished your latest puzzle? Ready for your next challenge?

Fri, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Glenn Community Room 103.1 &103.2
Presented by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Fri, Aug 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Glenn Schminke Room 103.2
Join Our Adult Writing Group!

Fri, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hiawatha Public Library
Attention true crime and mystery fans! Dive into a self-guided case at the library—follow the clues, examine the evidence, and see if you can crack the mystery!

Fri, Aug 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hiawatha Public Library - Forrest Kramer Room 103.1
Adventure with other Teens and Tweens!

Sat, Aug 29, 9:00am - 10:00am
Hiawatha Public Library
We are collecting school supplies, clothing, and shoes to support students and families in our community. Your donation can help a child start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready.