Spice Up Your Social Life

Entertaining is such a social activity and there can be few things more satisfying than cooking a first-class meal for friends and relaxing with them to share it and enjoy the conversation.  These are the things of which special memories are made.

Witness the popularity of television shows such as Come Dine with Me, Saturday Kitchen, Sunday Brunch and the huge variety of celebrity chefs sharing their recipes and kitchen tips. But just how often do any of us actually attempt the recipes?  And if we do, and if they are mouth-watering and stunning on the plate, how many people would feel confident enough to serve them at dinner parties?

As the autumn draws nearer and the sunshine we have been enjoying for so long sets earlier day by day, it’s a great time to think about replacing walks in the park, or al fresco dining, by using the early evenings to learn a new skill, or hone an existing one.

Over five weeks, our beginners and intermediate evening classes from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm are an ideal way to spend a few hours on the way home from work, learning, creating and then arriving home with your supper all ready to eat. Even better, it’s a social occasion in itself, so a great way to meet people and make new friends.  Many of our past students have formed firm friendships and return to take part in more advanced courses, or even specialist or themed workshops on different cuisines and cookery styles, to enhance their skills together.

Both courses are practical and hands on, with beginners learning knife skills, culinary techniques and understanding and interpreting recipes.  Techniques covered include everything from baking to bread making, plus soups, main courses and desserts.  Intermediate students learn more advanced techniques, designed to overcome the fear of preparing fish and meats, making pasta, risotto and sauces, and they produce dinner party-ready dishes.

So why not brighten the coming dull days and make the most of the short evenings by joining us?  Who knows – you could be the next confident, smart cook applying for Come Dine with Me and gracing our TV screens!