What draws friends together better than a wonderful meal? But not everyone feels up to the task of creating a culinary masterpiece. No need to fret, help is on the way. Today, cooking classes abound--at the local college, the trendy cooking shop near downtown, or even over the Internet. Learn about the dishes and wines of Tuscany or spice up your life with Tex-Mex specialties. And for the truly adventurous, here are a few special culinary schools to…whet your appetite.
The Jill Prescott Culinary School in Chicago offers day classes and weekend and weeklong courses featuring French and Italian cuisine. The focus is on professional classic cooking techniques for home chefs. Its 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility includes three teaching kitchens. The organizers say would-be gourmands do not come just to learn how to cook, but to "change the way you look at food."
Students will learn about the traditions and professional techniques that can be used at home to create memorable meals. Ms. Prescott received formal training in both Paris and Italy. Whether you are a new cook and want to start with one of their introductory classes or a seasoned veteran in the kitchen, ready to tackle crepes and galettes, the Jill Prescott School has a course for you. It even offers classes for children. Prices range from $70 for one class, up to $1,200 for an entire week. Check them out at www.jillprescott.com
If you are more interested in learning about whole foods and vegetarian cooking, then the Natural Gourmet Cookery School in New York City is the place to start, and it is as healthy as it sounds. Founded in 1977 by the author of the best-selling book Food and Healing (Ballantine Books 1986, 1996), the school provides education about health-supporting foods and cooking techniques. The school actually trains chefs from around the world, but lucky for home chefs, it has classes available to the general public.
Classes are designed for every level (kids included), from How to Begin to Ways and Means with Greens and Beans, from Totally Tofu to Desserts to Diet For. The school even offers an Organic and Biodynamic Wine Tasting Adventure. For those who want to learn about the "connection between food and health and how to select and prepare food that supports the life you want to experience--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually," try its six-day, 11-session retreat. They are held at different locations throughout the U.S. and Europe. A Maui, HI, retreat is scheduled in late January. Prices begin at $70 for many classes up to $1,895 for the retreat.http://www.naturalgourmetschool.com/
The Blair House Inn Cooking School in Wimberly, TX, was named one of the "10 Great Places to Put Your Mom into the Kitchen" by USA Today. The school is known for its three-day cooking vacations that focus on a particular theme, such as Comida de Amor (Latin for Food for Lovers), Mediterranean Cooking, or Gourmet Comfort Food. The school's chef, Christopher Stonesifer, received training at the Hotel Sofitel School of French Culinary Skills and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. Enjoy the luxury of the Blair House Inn and take time out for hiking or even a massage in the Texas Hill Country. Cooking vacations are all-inclusive and run $525 per person. Guests are only $100 more. www.blairhouseinn.com
Ready for a little Creole and Cajun? There is no place better than New Orleans to learn the local cooking traditions. Head to the Mardi Gras School of Cooking. Morning classes run from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and include not only cooking lessons, but also a leisurely lunch complete with wine. Try an evening class or a day-long one. Come learn the professional techniques and secrets of Creole and Cajun seasonings while you prepare wonderful New Orleans-style recipes and are immersed in the history of this cuisine. The school also offers party classes, where you reap the rewards of its expert advice while planning recipes, wine, and hors d'oeuvres that you and your guests will enjoy cooking and eating. They also offer four-day cooking vacations for two ($795, includes accommodations). Classes run from $90 - $125. www.gumbos.net
For a truly decadent, luxurious experience, consider the international Rhodes School of Cuisine. For a gourmet experience, this is one of the best, with locations in France, Italy, and Morroco. The school offers a high end experience by combining hospitality, wine and fine food, making it a real culinary getaway. The French school is located in the Provence region, and allows students to stay in villas overlooking the Cote d'Azur. The Italian school is located in Tuscany, while the Moroccan school is located in Marrakech. The programs are a week long during the Spring and Fall and are booked well in advance. Prices range from $450 a week to $3000 a week depending upon accommodation.
So what are you waiting for? Cooking is creative, fun, and downright delicious. And remember to invite some friends over to taste your new creations.
LawCrossing is already perfect. I really cannot give any suggestions. It doesn't need any. Becky
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