Select the skills you would like to work on and I will combine them to create a class specifically for you.  These classes (when dining here) typically last two and a half to three hours in length.  Pricing is different if taking this class by yourself and bringing food home.   Take four classes and every fifth class is free.

KNIFE SKILLS

   Learn about the essential knives every cook should have,  and their uses in the kitchen.  Learn how to sharpen, straighten, clean and store your knives.  Learn about cutting boards, their care and how to set them up.  Using a chef’s knife, you will learn how to perform basic knife skills such as slicing, chopping, dicing, mincing, chiffonade, supremes and fan cut.                          

STOCK 

Learn how to make a flavorful stock or broth. This one ingredient is the base of a great soup or sauce. Learn how easy it is to make and you will want to stop using the stock and broth from a box or can. We will be using an instant pot to prepare a basic chicken or vegetable stock and prepare several quick soups with them.

SOUPS

Learn the basics on how to make a delicious soup with what you probably have on hand in your pantry or refrigerator. Soups can be light enough for lunch or a first course, or hearty enough to make it an entree with bread and a salad.

 SALADS

Learn how to create delicious seasonal salads using  the freshest fruits and vegetables at your market.   You will learn how to create your own vinaigrette that makes your salad shine.

PAN SAUTE AND PAN SAUCES, ADDITIONAL KNIFE SKILLS   

 Learn how to properly season and pan sauté your choice protein.  You will learn how to use a boning knife to trim and butterfly the product, as well as how to prepare it prior to cooking.  You will be preparing several different pan sauces which will complement your protein.    You will also saute a vegetable to accompany your meal.  

BRAISING

Braising is cooking in liquid. Proteins cooked with this method, are cooked low and slow to become meltingly tender. We will use an instant pot or pressure cooker to accomodate a faster cook time.

ROASTING, HOW AND WHEN TO USE A BRINE, MAKE GRAVY 

In this class you will learn how to roast vegetables, as well as the perfect roast chicken. You will learn how to prepare a flavorful chicken stock using parts from the chicken  and how to transform it into a delicious gravy.   

VEGETABLES

Select the vegetables you would like to work with and we will prepare delicious side dishes using various cooking methods. Make the vegetables you main meal. Learn how to create Vegan recipes if you like.

GRAINS AND BEANS

Learn about different grains and how to cook them properly. Each uses a different technique to cook. Basmati, Forbidden Rice, Short Grain, Long Grain, Farro, Aborio, Couscous, Orzo, Bulgar, Polenta, Lentils, Beans, Quinoa and more. Learn how to use them to create delicious soups, salads or entrees.

PROTEINS

Select which protein you would like to work with and we will prepare it using various cooking methods.

PASTA AND NOODLES

Learn which pasta shapes pair best with different sauces. Prepare quick and delicious meals.

PASTA DOUGH, FILLINGS AND SAUCES

In these classes you will learn how to prepare scratch made pasta dough, how to roll and shape various pastas and create sauces to accompany.

EGGS

How many ways are there to cook an egg?  Plenty.  Eggs make a quick and easy meal.  They can be served as breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Learn the techniques to create creamy and light scrambled eggs.  Do you love a hard cooked egg?  Learn how to prepare hard cooked eggs with no dark ring  and shells that are easy to peel, how to create eggs sunny side up.   Create a perfectly poached egg that is delicious over toast, hash or even on a salad!

BREAKFAST BASICS

Whether you want to learn how to make a delicious smoothie, an easy strata or egg bake with what you have on hand or create the perfect french toast or quiche, it will all be delicious.

APPETIZERS, CHARCUTERIE, DIPS AND MORE

Select from my arsenal of delicious appetizer recipes to add to your perfect cocktail party or get together.

LUNCHEON FAVORITES

Learn how to dress up lunch and make it festive as well as delicious.

PUFF PASTRY AND PHYLLO DOUGH

These pastry and dough are incredibly time consuming to prepare from scratch. Enter the store bought dough. Your secret weapon in the kitchen to create insanely delicious appetizers and desserts and more.

BREADS

In this class we will be preparing your bread dough.  I will have a prepared dough which has risen.  You will learn how to punch down the dough and see what it looks like when it is ready to bake.  We will then bake the bread, so that you can understand when it is properly baked.  You will bring home the finished loaves to enjoy.

INSTANT POT/ PRESSURE COOKER  Whether you have an instant pot, it’s  equivalent or a pressure cooker, the techniques are the same.   Learn how you can create a delicious meal in a fraction of the time.  You will select your protein and the sides to accompany.                 

MOTHER SAUCES AND MORE

Once you learn how to prepare the seven classic mother sauces, you will  take your cooking to an entirely different level.  In this class you will prepare  sauces bechamel, mayonnaise, veloute, espagnole, demi glace and tomato.  I know, the sauces sound fancy, but they are practical as well.   Learn how to create other sauces to make your meal complete.                                      

         SOUS VIDE                   

Sous Vide means “under vacuum” in French. It is a process of vacuum-sealing food in a bag, then cooking it to a very precise temperature in a water bath. This technique produces consistent results. Precision cooking brings food to an exact temperature and then holds it. This eliminates foods that dry out and are overcooked. In this class you will cook your selected protein. While it is cooking, we will prepare a vegetable and a salad. You will learn how to pan sear your protein to finish your dish. If you do not own a sous vide machine, but are interested in obtaining one, I am happy to give you my honest thoughts regarding the different brands.

DESSERT BASICS 

Everyone enjoys something sweet at the end of a meal. Select from cakes and cookies, fruit desserts, and ice cream desserts and puddings. Learn how to create classic dessert sauces and dress up the plate.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS

The option of adding food pairings is available for each meal. Additional charges to include the cost of the wine apply. Each person will receive a glass of the selected wine.

PRICING

If dining here with others the cost is the same as my other classes based upon how many courses you want to prepare.

If you are taking the class by yourself and would like to bring your food home with you, the cost of these classes are based upon my hourly rate of $50.00,  plus the cost for ingredients.  I will provide you with a detailed shopping list of ingredients for you to bring to class that day (based upon how many servings you would like).  I can also shop for you, for a nominal fee.  I will provide small amounts of pantry ingredients.    We will prepare the days menu and sample the prepared food  to ensure that you understand what the dishes are all about.   You will bring your creations home with you to enjoy.  These classes take place in my Farmington Hills kitchen.