A Taste of France:

French Flavors: A Taste of France

Transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Paris or the picturesque countryside of Provence. Whether you are savoring a classic Coq Au Vin or enjoying a refreshing glass of rosé, every bite and sip offers a glimpse into the artistry and passion that define French cuisine. Bon appétit!

French salad, coq au vin or beef bourguignon with pommes puree

Crisp greens, paired with flavorful additions like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Topped with a light vinaigrette dressing made from vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. Coq au vin is tender chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. Beef bourguignon is a classic French dish that features tender beef slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce, enhanced with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This hearty stew is often served with mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Either meal will include your selected side of crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

French Onion Soup followed by Roasted chicken Or Roasted Salmon , dijon mustard and Sauteed Green beans

Traditional rich and flavorful soup created from deeply caramelized onions topped with melted gruyere cheese and crispy croutons. This is served as a first course while your choice of oven roasted salmon or classic roasted chicken roasts in the oven. This will be served with a dollop of Dijon mustard and a sauté of blanched green beans.

cheese Soufflé, arugula salad dressed with a honey and rosemary vinaigrette and shredded roast chicken, Soufflé au chocolate or grand marnier

Soufflé, a timeless classic in the realm of French cuisine, comes in two irresistible variations that cater to different taste preferences: savory and sweet. The savory soufflé boasts a light, airy texture, with a decadent combination of ingredients like cheese and herbs which is served with a flavorful arugula salad dressed with a honey rosemary dressing as well as shredded rotisserie chicken.

The sweet Chocolate or Grand Marnier soufflé offers a delicate balance of flavors. A well-prepared soufflé is sure to elevate any dining experience.

Cod Provençal, roasted potatoes, Crème brûlée

Meaty cod loins, simmered in a spicy tomato sauce nestled with salty capers and black olives. This is a quick, simple and healthy one-pan dish that is incredibly flavorful and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Served with roasted potatoes and a crusty baguette on the side. Crème brûlée, with its delicate custard base and crispy caramelized sugar topping, is a timeless French dessert adored by many. This elegant treat offers the perfect balance of creamy richness and contrasting crunch, making each spoonful a symphony of textures and flavors.

Italian classics:

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its simple yet flavorful dishes that highlight fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques. With a rich culinary heritage that varies from region to region, Italian cuisine offers a diverse array of pasta dishes, risottos, meats, and seafood prepared with an emphasis on quality and authenticity. Buon Appetito!

Grilled caesar salad, scratch made pasta with tomatoes, basil and Garlic

Grilled Caesar salad is a delightful twist on the classic favorite. After grilling the lettuce, it is drizzled with a homemade Caesar dressing and topped with capers, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. This dish offers a unique combination of smoky notes from the grill and the traditional flavors of a Caesar salad. The process of making pasta from scratch is both therapeutic and rewarding. This is served with a luscious sauce of tomatoes, basil, and garlic.

fall panzanella salad, chicken marsala

A classic favorite in Italian cuisine, Panzanella or bread salad is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the freshness of its few key ingredients. We take a fall spin on the classic and add fall fruits such as apples or pears, goats cheese, dried cranberries , fresh thyme, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil, this salad is a celebration of fall flavors. Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts and mushrooms served with your choice of mashed potatoes or prepared pasta.

arugula salad with rosemary and honey, Risotto

This arugula salad is one of my favorites. It is wonderful and adaptable. Here we will add fall flavors such as apple or pears and add a crumbled blue cheese. Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish that has gained popularity worldwide. This creamy and comforting dish is made by slowly cooking Arborio rice in broth until it reaches a rich and velvety consistency. The key to a perfect risotto lies in the technique. It requires patience and attention to detail as you gradually add warm broth to the rice, allowing it to absorb the liquid while releasing its starch to create a creamy texture. It is a wonderful dish due to its’ versatility. Select your additions to create your unique flavor profile which may include chicken, shrimp, mushrooms and peas. It's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Spanish flavors

Spanish cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich culinary traditions. These meals offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any palate. Experience the warmth and hospitality of Spain through its iconic dishes that have captured the hearts and appetites of food lovers around the world.

orange and red onion salad, paella

Orange and Red Onion Salad is a beautiful combination of sweet citrus and sharp onion flavors, with a refreshing minty finish. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this simple yet elegant salad! Paella, a traditional Spanish dish, is a vibrant one-pan meal features a colorful medley of saffron-infused rice. Select which proteins you would like to use in this dish including chicken, chorizo and shrimp. If you like, you can make this a vegetarian paella. Whether prepared with seafood, chicken, chorizo, or a mix of all, paella embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine, bringing together bold flavors and textures in every bite.

TAPAS ( PATATAS BRAVAS, GAMBAS AL AJILLO, PIMENTOS DE PADRON, ALBONDIGAS)

Tapas, the beloved Spanish tradition of small plates meant for sharing, offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.

Patatas bravas, a traditional Spanish tapas dish, consists of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. This popular dish is a favorite among tapas enthusiasts for its simple yet bold flavors. We will also prepare a garlic aioli for added richness.

Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish dish, features succulent shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chili peppers. The dish is beloved for its simple yet bold flavors. We will serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Pimientos de Padrón are small, bright green peppers from the Padron region of Spain. We will use Shishito peppers which are more readily available. These peppers are known for their mild flavor, with occasional spicy kicks that add an element of surprise to each bite. We will quickly saute the peppers until they blister, then dust with salt.

Albondigas

Albondigas, Spanish meatballs, are a classic dish that never fails to impress. Adding a smoky twist to this traditional recipe elevates the flavors and creates a unique dining experience. The combination of juicy meatballs with a hint of smokiness is sure to tantalize your taste buds. These smoky albondigas are served in a rich tomato sauce or broth, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.

THE FLAVORS OF THAILAND

Whether you're a fan of bold flavors or seeking a more subtle taste sensation, Thai cuisine has something for everyone. Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy tastes. With its diverse range of dishes and unique ingredients, exploring Thai food is a delightful journey that is sure to satisfy your culinary cravings.

SWEET CORN FRITTERS, PAD THAI

Thai sweet corn fritters are a delightful combination of sweet corn kernels, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice. I serve these with a sweet thai chili sauce. These fritters make for a perfect appetizer or snack that is sure to impress your guests.

Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish loaded with crunchy vegetables, optional chicken or succulent shrimp, and a perfect blend of tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The result is a harmonious medley of textures and flavors that has captured the hearts of many around the world.

TOM YUM, THAI RED CURRY CHICKEN OR FISH WITH CHOPPED GREEN BEANS.

Tom Yum is a classic Thai soup that boasts a perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. This iconic dish is known for its aromatic broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers. Choose your protein of shrimp or chicken, the soup is often garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Red curry chicken or fish is a flavorful and aromatic dish that gently poaches the tender protein pieces with a rich red curry sauce. Chopped green beans are added to the dish to make it a more rounded dish. This Thai-inspired dish is perfect for those looking to add a bit of spice to their dinner routine. Served over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness. Served over rice or rice noodles.

Pricing

These classes are all two courses. The class takes approximately 3 hours to complete including the time for you to enjoy each course. The cost of the class begins at $200.00 for two people. Each additional person will add $100.00 If you have more than four people the cost will change due to extra help needed to assist me with the class.