A Summer Supper Cooking Class Get-Together
I love cooking and part of the reason why I love it so much is that it brings family and friends together around a table. Whether it's a fun evening with the girls or precious time spent with my own family, there is nothing better than sitting down at a table and sharing supper with those you love.
With that thought in mind, I started talking to some of my friends and all agreed that they wished they were able to create more meals at home. However, the idea of cooking after a long day at work or with the kids was daunting to them. Many agreed that if they could spend a night with friends, teaching each other some easy dishes that could either be made in advance or made quickly, they would be more inspired to cook (and more confident in the kitchen). My solution? Start a cooking class at home.
You don't need to hire a private chef or culinary instructor if you're looking to learn some new dishes — all you need are a couple of friends who know their way around the kitchen and are eager to share some new ideas and recipes. Once you determine the date and who is coming, plan on what theme you'll focus on — say pastas or no-cook dinners, even Mexican or French. The chefs in charge (not necessarily the host) will then determine the menu.
So that each guest can take home any leftovers, make sure guests bring their own storage containers. These glass ones don't retain smells or get stained. Then, to make re-creating the recipes at home once the class is over easy, be prepared to hand out copies of the recipes being prepared so that "students" can make notes along the way.
Here's what I'd make for a summer-themed cooking class: