Cooking Course at Home

My recent four days cooking at home with our niece were a revelation. We had a lot of fun and her feedback on my Ann’s Food Diary Facebook page was very welcome

 “ Had a brilliant time! Definitely learnt a few recipes I could do by myself :) thank you!”

The time was as much a learning experience for me. I often cook by instinct, work fast and cut corners. She absorbed recipes and methods, followed these precisely and took her time. Her results were exceptionally good quality and have made me reflect on my own style.

We started the time together talking through food likes and dislikes, establishing what were favourites and what recipes she already knew or could easily ask others for. This BBC Good Food basic skills article proved very useful before, during and after our cooking. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/25-skills-every-cook-should-know

This is how the days and menus panned out.

HEATHER’S COOKERY COURSE – MARCH 2017

Thursday 16th
• Menu Planning
• Shopping Lists
• Creating Heather’s signature bake
• Mexican Taco Supper

Friday 17th
• Supermarket & farm shop
• Getting to know cooking basics
• Heather & Phil’s weekday meals
• Focus on Chicken

Saturday 18th
• Easy cooking for friends
• Timing and food preparation
• Dinner Party for six

Sunday 19th
• Day of relaxation
• Heather’s choice for dinner (cooked by Heather)

The first practical of a Victoria Sandwich cake was a wonder, light and airy a great example of how Heather’s patience in whisking so thoroughly paid off and a lesson for me.

Day two “Chicken Day” was a huge success five delicious and varied dishes which we made in single portions from one pack of chicken fillets. These were sampled as we cooked and kept us going in lunches throughout the weekend.

Chicken stuffed with sausage wrapped in bacon

Chicken Wellington

Chinese Chicken and Mushrooms

The third day cooking for friends included planning the menu with a focus on balance, simplicity and how a time plan can make sure you enjoy the event too (not being the martyr in the kitchen as I have been on occasion in the past)

Starter
• Garlic Mushrooms topped with Parma Ham

Main Course
• Roast rib of beef with all the trimmings

Dessert
• Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries and Cream

By the last night she was flying solo preparing our chicken fajitas for three with minimal input from me.