CLASSES
COOKING CLASSES
Learn to cook with confidence by taking a hands-on cooking class! Whether you are a novice or a more experienced cook, you will have the opportunity to learn new culinary skills and improve your techniques, knowledge and know-how in the kitchen while having fun working with others in a small group.
All classes are approximately 3-4 hours and include a sit-down dining experience when participants can eat what they have prepared. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Keep in mind that you will be standing, cooking and working for most of the class so please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Chef aprons will be provided to each participant for use during the class.
All classes are scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time convenient for both the participants and instructor.
Pricing
Prices for a 3-4-hour class range from $95-125, depending upon the menu, beverages and amount of time and preparation needed during the class.
SPRING CLASSES -- SAMPLE MENUS
Choose from the following menus or work with Susan to design a custom menu.
Spring Al Fresco Supper
A meal that’s perfect for a warm spring evening, with recipes that capture the best of Southern California’s fresh produce.
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Crostini with Ricotta and Oven-Dried Baby
Roma Tomatoes -
Grilled Rack of Lamb with Dijon Rosemary
Marinade -
Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and
Marcona Almonds -
Rustic Peach Tart with Crème Fraîche
Class is 3-4 hours -- $95 per person
Warm Weather Soup and Salad Lunch or Supper
The focus of this class will be on preparing a variety of soups, salads, and distinctive salad dressings. We will cover all the secrets and tips for creating the perfect green salad, and versatile dressings that are delicious and easy to prepare.
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Chilled Pea Soup with Bacon and Mint
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Carrot Soup with Ginger and Rosemary
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Corn and Yellow Tomato Gazpacho
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Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with White
Balsamic Vinaigrette -
Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Classic French
Vinaigrette -
Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Class is 3-4 hours -- $95 per person
De-Mystifying the Soufflé
This class will de-mystify and simplify how to make a soufflé with these delicious do-ahead recipes. Participants will learn the techniques of creating the soufflé base and also the correct way to fold beaten egg whites and bake the soufflé.
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Mini Goat Cheese Herb Soufflés with Baby
Greens and Sherry Vinaigrette -
Spinach Gruyere Soufflé with Wild
Mushrooms -
Make-Ahead Chocolate Soufflés with
Espresso Caramel Crème Anglaise -
Meyer Lemon Soufflé with Raspberry
Compote
Class is 3-4 hours -- $85 per person
ONGOING CLASSES
Wine and Food Pairing Class
Whether you are just beginning to develop your wine palate or are an avid wine enthusiast, you’ll find this class to be both fun and informative. Learn the basics of wine pairing for both savory and sweet. We will prepare some simple dishes that can be paired with various wines. Class will be taught by Susan and a guest instructor and wine expert.
Class is 3-4 hours – price is determined by menu and wine selection but will range between $100 - 125 per person
Chocolate Tasting
Delve into the history of chocolate and its manufacturing process. You will also experience a guided tasting of domestic, imported and “varietal” chocolates, using professional tasting techniques. Educate your palate as you learn to recognize and appreciate the distinctive characteristics of premium domestic and imported chocolate. Also covered will be tips on handling, storing chocolate, as well as cooking and baking with chocolate. We will prepare 2-3 chocolate recipes from the list below:
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Chocolate Ganache (and its many uses)
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Truffle-filled Montezuma Molten Chocolate Mini-Cakes
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Flourless Chocolate Cake with Fresh Berries
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French Chocolate Bark
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Valrhona Chocolate Pudding
Class is 3-4 hours -- $85 per person