By Rebecca Melley
It’s difficult to fathom but summer is slowly coming to an end. It’s time to think about heading indoors for fun after months of outdoor fun. Why not learn how to cook? Ctlatinonews.com has found five cooking classes to spice up your fall. Finally learn how to master paella, learn new skills to impress your Thanksgiving guests with, or make adult desserts like the bittersweet chocolate pudding with Jack Daniels. Check out the list and get cooking. ¡Buen provecho!
The Silo Cooking School
www.hunthillfarmtrust.org
Take a trip to Litchfield to The Silo Cooking School and learn how to make everything from focaccia bread to cheese making with local and celebrity chefs including:
- Master Chef Jaques Pepin
- Bravo TV’s Top Chef Master Suvir Saran
- PBS’s Sara Moulton
- Rick Rodgers
- Daniel Rosati, and
- Silo Cooking School Director Chef Mary Kravec.
Check out their end of summer brunch class and their gingerbread making workshop at the end of the season.
Classes are $85 per person and $160 for two people.
The Fig Cooking School
www.figcookingschool.com
Skip happy hour and whip up something delicious at The Fig Cooking School in Hamden. These classes run from 6:30 to 9:30 during the week and give you the perfect activity to look forward to and get through a long work day. They have theme nights ranging from Persian Cuisine and Spice Market Mexico to Kids Food All Grown Up with gourmet grilled cheese and bittersweet chocolate pudding with jack Daniels.
The school likes to use local and organic ingredients wherever it can, so menus change seasonally. It also offers themed classes like Girls Night Out, French Bistro Dinner, and Farmer’s Market, which highlights fresh local produce. This school is for the beginner who can barely boil water up to accomplished chefs.
$85 per person
Jones Family Farms
www.jonesfamilyfarms.com
Take a drive to Shelton and enjoy learning how to make the perfect southern holiday brunch or Holiday Swedish buffet at Jones Family Farms, which has been working for more than 150 years. Check out the Harvest Kitchen and such offerings as Holiday Gathering Connecticut class featuring the New England braised beef, seasonal farm vegetables, Connecticut Johnny bread, and top it off with Hartford election cake.
The philosophy of the Harvest Kitchen is that meals featuring local and seasonal ingredients are wonderfully delicious, exceptionally healthy, and environmentally sustainable.
Also make sure to check out their wine tasting dinners. Their Autumn Sip and Savor Supper: Spanish Sojourn is coming up soon!
$80 per person
Sur la Table
www.surlatable.com
Sur la Table at Canton’s Shoppes at Farmington Valley is the place to check out if you are looking for a variety of choices. Classes at this store (which has locations across the country) range from gluten free baking and fresh pasta workshops to everything is better with bacon themed night. Do not miss the paella workshop or Date Night: Spain in the fall, both coming up in September.
Prices range from $59-$100 depending on the class.
The Secret ingredient
www.thesecretingredientonline.com
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year and want to impress? Have no fear. The Secret Ingredient has two Thanksgiving prep courses: Turkey and Fixings and Simple Sides. Knock your family and friends out of their seats this year by preparing them a Thanksgiving dinner they will not forget. The Secret Ingredient Cooking School, located in Fairfield, offers creative cooking classes in a casual setting. Instructor Tracy Holleran’s approach to cooking will inspire you to prepare simply delicious dishes … any day of the week – not just Turkey Day.
$65 per person
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