Loukie’s Cooking Classes

Cooking ClassI can’t believe we’re actually in our 12th year of the cooking classes, with quite a few faithful early starters still with us! The classes, which are held in my home kitchen in Paddington are very informal in tone and many friendships have been forged over the years. We discuss the latest in cookbooks, new places to eat, new products to try, and sometimes we’ll even talk about diverse things such as movies we’ve seen. The whole atmosphere is downright warm and friendly, but my main concern is always that people go home with good recipes to cook. While the food is, of course, the main game, wine is also given a high priority. Stephen Balme has been my partner in crime over the years, and he chooses appropriate wines according to the recipes. And where would we be without our washer uppers? We started with Vanessa, then my daughter Sascha took over between having babies, and now we’ve got Xanthe, always madly enthusiastic, cheerful, and totally helpful.

Things to know about the cooking classes

During the year you can select from the series of specially planned evening, each focusing on a particular aspect of cooking and highlighting seasonal ingredients. Features of the classes include:

  • Intimate environment – join a class of around 12 people
  • Learn to cook with confidence – no in-depth knowledge necessary – recipe sheets to take home
  • Bonus dessert – the evenings, no matter what the theme, always ends with something sweet
  • Simplicity – discover the secrets, tips and methods of great cooking that always works
  • Seasonal dinner menus – four in the year
  • Inside info on where to buy the best ingredients and kitchen equipment
  • CORPORATE NIGHTS – book your own special night to entertain clients in a fun and different way

Where & When

Where: Paddington, Sydney, NSW

When: the first TUES, WED & THURS of the month, unless otherwise advised

Time: 6.30 to 9.00pm

Cost: $75 (incl GST) per person, per class, includes wine with each course. Credit cards accepted. Refunds or transfers of bookings to another month are not possible. Gift vouchers available.

PAYMENT – IMPORTANT NOTE: YOUR BOOKING IS NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED

Bookings

Upcoming Classes for 2010-2011

SEPTEMBER 7, 8 & 9

Spring dinner The sap is rising and it’s time to enjoy the abundance of new produce in the shops and markets.

OCTOBER 5, 6 & 7

Fish & seafood Always one of our best nights! Fish are a firm favourite – and this month we’ll try something a bit different too.

NOVEMBER 2, 3 & 4

Weekend lunches Trouble-free, easy and relaxed … this is exactly how we all choose to live and eat in Sydney in 2010.

DECEMBER 7, 8 & 9

Cool Christmas On again! As usual, we set ourselves the challenge of no-fuss entertaining … so that you can cook and enjoy the party too.

2011

FEBRUARY 8, 9 & 10

Summer dinner Now’s a great time for no-hassle entertaining. Create light and fresh food without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

MARCH 1, 2 & 3

Weekend lunches Simple and relaxed … that’s what the weekend is all about! We’ll inspire you to plan a perfect lunch for family and friends.

APRIL 5, 6 & 7

Autumn dinner Don’t you love the change of season, sharpening appetites and bringing heartier ingredients back into your kitchen.

MAY 3, 4 & 5

Midweek dinners What to cook tonight? It’s an old, old question, and we have flavourful ideas to help deliver easy, inexpensive answers.

JUNE 7, 8 & 9

Fish & seafood Enduringly one of our most popular classes. This year we look at fish in winter, great comfort food for the cooler weather.

JULY 5, 6 & 7

Winter dinner Classic, satisfying food comes into its own when the temperature drops. Settle in for a delicious home-cooked feast.

AUGUST 2, 3 & 4

Meals from the oven Easy dishes to make ahead and whip on to the table when you’re ready to eat. So practical – and always impressive.

SEPTEMBER 6, 7 & 8

Spring dinner Grab your shopping basket and head for the markets – there’s a feast of springtime produce waiting to tempt you

OCTOBER 4, 5 & 6

Chicken The cuts are so versatile, and the quality just gets better and better. Here’s a new take on a star that’s never out of style.

NOVEMBER 1, 2 & 3

From the sauté pan When you’re short of time, all you need is top ingredients and you can have a terrific meal on the table in minutes.

DECEMBER 6, 7 & 8

Cool Christmas Brilliant ideas that make entertaining the hungry hordes a breeze … let’s celebrate the upcoming holidays in style!