A Taste of France:

French Flavors: A Taste of France

Transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Paris or the picturesque countryside of Provence. Whether you are savoring a classic Coq Au Vin or enjoying a refreshing glass of rosé, every bite and sip offers a glimpse into the artistry and passion that define French cuisine. Bon appétit!

French salad, coq au vin with pommes puree

Crisp greens, paired with flavorful additions like tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. Topped with a light vinaigrette dressing made from vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. Coq au vin is tender chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, served with creamy mashed potatoes known as pommes puree.

French Onion Soup and Bistro Salad with grilled chicken, or salmon

Traditional rich and flavorful soup topped with melted gruyere cheese and crispy croutons. This is served with a French Bistro Salad. This traditional salad features a delightful mix of fresh salad greens, tossed with a light vinaigrette dressing made with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. The salad is garnished with ripe cherry tomatoes, crispy lardons, hard-boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Add grilled sous vide chicken or salmon if desired.

cheese Soufflé with garden salad, Soufflé au chocolate or grand marnier

Soufflé, a timeless classic in the realm of French cuisine, comes in two irresistible variations that cater to different taste preferences: savory and sweet. The savory soufflé boasts a light, airy texture, with a decadent combination of ingredients like cheese and herbs which is served with a light garden fresh salad.

The sweet Chocolate or Grand Marnier soufflé offers a delicate balance of flavors. A well-prepared soufflé is sure to elevate any dining experience.

sheet pan Ratatouille Dinner, classic creme brulee

This classic French dish is a celebration of fresh vegetables and herbs. My weekday version is roasted in the oven on sheet trays.

Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes and more are cut into uniform rounds. Arrange the vegetables in a sheet tray, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Baked in the oven until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. This dish is served hot as a main course, accompanied by a crusty baguette. Crème brûlée, with its delicate custard base and crispy caramelized sugar topping, is a timeless French dessert adored by many. This elegant treat offers the perfect balance of creamy richness and contrasting crunch, making each spoonful a symphony of textures and flavors.

Cod Provençal, Rice, chocolate souffle

Meaty cod loins, simmered in a spicy tomato sauce nestled with salty capers and black olives. This is a quick, simple and healthy one-pan dish that is incredibly flavorful and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Served with rice and a crusty baguette on the side. Dessert is a chocolate soufflé!

Italian classics:

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its simple yet flavorful dishes that highlight fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques. With a rich culinary heritage that varies from region to region, Italian cuisine offers a diverse array of pasta dishes, risottos, meats, and seafood prepared with an emphasis on quality and authenticity. Buon Appetito!

Grilled caesar salad, scratch made pasta with tomatoes, basil and Garlic

Grilled Caesar salad is a delightful twist on the classic favorite. After grilling the lettuce, it is drizzled with a homemade Caesar dressing and topped with capers, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. This dish offers a unique combination of smoky notes from the grill and the traditional flavors of a Caesar salad. The process of making pasta from scratch is both therapeutic and rewarding. This is served with a luscious sauce of tomatoes, basil, and garlic.

caprese salad, chicken marsala

A classic favorite in Italian cuisine, Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the freshness of its few key ingredients. Consisting of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil, this salad is a celebration of summer flavors. Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts and mushrooms served with your choice of mashed potatoes or prepared pasta.

Panzanella salad, Risotto

Panzanella salad is a classic Italian dish. The combination of crunchy bread, ripe tomatoes, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy vinaigrette makes for a satisfying and refreshing dish. Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish that has gained popularity worldwide. This creamy and comforting dish is made by slowly cooking Arborio rice in broth until it reaches a rich and velvety consistency. The key to a perfect risotto lies in the technique. It requires patience and attention to detail as you gradually add warm broth to the rice, allowing it to absorb the liquid while releasing its starch to create a creamy texture. It is a wonderful dish due to its’ versatility. Select your additions to create your unique flavor profile which include chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, peas, or asparagus. It's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Spanish flavors

Spanish cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich culinary traditions. These meals offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any palate. Experience the warmth and hospitality of Spain through its iconic dishes that have captured the hearts and appetites of food lovers around the world.

orange and red onion salad, paella

Orange and Red Onion Salad is a beautiful combination of sweet citrus and sharp onion flavors, with a refreshing minty finish. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this simple yet elegant salad! Paella, a traditional Spanish dish, is a vibrant one-pan meal features a colorful medley of saffron-infused rice. Select which proteins you would like to use in this dish including chicken, chorizo and shrimp. If you like, you can make this a vegetarian paella. Whether prepared with seafood, chicken, chorizo, or a mix of all, paella embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine, bringing together bold flavors and textures in every bite.

TAPAS ( PATATAS BRAVAS, GAMBAS AL AJILLO, WATERMELON AND TOMATO SKEWERS, PIMENTOS DE PADRON, ALBONDIGAS)

Tapas, the beloved Spanish tradition of small plates meant for sharing, offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.

Patatas bravas, a traditional Spanish tapas dish, consists of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. This popular dish is a favorite among tapas enthusiasts for its simple yet bold flavors. We will also prepare a garlic aioli for added richness.

Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish dish, features succulent shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chili peppers. The dish is beloved for its simple yet bold flavors. We will serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Watermelon and Tomato Skewers may sound unusual, but the combination is delicious. Drizzled with a sherry vinaigrette dressing and sprinkled with sea salt. Prepare for a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Pimientos de Padrón are small, bright green peppers from the Padron region of Spain. We will use Shishito peppers which are more readily available. These peppers are known for their mild flavor, with occasional spicy kicks that add an element of surprise to each bite. We will quickly saute the peppers until they blister, then dust with salt.

Albondigas

Albondigas, Spanish meatballs, are a classic dish that never fails to impress. Adding a smoky twist to this traditional recipe elevates the flavors and creates a unique dining experience. The combination of juicy meatballs with a hint of smokiness is sure to tantalize your taste buds. These smoky albondigas are served in a rich tomato sauce or broth, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.

THE FLAVORS OF THAILAND

Whether you're a fan of bold flavors or seeking a more subtle taste sensation, Thai cuisine has something for everyone. Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy tastes. With its diverse range of dishes and unique ingredients, exploring Thai food is a delightful journey that is sure to satisfy your culinary cravings.

SWEET CORN FRITTERS, PAD THAI

Thai sweet corn fritters are a delightful combination of sweet corn kernels, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice. I serve these with a sweet thai chili sauce. These fritters make for a perfect appetizer or snack that is sure to impress your guests.

Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish loaded with crunchy vegetables, optional chicken or succulent shrimp, and a perfect blend of tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The result is a harmonious medley of textures and flavors that has captured the hearts of many around the world.

TOM YUM, THAI RED CURRY CHICKEN

Tom Yum is a classic Thai soup that boasts a perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. This iconic dish is known for its aromatic broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers. Choose your protein of shrimp or chicken, the soup is often garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Red curry chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich red curry sauce. This Thai-inspired dish is perfect for those looking to add a bit of spice to their dinner routine. Served over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Pricing

These classes are all two courses. The class takes approximately 3 hours to complete including the time for you to enjoy each course. The cost of the class begins at $200.00 for two people. Each additional person will add $100.00 If you have more than four people the cost will change due to extra help needed to assist me with the class.