Have you ever taken cooking classes?

[dvcfamily41801]

I also posted this on the CB.

Like basic "this is how you chop an onion" "this spice/herb goes with this" etc., and maybe even get ideas to spice up beef and chicken dishes.

Tonight DH and I were watching Iron Chef America, and while we have no desire to learn how to cook with Opah fish (tonight's secret ingredient) we were both saying how we would love to take a cooking class. We are real picky eaters, but in the past few years have gotten a bit more daring and tried things that have onions and peppers in them! Now we just were wondering where classses like that would be offered, or if there is even such a thing.

 

[Babboo]

I think that's a great idea if y'all want to learn more of the basics on cooking. Check local community colleges, or a local vocational school.

Another thing you can do is just experiment. Standing in the kitchen with my grandmother was where I started learning to cook. One thing she taught me was it's okay to make a mistake - so long as the mistakes are edible.

In all sincerity - taste herbs, spices, seasonings - get an idea of what they all taste like and smell. That way when you have a certain flavor in mind you will have an idea what herbs and spices will combine to make that taste.

And there's nothing wrong with being a picky eater. Cooking may be a way for you and your DH to find new foods and flavors you both enjoy.

And, as always, ask questions.

Best of luck!

 

[Disneyaholic]

I enjoy taking cooking classes. I usually take them at local stores -- either cookware or grocery stores that offer them. (I also work at Williams-Sonoma, so it's a bonus if I get to work when they're offering a class!!)

I am seriously considering enrolling in the culinary program at the local technical college this fall. Since I already have a college degree, I wouldn't have to take all the general ed classes and could just concentrate on the culinary aspect of it. (I also looked at some of the culinary schools in the area, but they are MEGA $$$$$$!!!)

 

[aprilvaca04]

No but I'm sure that my family would say I should!!!!

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Years ago I did -- but they were at the local adult school. My mom and I did it as a way to spend some time together. We took chinese cooking classes. One time we actually got a class cancelled because it was so bad. the teacher knew nothing about cooking. She was making soup using soup base so the "chicken" soup came out neon yellow and made the wontons bright yellow. I felt bad for her -- I think the company that offered that class had just hired her, but they hadn't taught her anything. she couldn't answer a question.

On a more positive note, I met my husband at another class.

 

[mikesmom]

I've never taken them, but my family says I should start giving them. I'm a really good cook and have all kinds of shortcuts to make cooking/entertaining stress free. We have a large extended family(100 for a family reunion, and I cooked), plus DH has a really bad habit of bringing home people from seminars. ("Dear, we're really having a great discussion, so I invited some people over for snacks or a light supper. I figured I'd better give you 30 minutes notice. Shouldn't be more than 15 people or so".) - I'm not making this up!

Anyway, we live in a university town and I thought there'd be a market for the college students who don't want to starve, eat fast food, or break the budget. Also sorority girls who want to learn before graduation to cook for friends/boyfriends/future in laws.

So, give me a for instance - if you lived in my town (and none of you do), would you be interested in the classes? What types? Themes like party cooking, Easy cooking, cooking from scratch? What else? How much do people charge for these?