Classes for Amateurs

My Classes for Amateurs are for people who are amateurs in the original sense of “lovers of the subject”.  These classes are designed for people who want to be able to cook and bake well for themselves and their family and friends.  For professional chefs who want to learn French pastry skills for their business, please see my Classes for Professionals page.

For the classes, I will provide all the equipment and ingredients.  You should bring an apron and containers to take home any leftovers.

If you have a group of about 4 people, you can schedule a special class just for your group.  Please use the Contact Us form to schedule a special class.

Classes currently available for registration:

• Macaron Class

  In this class, I will guide you through the steps of creating this delicate and elegant cookie.  I will demonstrate the process, then you will make a batch of macarons to practice the skills you have been taught.

  I will show you how to make a butter cream to fill the macaron. . . . → Read More: Macaron Class

• Sauce Class 1

  This class is designed to teach you three classic French sauces.  First, you will learn to make a Hollandaise sauce and use it for an asparagus with Hollandaise sauce appetizer.  Next, you will learn the classic bechamel sauce.  This sauce will be used to make the main course, cooked endives with ham in a . . . → Read More: Sauce Class 1

All Classes:

• Macaron Class

  In this class, I will guide you through the steps of creating this delicate and elegant cookie.  I will demonstrate the process, then you will make a batch of macarons to practice the skills you have been taught.

  I will show you how to make a butter cream to fill the macaron. . . . → Read More: Macaron Class

• Tajine Dinner Class

               

  The theme of this dinner class is variety.  First, it highlights the variety of cultures that  have influenced French cuisine.  Second, all three courses feature a dish that has a core recipe can be varied in many ways.   For the appetizer, you will learn to make a savory cake with assorted ingredients . . . → Read More: Tajine Dinner Class

• Puff Pastry Tart Class

  Prepare a special treat for the Holidays!  In this class, you will learn to make a classic French puff pastry dough.  I will show you how to use the dough to make fruit tarts.  Usually, we make apple tarts in this class, but we will use other fruits of the season, if possible.  You . . . → Read More: Puff Pastry Tart Class

• Seafood Dinner Class

  In this hands-on class, I will teach you to make a complete meal using some of my favorite seafood.

  For appetizer, you will learn to make scallops with white wine sauce.  The main course will be a papillote of salmon (salmon cooked in parchment)  seasoned with vanilla infused olive oil with a side of . . . → Read More: Seafood Dinner Class

• Bistrot Class

  In this class, I you will make a complete meal, just like you would find in a bistrot in Paris.

  You will start by learning how to make a shallot vinaigrette for a green salad that will be accompanied by a warm goat cheese appetizer.  For the main course, you will make crepes stuffed . . . → Read More: Bistrot Class

• Sauce Class 1

  This class is designed to teach you three classic French sauces.  First, you will learn to make a Hollandaise sauce and use it for an asparagus with Hollandaise sauce appetizer.  Next, you will learn the classic bechamel sauce.  This sauce will be used to make the main course, cooked endives with ham in a . . . → Read More: Sauce Class 1

• Crepes Class

  Crepes are a staple of French cuisine.  Savory crepes are used as a main course of a meal, and sweet crepes are used to make desserts and snacks.

  First, you will learn how to make a variety of savory crepes:

  • rustic (bacon, onions, and tomatoes)
  • Roquefort and walnut
  • smoked salmon and cream

  . . . → Read More: Crepes Class

• Croissant Class

  In this class, I will teach you how to make a flaky, buttery dough that is the basis for croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain au raisin (raisin rolls).   I will guide you through the steps of making the dough and using it to make these wonderful treats.

  Class fee: $80 per . . . → Read More: Croissant Class

• Eclair Class

  In this class, you will learn the basic skills for making wonderful eclairs.  You will learn to make a pate a choux dough and pipe it in the proper shapes for eclairs or cream puffs.  I will work closely with you to help you master this skill.  You will also learn to make a . . . → Read More: Eclair Class

• Simple Treats 1 Class

  I will guide you through the world of French Treats that are simple to make but are very elegant and delicious.

  In this class, you will learn to make a yogurt cake, which is wonderful with coffee or tea and can be easily varied to fit your tastes.

  Next, you will learn to make . . . → Read More: Simple Treats 1 Class

Buy a Gift Certificate Gift Certificate – May be redeemed to register for any class. $80