We Celebrated Julia Child!

As you may know, I’m a food dork. I don’t consider myself a true “foodie” because I’m not a food snob and I'm not a wanna-be professional chef who thinks they know everything and proceeds to tell people about food.

I don't want to be that person and I don't care about expensive gourmet food; yes, I go to nice restaurants during restaurant week but who doesn't?!

However, if you define "foodie" as "a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)"; then YES!! I'm a foodie. I just want good-flavorful food and want to be able to make it myself on occasion. My friend Naomi signed up for a cooking class and suckered me in; it didn’t take much effort!

The class was called “Celebrating Julia Child”. French cooking; I have her book and now I've taken a class. Of course I’m ever the student, I signed up for another class in October called “Winter Pastas”. I’m also taking two other classes and a possible third; Data Night Thai Food, Regional Indian Cuisine, and possibly Middle Eastern Cuisine. I’m such a dork.

Naomi, Deb, and I had so much fun. The cool thing about the class is that you cook in groups of four and then share the food. This way everyone gets a chance to get hands on experience. I was happy that everyone in the class was so supportive of each other.

When the other table caught their duck on fire, we didn't laugh at them!! So supportive of us:)

Matt, our chef instructor shared tips & tricks; some I I knew and some I didn't. We learned about classic French culinary techniques and traditional recipes for dishes full of flavors! I can't believe I ate the duck and actually liked it.

Our Menu:
Bouillabaisse with Clams, Mussels and Fresh-Salt Water Fish
Puff Pastry Tart of Heirloom Tomatoes, Eggplant, Caramelized Leeks and Gruyere Cheese
Cognac Flamed Breast of Duckling a l'Orange
Grand Marnier Soufflé!

I enjoyed everything about the class and even spent way too much money on: casserole dish, garlic press, and BIG serving bowl:) I should not be allowed back in that store by myself!