How to choose a cooking class

There are many different formats of cooking classes for you to choose from. Some classes are built around the needs of beginner cooks, others are for experienced cooks. Some classes just demonstrate, while other classes need you to roll up your sleeves and chop, slice and dice. But how do you know which class is for you?

Demonstration classes
Demonstration classes are usually held in an area where an audience of about 15-30 people can sit and watch a chef demonstrate cooking techniques and talk through the process of preparing ingredients and cooking to a recipe. These classes are a little cheaper than the hands-on type and you get to watch while a professional cooks in front of you. In many classes, you even get to taste a sample of what has been prepared. Demonstration classes are also perfect for first timers or shy cooks who may not have the confidence to attend a group hands-on class. I like these classes for the great ideas, hints and tips which always come your way. Many celebrity chefs do demonstration classes as well as chefs from top restaurants. They're always informative and fun - and cheaper too. You usually get to see 4-6 dishes prepared and at the end of the demonstration you are provided with a recipe set to take home so you can try the ideas in your own kitchen. Classes usually last 2-3 hours. There are lots of demonstration classes to choose from.

Hands-on classes
Hands-on classes are a great deal of fun. It's great to go with a friend or your partner as you can often get to prepare a dish together if you want to. The best hands-on classes are limited to about 10 people. That way the chef can provide more personalised advice and demonstrate techniques to you. Hands-on classes usually prepare a full 3 or 4 course meal and you actually get to sit down at the end of it and enjoy what you've cooked together. Classes are about 3 hours cooking time and maybe another hour for the meal, so they take most of the day. To get through the menu, the class is usually divided into groups who prepare one or two dishes each. You generally get to choose the group that suits you best and everyone helps out with the preparations and cleaning up afterwards. Hands-on classes can be very seasonal, becasue the chefs also teach you about choosing fresh produce and ingredients. Here are some hands-on classes.

Multi-class courses
These classes are often for the seriously interested cook - beginner or experienced. Qualified chefs, usually with a strong teaching background take classes that span a number of consecutive days (say Saturday and Sunday) or are held one class at a time over a number of weeks. These classes provide indepth learning about types of foods, types of cuisines and cooking skills. Some of these classes provide a professional qualification at the end, such as the Cordon Bleu Cooking School. See some of these multi-class courses.

Corporate cooking events
Now these these are seriously excellent fun. I've been on a few and everyone finishes up having a terrific time together. The cooking school operators work closely with your group to deliver an effective environment for training and you all get to have fun together. Coporate cooking classes are not easily found, so this list of classes is useful.

Love cooking? Just do it! See all cooking classes at www.cookandstay.com.au.

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