When trying to organize a hen party, it can be very difficult, almost impossible, to find an activity where both your granny and your little sister can join in. Elizabeth Kennedy runs who’s cooking, a small private cookery school in Belfast and she has developed a cookery workshop that is both fun and practical and suitable for all age groups.
The school, based in Elizabeth’s delightful contemporary home has two state of the art kitchens and can accommodate up to 10 in a group lesson. It has a very informal, relaxed atmosphere according to Elizabeth: “You are cooking in a normal domestic environment using everyday equipment so the surroundings are very comfortable and non-threatening.
Her customers can can choose daytime (full or half day) or evening and the group decide on the theme beforehand. There are many different types of cuisine to choose from “Thai is extremely popular because the combination of flavours including chilli, lemongrass, coconut milk and fresh coriander is delicious, but you can select something more traditional if you like. I will tailor make a day to suit the group’s tastes, likes and dislikes,” says Elizabeth
A typical day would start at around 9.30 – 10.00 with a welcome cup of coffee and homemade muffins. Elizabeth then talks the group through the menu describing each dish and giving lots of advice and tips on each recipe. After donning aprons and chef’s hats (optional) the group splits into two teams and starts preparing the food under Elizabeth’s expert supervision.
Lunch will be ready around 1′o clock and the group sits down around one large table and enjoy the meal with a couple of glasses of wine and coffee. If the weather is good, then the group can sit outside on the lovely sunny patio surrounded by fresh growing herbs and plants. If it is a full day, the afternoon session is very easy (after a leisurely lunch!) and each group bakes something delicious to take home and enjoy the next day.
And what about the husband to be honing his skills also – guys love the barbeque workshop or how about learning to produce the perfect Sunday roast? What a brilliant way of making sure that he is able to surprise you occasionally with his cooking talent!
Prices start from £55 per person and include all ingredients, lunch or dinner with wine and coffee and bound recipe booklets.
who’s cooking has been featured in Food and Wine magazine amongst the top 10 cookery schools in Ireland and is also recommended by the Bridgestone Guide. Elizabeth trained at the world famous Tante Marie cookery school where she gained a cordon bleu diploma and the top student award. She has travelled extensively and her experience has been achieved following numerous years of professional entertaining.
There is a full programme of lessons and demonstrations through the year including workshops for children and pizza cooking parties for birthdays (ages 6+). Elizabeth also offers team building corporate classes. More information can be found on the website: www.whoscooking.co.uk or email: [email protected]
or telephone: (0044) 28 90 826229
