A 4 to 6 course meal focused on Aphrodisiac ingredient recipes. Designed for couples to create  “date night” at home.  A fun and sexy date in an interactive setting for you and your sweetie or couples night. Also a great bachelorette party for your family and friends to learn to ignite passion at home.

SAMPLE MENU:

Beehive Cheese Co. and Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Plate
local lavender honey, spiced almonds, castelvetrano olives, sea salt crackers

Duo of Tomales Bay Oysters
cornmeal crusted with romesco sauce, green apple fennel slaw
on the half shell, champagne vinegar mignonette

Local Baby Arugula and Watercress Salad
green apples, shaved fennel, toasted almonds, blueberries and maple ginger vinaigrette

Grilled 8oz Black Angus Filet Mignon
seasoned steak salt, sautéed king trumpet mushrooms, glazed jumbo asparagus spears, béarnaise foam

Bittersweet Chocolate Hazelnut Molten Cake
praline anglaise, salted caramel, blood orange sorbet, chantilly cream

House-made Dark Chocolate Truffle with White Chocolate Passion Fruit Ganache and Bourbon Vanilla Butter Caramels

Always racking your brain for pot luck or family gather dish ideas. Learn simple yet sophisticated recipes that will make you the hit of any party.

SAMPLE MENU:

Grilled Eggplant Babaganoush
vegetable crudité, english cucumber, rosemary sea salt crackers

Prosciutto and Parmesan Asparagus Spears

Cornmeal Crusted Dungeness Crab Cakes
avocado cream, cara cara orange segment, cayenne pepper

Toasted Flatbread with Country Olive Tapenade, Arugula Walnut Pesto, Garlic White Bean Puree

Truffle Wild Mushroom and Mascarpone Cheese Quiche

Ahi Tuna Tartare
coriander wonton crisps, pickled ginger, cilantro leaves

Korean BBQ Shortrib Skewers
caramelized onion emulsion, scallions, toasted sesame seeds

Oven Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad
feta cheese, salted pepitas, toasted pumpkin seed oil

Caramelized Banana, Fuji Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
cinnamon crème fraiche, pumpernickel croutons

Passion Fruit “Souffle” Tart
white chocolate cream, blackberry coulis, champagne sorbet, coconut meringue

Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mousse
fudgy cake, salted caramel peanuts, red grape coulis

It’s 5:00, you have just walked in the door, you open the fridge and stare….what’s for dinner.  Cooking tasty and healthy meals does not always require hours in the kitchen, a laundry list of ingredients, or breaking the bank.  Learn simple time and penny-saving restaurant techniques that are easy enough for even the novice cook.

MENU MAY INCLUDE:

Baby Kale Caesar Salad
garlic country croutons, shaved parmesan

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
crushed avocado,  cold poached shrimp, basil oil

Pan Seared Organic Mary’s Chicken Breast
israeli couscous “risotto”, confit baby heirloom tomatoes, caramelized marinated baby artichokes

Balsamic Marinated Hanger Steak
sautéed broccoli rabe, salt roasted pee wee potatoes, confit shallot, bourbon peppercorn sauce

Three Cheese Mac & Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Pizza
fresh mozzarella, peppernade,  arugula basil pesto

S’mores
home-made marshmallow, ginger spice cookie, triple chocolate sauce, mixed berries

Caramelized Banana Split
vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream, candied pecans, hot fudge

Variety is the spice of life. Whether you are trying to add a few meatless dishes into your repertoire, need to please a household of carnivores and vegetarians, or to learn make satisfying, well-balanced meat-free meals you will enjoy this class.

SAMPLE MENU:

Chilled Avocado “Gazpacho”
charred poblano pepper, spiced almonds, cilantro, white balsamic

Baby Heirloom Beet Salad
shaved fennel, tangerine, candied hazelnut, crisp goat cheese, sherry shallot vinaigrette

Toasted Barley Risotto
baby root vegetables, pickled red pearl onions, baby spinach, parmesan

Wild Mushroom and Roasted Tomato”Bolognese” Lasagna
pickled sunchoke puree, petite mache salad, sliced breakfast radish, toasted pistachios

Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Ravioli
melted leek puree, black summer truffles, toasted pine nuts, sherry vinegar, candied kumquats

Coconut Tapioca Soup
pineapple lime salad, blood orange sherbet, cilantro syrup

Black Forrest Molten Cake
candied bing cherries, white chocolate mousse, sugared almond slivers

Always want to eat dessert before dinner? Or, if you are like me, you eat dessert for dinner.  Learn the recipes and techniques of some of my favorite dinner spoilers. A few guilty pleasures, a few rich and decadent, and  a few light and tantalizing, you may never eat dinner again.

MENU MAY INCLUDE:

Meyer Lemon Tart blackberry coulis, honey ricotta gelato, lavender meringue

Kaffir Lime Dusted Brown Sugar Cake vanilla roasted pineapples, salted caramel,

Mint Chocolate Brownie Sundae double chocolate brownie, mint chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge

Caramelized Banana Split dulce de leche ice cream, vanilla rum caramel, toasted coconut

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta strawberry rhubarb compote, chocolate pearls, tarragon syrup

Bourbon Brioche Bread Pudding warm bourbon sauce, pralines, maple ice cream, bacon brittle

Trio of Ice Cream Sandwiches
peanut butter and jelly ice cream with salted shortbread
graham cracker cookie with rocky road ice cream
passion fruit pavlova with honey grapefruit sorbet

Sticky Toffee Pudding
brown butter asian pears, mascarpone, toasted pistachios

The term ‘Farm to Table’ has become a very common phrase, but it can seem like a lofty goal. What do you do with the bounty of fruits and vegetables each season? I will take you and your guests of a guided tour of one of the many farmers markets in the area of your choosing.  We will then bring our treasures to your kitchen, or mine, and I will teach you ingredient driven recipes using that season’s finest at the peak of freshness .  I will also teach you techniques, cooking ratios, and pantry items to have on hand to make the most of your future farmers market excursions.

Please keep in mind this class is only available when local area farmers markets are open, typically June through October.

SAMPLE SUMMER SEASON MENU:

Charred Sweet Corn Guacamole
lotus root chips, cotija cheese, cilantro

Paprika Spiced Stripe Prawn Salad
heirloom tomatoes, crushed avocado, cornmeal hushpuppies, habanero salt

Grilled Duroc Pork Chop
yellow peach gastrique, sautéed summer squash, king trumpet mushrooms

New York Style Cheesecake
honey balsamic strawberries, rosewater ice cream, vanilla hazelnut tuile

Celebrate the long-awaited coming of spring and all the amazing produce that comes with it.

SAMPLE MENU:

Chilled English Pea Soup
citrus dungeness crab salad, crispy shallots, lemon oil

Warm Jumbo White and Green Asparagus Salad
slow poached egg, prosciutto di parma, pea greans, lemon horseradish vinaigrette

Floral Herb Crusted Steamed Petrale Sole
fava beans, fingerling potatoes, spring garlic broth

Heritage Valley Duck Breast
black forbidden rice, sicilian pistachio puree, fiddle head ferns, vinegar braised rhubarb

Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb
braised kale, goat cheese polenta, mint pine nut pesto, crispy baby heirloom carrots

Warm Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie
brown sugar streusel, vanilla cardamom anglaise, pistachio ice cream

A GREAT IDEA FOR MOTHER’S DAY GIFT OR CELEBRATION!! Rather than stand in line for hours at a crowded restaurant, invite your friends and family to your home and wow them with your new skills.  In this class you will learn and enjoy a delightful selection of savory and sweet brunch dishes.

SAMPLE MENU:

Smoked Ham and Gruyere Quiche
flaky puff pastry crust, mesclun greens salad.

Creekstone Flatiron Steak and Sunny Side Up Eggs
potato and hatch chili hash, watercress chimichurri, syrah veal jus

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho
burrata cheese, red onion, avocado, crispy capers

Black Currant Buttermilk Scones

Bob’s Redmill Creamy Grits
soft poached egg, maple bacon, scallion oil

Wild Mushroom and Fontina Savory Bread Pudding
baby arugula, pickled sunchokes

Sweet Ash Raised Buttermilk Donuts

Stuffed Brioche French Toast
caramelized bananas, toasted walnuts, buttered rum

Grandma’s French Breakfast Muffins

The Perfect Flaky Buttermilk Buiquit
vanilla orange honey butter

Smoked Trout Eggs Benedict
canadian bacon, english muffin, yuzu hollandaise, trout roe

Caramelized Apple Dutch Oven Pancakes
cinnamon sour cream gelato, toasted almonds

Do you find yourself always promising but never able to schedule time to get all your friends to a restaurant?  Why not invite your friends to your home to enjoy a leisurely and delicious meal while learning refreshing recipes.

MENU MAY INCLUDE:

Dungeness Crab Salad, Celery Dressing, Endive, Citrus

Truffle Wild Mushroom Quiche

Grilled Flatbread, Carmelized Onion, Blue Cheese

Blackened Salmon Cobb Salad
cucumber, heirloom cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm, smoked paprika dressing

Marinated Baby Artichoke Salad
garlic rosemary white bean puree, tomato confit, country olives, lemon vinaigrette

Sweet Corn Chowder
fingerling potato “coins”, apple-smoked bacon, fresh thyme

Grilled Summer Vegetable Sandwich
portabello mushroom, balsamic  red onion, rosemary cibatta, tahini mayo

Home-made Pappardelle Pasta
fava beans, fresh mint and truffle pesto, prosciutto chip, toasted pine nuts

Coriander Crust Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich
pickled vegetables, baby mizuna greens, wasabi mayo

Mango Lime Blueberry Fool

Roasted Pineapple Parfait
caramelized banana, brown butter wafer, tahitian vanilla ice cream

Sticky Toffee Blondie
bittersweet chocolate mousse, salted toffee sauce, hot fudge

There are few greater pleasures then a beautiful summer night with a delicious meal enjoyed outside on your deck.  Turn on the grill, brush off the chairs, and delight in the best of summer.

SAMPLE MENU:

Warm Burrata Cheese
charred cherry tomatoes, baby arugula pesto, grilled sourdough

Summer Melon and Bora Prosciutto Salad
ricotta walnut butter, champagne vinaigrette

Watermelon and Heirloom Tomato Salad
feta cheese, aged balsamic, baby arugula, toasted pistachios

Seared Calamari
extra virgin olive oil, shallots, capers, fresh lemon, parsley

Veal sweetbreads
pickled bing cherries, charred corn, thyme foam

Thyme Basted California Rock Fish
eggplant ratatouille, saffron aioli, basil oil

Pan-seared Pacific Wild Salmon
sweet corn puree, melted leeks, zucchini paysannes, sautéed chanterelles

Fennel Crusted Roasted Pork Tenderloin
roasted plums, baby fennel, orange essence, rosemary

Grilled Bone-in Ribeye
citrus glazed carrots, watercress puree, creamy toasted barley

Grilled Lamb Loin
english peas, baby carrots, medjool date puree, vadouvan double cream

Grilled Pineapple Sorbet

Plum Polenta Cake Candied
ginger, spiced port sorbet, greek yogurt anglaise

Caramelized Fig and Citrus Sangria Parfait
red wine port reduction, green apple sorbet, orange mascarpone ice cream

White Peach Melba “Float”
raspberry coulis, crème fraiche gelato, amaretti cookie

Even if you have to eliminate gluten from your diet, you can still enjoy your favorite dishes. I will teach you techniques and substitutions so tasty you won’t even realize what is missing.

SAMPLE MENU:

Charred Edamame citrus sea salt, lemon juice

Ahi Tuna Tartare grilled eggplant puree, preserved lemon, peppadew pepper, crispy parsley

Crispy Brussel Sprout Salad baby asian greens, chinese sausage, sweet and sour vinaigrette

Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash california olive oil, sautéed sunburst tomatoes, fresh marjoram, ciligene mozzarella

Grilled 8oz Filet horseradish gnocchi, sautéed watercress, maitake mushrooms

Spiced Lamb meatballs slow cooked tomato, grilled pita

Cumin Tuna Tataki seared peppered pineapple, scallion puree

Sweet Corn Crème Brulee blackberry cream, cornmeal sable

Flourless Chocolate Cake dark chocolate ganache, blood orange caramel, hazelnut brittle, espresso gelato

Dark Chocolate Espresso Pot au Crème lemon mascarpone beignets

Honey Grilled Yellow Peaches warm ginger almond cake, vanilla sabayon, citrus coulis

A fun birthday or Mother’s Day celebration. Great for parents and kids ages 10 & up. Perfect your baking skills, learn buttercream and ganache frostings, and experiment with new tips and techniques to decorate.

YOU AND YOUR GUESTS WILL ENJOY:

Key Lime “Pie” Cupcakes with Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting, Graham Cracker Tuile, and Lime Glaze

Tres Leches Cupcakes, Dark Rum Glaze, Vanilla Chantilly, Cinnamon Swizzle

Chocolate Hazelnut (Ferrero Rocher) Cupcakes, Hazelnut Butter Filling, Nutella Ganache Icing, Salted Hazelnut Shortbread

Tiramisu Cupcakes, Sweet Madeira Syrup, Vanilla Mascarpone Frosting, Chocolate Curls, Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

Red Velvet Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling and Red Sugar

Dark Chocolate Turtle Cupcakes, Salted Caramel Buttercream, Tuaca Caramel Sauce, Brown Sugar Pecans

Vanilla Bing Cherry Ice Cream

Raspberry Amaretto Gelato

Fresh Mango Ice Cream

Mornings are tough, everyone is rushing to get where they need to be.  Preparing a well-balanced, delicious breakfast and lunch can seem impossible.  You and your guests will learn fast, tasty, and nutritious recipes for you and your family that will keep them satisfied all day.

SAMPLE MENU:

Egg White Omelet
last night’s herb roasted potatoes, spinach and wild mushrooms

“BLT” Eggs Benedict
whole grain english muffin,  canadian bacon, spinach, tomato, citrus yogurt hollandaise

Toasted Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal
flaxseed meal, candied pecans, caramelized apples

Whole Grain Waffles
chocolate apple butter, fresh bing cherries

Home-made Almond & Organic Shaved Coconut Granola
whipped greek yogurt, marinated mixed berries, lavender honey

Whole Bruleed Baby Grapefruit minted honey

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bars
dark chocolate, flax seed, quinoa, agave nectar

Grilled Chopped Vegetable Salad
israeli couscous, radicchio, burrata, sherry shallot vinaigrette

Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup
fresh mozzarella and basil grilled cheese

Cilantro Lime Marinated Pork Tacos
pickled red onion, garlic black beans, brown rice, quinoa, queso fresco

Roast Turkey, Apple and Brie Sandwich
rosemary brioche, honey mustard, herb parmesan potato chips

Seared Salmon Burger
english peas, orzo, dill horseradish crème fraiche

World’s Finest Chocolate Chip Cookie

The Best Brownie I Have Ever Eaten

Being single can be exhausting sometimes. After you have finished at your job, gone to the grocery store, done a load of laundry, gone to the gym, the last thing you want to do is prepare, cook and clean-up a meal for yourself.  I understand all too well.  I will teach you simply prepared recipes in larger quantities to be re-heated for breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout your week.

SAMPLE MENU:

Toasted Overnight Oats
chia seeds, greek yogurt, fresh blueberries, candied lemon

Whole Grain Waffles
chocolate apple butter, fresh bing cherries

Garlic Tahini Hummus
bell peppers, cucumbers, sea salt crackers

Blackened Chicken Salad
sliced avocado, 7-minute egg, shaved fennel, asiago cheese

Green Goddess Dip
spring vegetable crudite

Cilantro Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
quinoa, garlic black beans, roasted tomatillos, cucumber, sunburst tomatoes

Creamy Tagliatelle Pasta
celery root puree, fava beans, pickled mushrooms, pine nut crumble

Balsamic Marinated Hanger Steak Salad
bibb lettuce, bacon lardons, gorgonzola, crispy shallots

Pan-seared Scottish Salmon
quinoa salad, heirloom cherry tomatoes, summer squash, pomegranate vinaigrette

Grilled Skirt Steak
pickled sunchoke puree, roasted wild mushroom salad, red wine jus

Crispy Vegetable Quesadilla
crushed black beans, charred corn and poblanos, fresh lime

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
wasabi snap peas, lemongrass brown rice, citrus edamame

Dark Chocolate Avocado Shake

Honey Roasted Peanut Parfait
salted caramel, milk chocolate mousse, greek yogurt gelato

Is there anything finer that a slice of pie? Learn to make amazing pies and tarts that are perfect for the delicious simplicity of the sweetest fruits of the summer.  I will teach you recipes and techniques for flaky pie crust, sweet dough, crumb topping, lattice top and array of fillings utilizing in-season market fruits as well as creams, mousses and a bit of chocolate.

SAMPLE MENU:

Warm Apple Streusel Pie
aged white cheddar cheese ice cream

Bing Cherry Hand Pie
cream cheese dough

Caramelized Spice Pumpkin Pie
candied pecans, tangerine coulis

Perfect Lemon Meringue Pie

Summer Berry Tart
vanilla pastry cream

My Grandma’s Summer Peach Pie
raspberry coulis, vanilla mascarpone gelato

Caramel Pecan Pie

Warm Strawberry Rhubarb Pie for Two
brown butter streusel, pistachio ice cream

As a couple or with you friends, learn to make simple dishes into weeknight elegance so every night can be special.

MENU MAY INCLUDE:

Heirloom Tomato Salad
basil pine nut pesto, fresh mozzarella bocconcini, aged balsamic reduction, parmesan crisp

Pan Seared Wild Gulf Shrimp
roasted cauliflower puree, pickled spring ramps, curry butter, blood orange segments

Thyme Roasted Organic Mary’s Chicken Breast
Israeli couscous “risotto”, marinated baby artichokes, green olives, confit garlic chicken jus

Meyer Lemon Semifreddo
graham cracker crumbs, fresh raspberries

A great class for interactive format, perfect for parents and kids age 10-14. Raise the bar on your favorite burger place and relish in the outcome at home.  Learn a twist on old favorites and explore new tastes.

SAMPLE MENU:

Sweet Potato Fries with Curry Ketchup

Kobe-style Beef Sliders with Truffle Mayo and House-made Pickles

Crispy Potato Fries with Chipotle Aioli

Black Angus Beef Burgers with Aged Cheddar, Apple-wood Smoked Bacon, Brioche Bun

Grilled Summer Vegetable Sandwich with Balsamic Marinated Grilled Onions, Avocado, Tahini Mayo, Ciabatta Bread

Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders, Provolone, Spicy Whole Grain Mustard, Canadian Bacon, Apple Fennel Slaw

Asian Chicken “Bahn Mi” Burgers, Pickled Carrots and Daikon, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Cilantro

Beer-battered Onion Rings with Piquillo Pepper Chive Aioli

Poutine French Fries “Animal-Style” with Short Rib Gravy, Cheddar and Red Pepper Coulis

Milk Chocolate Malt, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry Cheesecake Milk Shakes

Fish can be a surprisingly easy and delicious way to add variety to your daily meals. Learn about the varieties of fish, shellfish, and mollusks as well as the fabrication, preparation and cooking techniques of each. Then enjoy tasty, simple recipes that will satisfy everyone at your table.

SAMPLE MENU:

Fluke Sashimi
mango, frisee  greens, aji amarillo chile, soy ginger vinaigrette

Wild Striped Bass Ceviche
citrus juices, red onion, avocado, piment d’espelette

Duo of Ahi Tuna
tuna tataki, tuna tartare, green tea soba noodles, soy shitakes, toasted sesame vinaigrette

Beer-Steamed Mussels
red curry, lime, grilled sourdough

Crisp Calamari Salad
asian greens, toasted coconut, green apple, thai sesame dressing

Grilled Paprika Spiced Caledonian Prawns
romesco sauce, seaweed salt

Octopus a al Plancha
cannellini beans, cherry tomato confit, pickled red pearl onions

Crispy Rock Shrimp
spicy yuzu mayo, wasabi tobiko, scallions

Pan-seared Halibut
smoked ham potato hash, green olive, sauce bacalao, croutons

Crispy Skate Wing
mushroom broth, fregula pasta, broccoli rabe, green olives

Miso Soy Marinated Scottish Salmon
baby bok choy, crisp rice cake, shitake mushrooms, citrus butter sauce

Pan Roasted Sea Scallops
wheat berry risotto, english peas, pickled red pearl onions, herb yogurt sauce

Red Snapper en Papillote (in paper)
baby fennel, green peppercorns, blood orange

Wild Striped Bass
smoked yellow tomato, green asparagus, watermelon, basil oil

Learn to cook both fresh and dried pasta as well as an array of sauces and garnishes to accompany. You will learn to make 2 types of pasta dough by hand and in the mixer, as well as techniques to roll, cut and fill. This is an ideal interactive class for a smaller group.

SAMPLE MENU:

Braised Rabbit Agnolotti
toasted garlic ricotta cream,  madeira emulsion, toasted sunflower seeds

“Chittara” Spaghetti
crisp pancetta, scallions, fontina cream, chili oil

Spiced Pumpkin Ravioli
huckleberries, arugula walnut pesto, brown butter, guanciale

Pasta Pappardelle
braised short rib, english peas, cippolini onions, parmigianino reggiano

Horseradish Gnocchi
petite watercress, sautéed maitake mushrooms, pecorino

Pasta Orecchiette
sugar snap peas, pearl onions, ricotta cheese, prosciutto di parma

Udon Noodle Bowl
braised pork belly, poached egg, shitake mushrooms, sesame seeds

Chestnut Tortellini
brown butter sauce, sage, pecorino, pomegranate seeds

Fresh Chocolate Pasta
raspberry coulis, tahitian vanilla ice cream

There are many buzz-words floating around, paleo diet, mediterranean diet, but the exact definitions and guidelines can be confusing or seem difficult to follow.  I will guide you and your guests through the principles and latest efficacy research of the diet of your choosing. Then I will teach you techniques and recipes specific to that diet as well other heart healthy, high-energy meals to match your active lifestyle.

SAMPLE MENU:

Seared Ahi Tuna
vegetable escabeche, olive tapenade, crushed avocado, crispy potatoes

Roasted Baby Beet Salad
goat cheese foam, toasted hazelnut, baby arugula

Greek Orzo Salad
hot house cucumbers, feta cheese, parsley

Black Bean Quinoa Salad
mango bell pepper salsa, red onion, cilantro

Pan-seared Mary’s Organic Chicken Breast
cauliflower “couscous”, spinach puree, cherry tomato confit

Dark Chocolate Energy Bars

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies