What's a "cooking party"?

I often refer to my cooking classes as "cooking parties." That's because they're fun events where you get to cook and eat and learn all at the same time. I always remind students to come hungry and thirsty because there's always lots of food at my classes, and I never let you walk away hungry. So think of my cooking classes as an alternative to eating out at a restaurant, or maybe an interesting twist for "date night" (see more pictures).

So what happens at a "cooking party"? Starting last year, we converted our classes from cooking show "demonstrations" to 100% hands-on classes where all students will participate in the preparation of the dishes on the menu for that evening. Starting at 6pm, we'll slice, dice, and chop our way to a multi-course dinner. I get to share how I cook at home, and you get to participate in a unique cooking party where we'll eat everything that was prepared that night. 

This spring, my long-running FLAVOR PRINCIPLES OF ETHNIC COOKING series continues at Urbana Park District's Phillips Recreation Center. These classes are small, intimate affairs with no more than 12 students. This series is where you get to be adventurous, try new cuisines, and hone your kitchen skills. Here’s what you’ll learn in this series:

• How to plan a dinner party and design a fabulous menu
• How to utilize flavor principles to freely adapt recipes
• Techniques and skills needed to be successful in the kitchen
• Lots of time-saving tips & tricks without having to sacrifice quality

Students will leave each session with easy-to-follow recipes of all the dishes on the menu. These recipes have all been adapted for the typical home cook while staying true to the spirit of the original ethnic flavors. All menu items below will use locally sourced ingredients but are subject to change based on the availability of fresh ingredients at local markets. 

My next class is on February 20 ("French Classics"), to be followed by Vietnamese and Palestinian classes presented by guest chefs later this spring. Details and full menu: www.cooking-with-paul.com/classes

More information about my cooking classes and pop-up events can always be found on my website, where you'll also find over 200 recipes from my classes (no ads!). You can also subscribe to my email newsletter or follow me on Instagram or Facebook and like my posts. Bon appétit!