Professional Pastry Program Level 1

This 10-week series is designed for the novice culinary student or home baker looking to learn the basics of the art of baking andpastry. These four-hour classes are taught in a professional environment and includes a chef coat.  You will work independently and hands-on in a class with no more than 10 students. 

Our classes are crafted to teach the basic chemistry of baking as well as techniques you’ll use both at home and in a professional kitchen.  As with all our classes, everything you learn will be made from scratch, from the graham crust on your cheesecakes to the candied lemon zest on your lemon bars.  We encourage you to bring a food-safe container to class to bring home your delicious work.  Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the series.

 THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY SUNDAY

For 10 WEEKS FROM 9AM-1PM

Day 1: Introduction to Basic Techniques

Start the series off by learning about the chemistry of baking.  We will explore how flour, sugar, eggs and other ingredients work in your recipes.  The proper use of pastry bags, reading formulas and the importance of mise-en-place will be discussed.  Students will receive textbooks and chef coats.

Day 2: Muffins, Quickbreads and Poundcakes

We will exploring three different techniques and learn about ratios to create rich baked goods for breakfast, lunch and dessert. 

Blueberry Muffins, Carrot Cake Quickbread with Cream Cheese Glaze, Vanilla Bean Poundcake;  Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits

Day 3: Cookies, Brownies and Bars

Make the perfect batch of cookies for consistently even baking and great results every time. 

The Gourmandise Chocolate Chunk Cookie; Chewy Brownies; English Toffee; Meyer Lemon Bars

Day 4: Egg-based Desserts

Learn to bake velvety smooth egg based desserts that range from creme brulee to classic chocolate puddings.

Creme Brulee, Milk Chocolate Pudding, Butterscotch Pot de Creme, Cannele

Day 5:Pâte à Choux

Pâte à Choux or Choux dough is a light pastry dough used to make an amazing varity of dishes. You’ll make this versatile dough two ways one sweet and one savory.

Cream Puffs with Vanilla Pastry Cream; Chocolate Dipped Eclairs with Vanilla Pastry Cream; Parmesan Thyme Gourgeres

Day 6: Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable Desserts

You’ll learn proper techniques for mascerating, reducing and pureeing to make a quick Coulis and seasonal desserts.

Seasonal Buckles, Cobblers, Upside Down Cake and Apric0t Zucchini Bread

Day 7: Cheesecakes

Whether you like them light and airy or dense and creamy cheesecakes are a year round favorite and often tough to master for new chefs. You'll learn all the tips and tricks to master this egg based dessert.

Homemade Graham; Ricotta Cheesecakes; Classic Cream Cheese Cheesecake; various toppings

Day 8:Tarts

Love a cookie crunch filling with a custard or fruit filling? We'll learn the proper way to press crust into a pan and master baking crusts blind and with filling.

Pate Sucre; Lemon Shortcrust: Seasonal Fillings

Day 9: Pies

We'll tackle making the perfect pie dough and then crimp, fold and lattice our dough into beautiful pies

All Butter Pie Dough: Seasonal Fillings

Day 10: Cake Baking:

Learn the difference between High-Ratio and Sponge cakes. Cakes will be baked, cut, filled and frosted in class.

Classic Yellow Cake, Devil’s Food, Italian Buttercream, Basic Cake Decorating, Chocolate Glaze

------------

The Professional Baking Series take place at our new, state-of-the-art cooking school at the Santa Monica Place Mall.  There is plenty of parking on the third level directly behind the school.  In order to qualify for a certificate of completion, all classes need to be attended.

While we provide all ingredients, please note that it is helpful for all students to have the following tools to bring with them to class: 12 ramekins (about 2 oz. size), a shallow-dish pie tin and a light-colored aluminum cake pan measure 6 or 8” by 3” tall.  This will allow you to bake in your own containers and transport your goods home without unmolding many of your items before they have sufficiently cooled.

Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes.  No cell phones in class, please. 

Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation. Ages 16 and up.

This 10-week series is designed for the beginner or intermediate culinary student or baking enthusiast looking to improve on the basics of baking and pastry. These four-hour classes are taught in a professional environment and includes a chef coat. You will work independently and hands-on in a class with no more than 10 students.
 
Our classes are crafted to teach the basic chemistry of baking as well as techniques you’ll use both at home and in a professional kitchen. As with all our classes, everything you learn will be made from scratch, from the graham crust on your cheesecakes to the candied lemon zest on your lemon bars. We encourage you to bring a food-safe container to class to bring home your delicious work. Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the series.

CLASS MEETS FROM 9am-1PM

EVERY MONDAY FOR 10 WEEKS
 

Day 1: Mousses and Souffles.  Whip, beat and fold!  Learn the secrets to perfect souffles and smooth as silk mousses.  Chocolate Souffle, Cheese Souffle, Lemon Mousse and Honey Chocolate mousse; Pate a Bombe.

Day 2: Egg-leavened Cakes. Perfect your genoise and pair it with a lighter-than-air Dacquoise.  A lemon-scented Chiffon Cake with Bavarian Cream will make your swoon...

Day 3: Fruit Mousse Cakes.  Pair your egg-leaved cake with handmade Ladyfingers and seasonal Berry Mousses for spectacular results.  

Day 4: Yeasted Doughs.  From dinner rolls to sticky buns, you'll explore the rich doughs that make breakfast and dinner so much sweeter.

Day 5: Savory Breads. Lean doughs are vessels for all things savory.  You'll create your own focaccia and pizza, as well as handmade pita bread, to pair with your housemade cheese.

Day 6: Petit Fours  Small bites make big impressions, and attention to finishing details are key.  We will make Orange Blossom Madeleines, Classic Petit Fours with a Chocolate MIrrored Glaze, Lacey Tuile Cookies and Brown Butter Financiers.

Day 7: Cake Decorating: Get great a piping and learn new, modern designs for buttercream cakes with clean lines that will impress.

Day 8: Truffles, Marshmallows and Infused Toffees: Create a candy wonderland with our favorite base recipes.  You'll make your own custom ganaches for truffles, embed toffees with your favorite flavors and make batches of marshmallows to rival any you've ever had!

Day 9: Macarons: Perfect the French Method as you make Vanilla Bean, Pistachio and Hazelnut Macarons with custom ganaches and buttercreams to sandwich them with.

Day 10: Making Chocolate Basics Learn the basics of chocolate tempering and make some beautiful treats including rochers and chocolate lollipops!

------------
The Professional Baking Series take place at our new, state-of-the-art cooking school at the Santa Monica Place Mall. There is plenty of parking on the third level directly behind the school. In order to qualify for a certificate of completion, all classes need to be attended.

While we provide all ingredients, please note that it is helpful for all students to have the following tools to bring with them to class: 12 ramekins (about 5 oz. size), a shallow-dish pie tin and  light-colored aluminum cake pan measuring 6" and  8” by 3” tall. This will allow you to bake in your own containers and transport your goods home without unmolding many of your items before they have sufficiently cooled.

Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and closed-toed shoes. No cell phones in class, please.
Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation. Ages 16 and up.

Take your cooking to the next level with this 10-week technique based series that will have you cooking intuitively in no time.  Each student will work at their own station to maximize the learning experience.  The chef instructor will provide a comprehensive lecture and demo, followed by a hands-on cooking class. 

Chef Carol Cotner Thompson has been teaching people how to cook for over 25 years and brings her classic culinary education, love of local, seasonal produce and study of world cuisines to her culinary classroom. You will gain confidence in the kitchen and learn to develop into an intuitive cook while making healthy and delicious daily meals. Series students work independently at their own stations to maximize their learning experience. Each class begins with a comprehensive lecture and demonstration followed by hands-on cooking to master each technique and dish.

You are offered 1 complimentary "make up" class if you miss a class, which we offer as a credit for a class on our schedule for a similar lesson.

 THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY TUESDAY EVENING

For 10 Weeks from 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Week 1: KNIFE SKILLS:  Learn the proper way to handle and care for your knives, and the essential techniques to slice, dice, julienne, chiffonade and shred.

Chicken Broth

Chicken Stock

Seasonal Vegetable Broth

Week 2: SOUPS AND SALADS:  Learn how to cook homemade stocks and broths and turn them into delicious soups and sauces, then master salads and homemade dressings.

Sesame Kale Salad

Heirloom Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

Southwest Chopped Salad, Apple, Date, Endive with Stilton Cheese

Butter Lettuce Cherry Tomato Salad with Classic Green Goddess

Tortilla Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

White Bean Soup with Crispy Sage

Week 3: EGGS and DAIRY:   Learn how to make fresh homemade cheese, as well as a variety of egg dishes.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Deviled Eggs

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Perfect Poached Eggs

Week 4:  CLASSIC and CONTEMPORARY SAUCES:  Learn how to prepare essential classic french sauces, as well as some go-to condiment sauces to brighten up a simple meal.

Béchamel for Mac & Cheese

Reductions and Pan Sauces

Classic Tomato Sauce

Romesco

Salsa Verde

Hollandaise

Week 5:  VEGETABLES:  Learn how to properly select, store and cook vegetables.

Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Beet Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash

Arugula Goat Cheese with Sherry Vinaigrette

Braised Red Cabbage

Week 6: PASTA, GNOCCHI AND POLENTA:  Learn how to cook and sauce pasta, roll homemade gnocchi, and perfect polenta.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Penne with Pesto

Potato Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Polenta with Mushrooms and Bacon

Week 7: GRAINS and LEGUMES:  Learn how to cook and incorporate wholes grains into your daily meals.

Autumn Vegetable Farro

Zucchini Rice Gratin

Curry Beluga Lentil Quinoa

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Week 8: POULTRY:  Learn the technique of breaking down and using a whole chicken and trnasform it into three meals.

Chicken Meatballs

Zaatar Crispy Chicken Breast

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Legs

 Week 9:  MEATS:  Learn the proper cuts of meat and cooking techniques.

Lamb Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mint Pesto

Pickled Red Onions and Feta

Pan-seared Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples and Parsnips with Madeira Sauce

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichuri and Tomato Cucumber Salsa

Week 10: FISH and SHELLFISH:   Learn to select, store and properly cook fish and shellfish.

Smokey Grilled Fish Tacos

Braised Halibut Provencal

French Style Mussels

Roasted Salmon with Pistachio Pesto and Labneh

------------

This series take place at our state-of-the-art kitchen at the Santa Monica Place Mall.  There is plenty of parking on level 4 of the parking structure (entrance on Broadway) directly behind the school.  Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes.  You are offered 1 complimentary "make up" class if you miss a class, which we offer as a credit for a class on our schedule of similar lesson.  Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation.  Ages 16 and up.

This 4-week series is designed to teach culinary fundamentals to establish your foundational cooking skills.  You will work at your own station under the guidance of our Chef Instructor who will teach classic techniques, and give you a great series of recipes to add to your repertoire.  Bring containers to class - you'll love your next day lunches!

 THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY TUESDAY MORNING

For 4 weeks from 10am-1pm

Day 1:Knife Skills: Soups & Salads. Sharpen your knife skills and learn to make four classic dishes that make perfect lunches and sides (while learning two awesome do-ahead dressings). Ginger Kale Salad, Farmers Market Chopped Salad, Tuscan Vegetable Soup, Tomato Bisque.

Day 2: Poultry: Learn to use various parts of the chicken while making 4 complete dinners. Moroccan Braised Chicken with Orange Scented Couscous, Turkey Ricotta Meatballs with Sage and Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Grainy Mustard Chicken Gratin with Roasted Broccoli.

Day 3: Meats: Apple and Thyme Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta & Caramelized Onions, Smokey Tri-tip with Salsa Verde, Malaysian Beef Curry with Frangrant Rice.

Day 4: Fish: Grilled Albacore on Greek Orzo, Maple Pecan Salmon, Pan-Sauteed Mahi Mahi Tacos with Fresh Pineapple and Cilantro Mint Pesto.

Menu items subject to change.  If you need to substitute an ingredient, call the school to let us know. You can make up up to one class in the series should you miss one.

------------

This class takes place at our state-of-the-art cooking school at the Santa Monica Place Shopping Center.  There is plenty of parking in Parking Structure 7 off Broadway directly behind the school, best level to park on is Level 4 if possible.  Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes. 

Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your class or receive an account credit.  Ages 16 and up.

This 4-week series is designed to teach culinary fundamentals to establish your foundational cooking skills.  You will work at your own station under the guidance of our Chef Instructor who will teach classic techniques, and give you a great series of recipes to add to your repertoire.  Bring containers to class - you'll love your next day lunches!

THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING

For 4 weeks from 6:30-9:30pm

Day 1:Knife Skills: Soups & Salads. Sharpen your knife skills and learn to make four classic dishes that make perfect lunches and sides (while learning two awesome do-ahead dressings). Ginger Kale Salad, Farmers Market Chopped Salad, Tuscan Vegetable Soup, Tomato Bisque.

Day 2: Poultry: Learn to use various parts of the chicken while making 4 complete dinners. Moroccan Braised Chicken with Orange Scented Couscous, Turkey Ricotta Meatballs with Sage and Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Grainy Mustard Chicken Gratin with Roasted Broccoli.

Day 3: Meats: Herbed Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta & Caramelized Onions, Beef Bourguignon, Hoisin Beef with Scallion Pancakes and Spicy Slaw.

Day 4: Fish: Grilled Albacore on Greek Orzo, Maple Pecan Salmon, Pan-Sauteed Mahi Mahi Tacos with Fresh Pineapple and Cilantro Mint Pesto.

Menu items subject to change.  If you need to substitute an ingredient, call the school to let us know. You can make up up to one class in the series should you miss one.

------------

This class takes place at our state-of-the-art cooking school at the Santa Monica Place Shopping Center.  There is plenty of parking in Parking Structure 7 off Broadway directly behind the school, best level to park on is Level 4 if possible.  Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes. 

Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your class or receive an account credit.  Ages 16 and up.

Learn how the bean to bar process works (and make a batch of your own chocolate, from cacao beans to bar) and create perfect craft chocolate and candy bars. A complete education in the science and history of chocolate making will be covered, as well as how to create a craft chocolate operation. You will roast, winnow, grind, conch and learn how to create a small chocolate-making enterprise from home.

Day 1: Roast, Winnow and Grind Cocoa Beans

Day 2: Temper Custom Bars, Create Inclusion Bars and Candy Bars

THIS IS A 4 HOUR CLASS

Thank you for registering!  Our classes are held in commercial kitchens, so please arrive on time in comfortable attire and closed-toed shoes.  No cell phones in class, please.  Note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation.

Ages 16 and up.

This 4-week series is designed to teach culinary fundamentals to establish your foundational cooking skills.  You will work at your own station under the guidance of our Chef Instructor who will teach classic techniques, and give you a great series of recipes to add to your repertoire.  Bring containers to class - you'll love your next day lunches!

THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY MONDAY EVENING

For 4 weeks from 6:30pm-9:30pm

Day 1:Knife Skills: Soups & Salads. Sharpen your knife skills and learn to make four classic dishes that make perfect lunches and sides (while learning two awesome do-ahead dressings). Ginger Kale Salad, Farmers Market Chopped Salad, Tuscan Vegetable Soup, Tomato Bisque.

Day 2: Poultry: Learn to use various parts of the chicken while making 4 complete dinners. Moroccan Braised Chicken with Orange Scented Couscous, Turkey Ricotta Meatballs with Sage and Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Grainy Mustard Chicken Gratin with Roasted Broccoli.

Day 3: Meats: Herbed Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta & Caramelized Onions, Beef Bourguignon, Hoisin Beef with Scallion Pancakes and Spicy Slaw.

Day 4: Fish: Grilled Albacore on Greek Orzo, Maple Pecan Salmon, Pan-Sauteed Mahi Mahi Tacos with Fresh Pineapple and Cilantro Mint Pesto.

Menu items subject to change.  If you need to substitute an ingredient, call the school to let us know. You can make up up to one class in the series should you miss one.

------------

This class takes place at our state-of-the-art cooking school at the Santa Monica Place Shopping Center.  There is plenty of parking in Parking Structure 7 off Broadway directly behind the school, best level to park on is Level 4 if possible.  Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes. 

Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your class or receive an account credit.  Ages 16 and up.

Do you dream of owning a restaurant or food truck someday? Join Chef John Pitblado for four intense days of working the line! You'll pick up knife skills, plating, how to fry, cook a perfect burger and make every component from scratch.

Day 1: KNIFE SKILLS - The Taco Truck Menu

Hone your knife skills while making a menu fit for a taco truck. You'll make a Tomato Mango Salsa, Salsa Verde, Handmade Tortillas, Puff Beef Tacos and Pepitas Polverones.

Day 2:  EGG COOKERY - The Ultimate Brunch

Break out the griddle- you're making brunch! Learn to fry, poach and scramble your way to diner favorites. You'll make homemade English Muffins, Egg Benedicts with Roasted Asparagus, Hollandaise Sauce, Sour Cream Berry Muffins.

DAY 3:  PIZZAS & DOUGHS

Mangia! Time to toss pizza and make your own cheeses. You'll make a New York style White Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Chopped Salad, Calzones.

DAY 4:  PASTAS & SAUCES

Knead, roll and shape your own fresh pasta dough and master three sauces. You'll make pappardelle with tomato, olives and caper sauce, ravioli with basil cream sauce and a seasonal pesto.

It's Bread Camp! Learn to work with various doughs, from lean to rich and quick to long-fermented. You will be working with locally sourced grains and milling your own flours in class, learning to shape Baguette, Boules and Batards, make Brioches, Sticky Buns and Dinner Rolls as well as artisanal Boules. The science of yeast, gluten, fermentation and aging will be covered, as well as seasonal jams and handmade cheeses.

We will learn how to grow our own cultures, feed the sourdough for maximum strength and how to create loaves with thick crusts, wonderfully irregular holes and pearly crumbs.  You’ll discover why northern France and Northern California are prized for their strong-flavored breads and how to make a series of beautiful rustic loaves with your own signature scoring.

Breads: Dinner Rolls, Focaccia, Sandwich Bread, Milk Bread, Parmesan Bread, Whole Wheat Baguette, Hazelnut Fig Loaf, Sprouted Wheat Bread, Classic Sourdough

Cheeses: Ricotta, Chevre, Cultured Butter, Burrata, Mozzarella

Preserves: Classic Strawberry, Nectarine and Lemon Verbena, Peach, Blueberry Orange Blossom

EACH CLASS IS 5 HOURS

Should you book all 4 of this summer's Series, please use code ProPastrySummer10% at checkout to save 10%.

The Boulangerie Series is designed to give you a well-rounded education in the art of bread making.  You’ll learn everything from basic sandwich loaves to rustic artisanal loaves.  Each student will work independently, and breads will be made primarily by hand and rarely with a stand mixer.  All of these courses can be taken individually or as a grouping with a discount.  

As with all of our courses, please wear comfortable, close-toed shoes and bring containers with you to transport your finished products home (in bread classes, we recommend bringing grocery bags).

Thank you for registering!  Our classes are held in commercial kitchens, so please arrive on time in comfortable attire and closed-toed shoes.  No cell phones in class, please.  Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation. Ages 16 and up.

This is a vegetarian class.

Do you dream of owning a restaurant or food truck someday? Join Chef John Pitblado for four intense days of working the line! You'll pick up knife skills, plating, how to fry, cook a perfect burger and make every component from scratch.

Day 1: KNIFE SKILLS - The Taco Truck Menu

Hone your knife skills while making a menu fit for a taco truck. You'll make a Tomato Mango Salsa, Salsa Verde, Handmade Tortillas, Puff Beef Tacos and Pepitas Polverones.

Day 2:  EGG COOKERY - The Ultimate Brunch

Break out the griddle- you're making brunch! Learn to fry, poach and scramble your way to diner favorites. You'll make homemade English Muffins, Egg Benedicts with Roasted Asparagus, Hollandaise Sauce, Sour Cream Berry Muffins.

DAY 3:  PIZZAS & DOUGHS

Mangia! Time to toss pizza and make your own cheeses. You'll make a New York style White Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Chopped Salad, Calzones.

DAY 4:  PASTAS & SAUCES

Knead, roll and shape your own fresh pasta dough and master three sauces. You'll make pappardelle with tomato, olives and caper sauce, ravioli with basil cream sauce and a seasonal pesto.

This 10-week series is designed for the beginner or intermediate culinary student or baking enthusiast looking to improve on the basics of baking and pastry. These four-hour classes are taught in a professional environment and includes a chef coat. You will work independently and hands-on in a class with no more than 10 students.
 
Our classes are crafted to teach the basic chemistry of baking as well as techniques you’ll use both at home and in a professional kitchen. As with all our classes, everything you learn will be made from scratch, from the graham crust on your cheesecakes to the candied lemon zest on your lemon bars. We encourage you to bring a food-safe container to class to bring home your delicious work. Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the series.

CLASS MEETS FROM 9am-1PM

EVERY SUNDAY FOR 10 WEEKS
 

Day 1: Mousses and Souffles.  Whip, beat and fold!  Learn the secrets to perfect souffles and smooth as silk mousses.  Chocolate Souffle, Cheese Souffle, Lemon Mousse and Honey Chocolate mousse; Pate a Bombe.

Day 2: Egg-leavened Cakes. Perfect your genoise and pair it with a lighter-than-air Dacquoise.  A lemon-scented Chiffon Cake with Bavarian Cream will make your swoon...

Day 3: Fruit Mousse Cakes.  Pair your egg-leaved cake with handmade Ladyfingers and seasonal Berry Mousses for spectacular results.  

Day 4: Yeasted Doughs.  From dinner rolls to sticky buns, you'll explore the rich doughs that make breakfast and dinner so much sweeter.

Day 5: Savory Breads. Lean doughs are vessels for all things savory.  You'll create your own focaccia and pizza, as well as handmade pita bread, to pair with your housemade cheese.

Day 6: Petit Fours  Small bites make big impressions, and attention to finishing details are key.  We will make Orange Blossom Madeleines, Classic Petit Fours with a Chocolate MIrrored Glaze, Lacey Tuile Cookies and Brown Butter Financiers.

Day 7: Cake Decorating: Get great a piping and learn new, modern designs for buttercream cakes with clean lines that will impress.

Day 8: Truffles, Marshmallows and Infused Toffees: Create a candy wonderland with our favorite base recipes.  You'll make your own custom ganaches for truffles, embed toffees with your favorite flavors and make batches of marshmallows to rival any you've ever had!

Day 9: Macarons: Perfect the French Method as you make Vanilla Bean, Pistachio and Hazelnut Macarons with custom ganaches and buttercreams to sandwich them with.

Day 10: Making Chocolate Basics Learn the basics of chocolate tempering and make some beautiful treats including rochers and chocolate lollipops!

------------
The Professional Baking Series take place at our new, state-of-the-art cooking school at the Santa Monica Place Mall. There is plenty of parking on the third level directly behind the school. In order to qualify for a certificate of completion, all classes need to be attended.

While we provide all ingredients, please note that it is helpful for all students to have the following tools to bring with them to class: 12 ramekins (about 5 oz. size), a shallow-dish pie tin and  light-colored aluminum cake pan measuring 6" and  8” by 3” tall. This will allow you to bake in your own containers and transport your goods home without unmolding many of your items before they have sufficiently cooled.

Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and closed-toed shoes. No cell phones in class, please.
Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation. Ages 16 and up.

Take your cooking to the next level with this 10-week technique based series that will have you cooking intuitively in no time.  Each student will work at their own station to maximize the learning experience.  The chef instructor will provide a comprehensive lecture and demo, followed by a hands-on cooking class. 

Chef Carol Cotner Thompson has been teaching people how to cook for over 25 years and brings her classic culinary education, love of local, seasonal produce and study of world cuisines to her culinary classroom. You will gain confidence in the kitchen and learn to develop into an intuitive cook while making healthy and delicious daily meals. Series students work independently at their own stations to maximize their learning experience. Each class begins with a comprehensive lecture and demonstration followed by hands-on cooking to master each technique and dish.

You are offered 1 complimentary "make up" class if you miss a class, which we offer as a credit for a class on our schedule for a similar lesson.

 THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY TUESDAY EVENING

For 10 Weeks from 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Week 1: KNIFE SKILLS:  Learn the proper way to handle and care for your knives, and the essential techniques to slice, dice, julienne, chiffonade and shred.

Chicken Broth

Chicken Stock

Seasonal Vegetable Broth

Week 2: SOUPS AND SALADS:  Learn how to cook homemade stocks and broths and turn them into delicious soups and sauces, then master salads and homemade dressings.

Sesame Kale Salad

Heirloom Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

Southwest Chopped Salad, Apple, Date, Endive with Stilton Cheese

Butter Lettuce Cherry Tomato Salad with Classic Green Goddess

Tortilla Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

White Bean Soup with Crispy Sage

Week 3: EGGS and DAIRY:   Learn how to make fresh homemade cheese, as well as a variety of egg dishes.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Deviled Eggs

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Perfect Poached Eggs

Week 4:  CLASSIC and CONTEMPORARY SAUCES:  Learn how to prepare essential classic french sauces, as well as some go-to condiment sauces to brighten up a simple meal.

Béchamel for Mac & Cheese

Reductions and Pan Sauces

Classic Tomato Sauce

Romesco

Salsa Verde

Hollandaise

Week 5:  VEGETABLES:  Learn how to properly select, store and cook vegetables.

Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Beet Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash

Arugula Goat Cheese with Sherry Vinaigrette

Braised Red Cabbage

Week 6: PASTA, GNOCCHI AND POLENTA:  Learn how to cook and sauce pasta, roll homemade gnocchi, and perfect polenta.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Penne with Pesto

Potato Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Polenta with Mushrooms and Bacon

Week 7: GRAINS and LEGUMES:  Learn how to cook and incorporate wholes grains into your daily meals.

Autumn Vegetable Farro

Zucchini Rice Gratin

Curry Beluga Lentil Quinoa

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Week 8: POULTRY:  Learn the technique of breaking down and using a whole chicken and trnasform it into three meals.

Chicken Meatballs

Zaatar Crispy Chicken Breast

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Legs

 Week 9:  MEATS:  Learn the proper cuts of meat and cooking techniques.

Lamb Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mint Pesto

Pickled Red Onions and Feta

Pan-seared Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples and Parsnips with Madeira Sauce

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichuri and Tomato Cucumber Salsa

Week 10: FISH and SHELLFISH:   Learn to select, store and properly cook fish and shellfish.

Smokey Grilled Fish Tacos

Braised Halibut Provencal

French Style Mussels

Roasted Salmon with Pistachio Pesto and Labneh

------------

This series take place at our state-of-the-art kitchen at the Santa Monica Place Mall.  There is plenty of parking on level 4 of the parking structure (entrance on Broadway) directly behind the school.  Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes.  You are offered 1 complimentary "make up" class if you miss a class, which we offer as a credit for a class on our schedule of similar lesson.  Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation.  Ages 16 and up.

Take your cooking to the next level with this 10-week technique based series that will have you cooking intuitively in no time.  Each student will work at their own station to maximize the learning experience.  The chef instructor will provide a comprehensive lecture and demo, followed by a hands-on cooking class. 

Chef Carol Cotner Thompson has been teaching people how to cook for over 25 years and brings her classic culinary education, love of local, seasonal produce and study of world cuisines to her culinary classroom. You will gain confidence in the kitchen and learn to develop into an intuitive cook while making healthy and delicious daily meals. Series students work independently at their own stations to maximize their learning experience. Each class begins with a comprehensive lecture and demonstration followed by hands-on cooking to master each technique and dish.

You are offered 1 complimentary "make up" class if you miss a class, which we offer as a credit for a class on our schedule for a similar lesson.

 THIS CLASS MEETS EVERY THURSDAY MORNING

For 10 Weeks from 9:00am to 12:30pm

Week 1: KNIFE SKILLS:  Learn the proper way to handle and care for your knives, and the essential techniques to slice, dice, julienne, chiffonade and shred.

Chicken Broth

Chicken Stock

Seasonal Vegetable Broth

Week 2: SOUPS AND SALADS:  Learn how to cook homemade stocks and broths and turn them into delicious soups and sauces, then master salads and homemade dressings.

Sesame Kale Salad

Heirloom Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

Southwest Chopped Salad, Apple, Date, Endive with Stilton Cheese

Butter Lettuce Cherry Tomato Salad with Classic Green Goddess

Tortilla Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

White Bean Soup with Crispy Sage

Week 3: EGGS and DAIRY:   Learn how to make fresh homemade cheese, as well as a variety of egg dishes.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Deviled Eggs

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Perfect Poached Eggs

Week 4:  CLASSIC and CONTEMPORARY SAUCES:  Learn how to prepare essential classic french sauces, as well as some go-to condiment sauces to brighten up a simple meal.

Béchamel for Mac & Cheese

Reductions and Pan Sauces

Classic Tomato Sauce

Romesco

Salsa Verde

Hollandaise

Week 5:  VEGETABLES:  Learn how to properly select, store and cook vegetables.

Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Beet Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash

Arugula Goat Cheese with Sherry Vinaigrette

Braised Red Cabbage

Week 6: PASTA, GNOCCHI AND POLENTA:  Learn how to cook and sauce pasta, roll homemade gnocchi, and perfect polenta.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Penne with Pesto

Potato Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Polenta with Mushrooms and Bacon

Week 7: GRAINS and LEGUMES:  Learn how to cook and incorporate wholes grains into your daily meals.

Autumn Vegetable Farro

Zucchini Rice Gratin

Curry Beluga Lentil Quinoa

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Week 8: POULTRY:  Learn the technique of breaking down and using a whole chicken and trnasform it into three meals.

Chicken Meatballs

Zaatar Crispy Chicken Breast

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Legs

 Week 9:  MEATS:  Learn the proper cuts of meat and cooking techniques.

Lamb Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mint Pesto

Pickled Red Onions and Feta

Pan-seared Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples and Parsnips with Madeira Sauce

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichuri and Tomato Cucumber Salsa

Week 10: FISH and SHELLFISH:   Learn to select, store and properly cook fish and shellfish.

Smokey Grilled Fish Tacos

Braised Halibut Provencal

French Style Mussels

Roasted Salmon with Pistachio Pesto and Labneh

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This series take place at our state-of-the-art kitchen at the Santa Monica Place Mall.  There is plenty of parking on level 4 of the parking structure (entrance on Broadway) directly behind the school.  Please arrive on time in comfortable attire and close-toed shoes.  You are offered 1 complimentary "make up" class if you miss a class, which we offer as a credit for a class on our schedule of similar lesson.  Please note that we do not offer refunds but honor a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to reschedule your reservation.  Ages 16 and up.