LEARNING SOMETHING NEW: THE BEST GIFT OF ALL
Going on a cookery course is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day, which is why we’d heartily recommend one as a gift for a food lover (or the food-curious). We’ve tested four to inspire your choice
CHEWTON GLEN This spectacular new school uses produce from its kitchen garden
FOR A NERVOUS DINNER PARTY HOST
THE COURSE Seasonal Dinner Party, one day, £155 (includes lunch and a glass of wine) WHERE The Kitchen, Chewton Glen, Hampshire (chewtonglen.com) TESTED BY Martine Tinney
WHAT IT’S LIKE The Kitchen is a new cookery school on the 130-acre Chewton Glen hotel estate, opened this March by executive chef Luke Matthews and TV favourite James Martin (who began his career at the hotel). The equipment is top notch and the chefs help you all the way – even clearing up around you.
WHAT I LEARNED With Luke in charge (regular tutor Rob Cottam had broken his leg) we were in at the deep end but it wasn’t too technical and I found it informative and fun. We used ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden (still in its early days) – so the list of recipes changes with the seasons. We made lamb rump with butter bean purée and salsa verde, and the veg for our cauliflower and cheese fritters came from the greenhouse. Luke emphasised that the key to panic-free dinner parties is prepping ahead. I also learned how to plate up finished dishes to make them look impressive, and I mastered a silky pannacotta after a handy tip to strain the mix through a tea strainer.