whole lotta baking goin' on!

Wow--if ever there was a season of baking for me, it's been this fall and winter!
I've had the pleasure of teaching enthusiastic students in Marin, Emeryville and Sacramento and have loved every minute of it!




It's so great to see people "get it"--whether it's how to make a flaky pie crust or a fluffy buttercream.

I also love getting emails about how students are using the new techniques they've learned at home and getting rave reviews!

Mile-high Lemon Meringue Pie at a Thanksgiving Baking Class.... a classic Fresh Fruit Tart at a Pie and Tart Class.. or Lemon Currant Scones and Blueberry Muffins at a Breakfast Class....
To quote Martha.... It's all good!

parties, parties, parties!

 I have had so much fun this winter leading cooking parties in private homes!

It's the perfect scenario for party-goers--I do the shopping, bring delicious fool-proof recipes, and set up stations around the kitchen with all the ingredients and equipment they'll need.

Everyone arrives--usually a group of friends or co-workers, looking for a fun night out with some GOOD food. They have a glass of wine while I talk about the recipes and demo a few "chef" tricks (the right way to chop an onion or jalapeno or how to devein a shrimp).

Then everyone chooses a recipe, breaks into groups, and gets to work!

Not to worry, nervous chefs... I work the room, offering advice on how to make each dish turn out perfectly (and they always do...!)

Appetizer parties have been really popular and make a fun, casual evening. As each group finishes their appetizer, they platter them and serve them to the other chefs--so there's plenty of eating, drinking and cooking throughout the evening!

Bloody Mary Shrimp.... Asian Lettuce Wraps... Corncakes with Spicy Avocado Salsa...Cherry Tomato Phyllo Pizza.....  yum, my mouth is watering just thinking about it all!

And yes, there is one more important detail.

While the guests are finishing up their last bites and pouring another glass of wine, the kitchen is magically being cleaned by the elves.

Who said cooking isn't fun???!!!