Things to do: Cookery Course at Rick Stein’s Cookery School

by
17 January 2020
Things to do & see
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In the winter months Cornwall still has many things to do. One of these being Cookery Courses at Rick Stein’s Cookery School in Padstow.

There are many courses on offer – Bryony bought me a day at the school as my 40th Birthday present and enrolled me on the Seafood and Shellfish course. We stayed at Cowries and also had dinner at The Seafood Restaurant to crown a splendid weekend.

I arrived as instructed before 9am and was the first to arrive. I was warmly welcomed by our Aarran one of the Chefs, who settled me in with tea and a very friendly chat. The other ‘students’ arrived shortly thereafter and we all made our introductions – a lovely, warm, friendly group.

Our tutor, the school’s Head Chef Lecturer, then arrived and welcomed us and guided us through the aims of the day.

We divided into pairs and gathered round the demonstration kitchen whilst the Chefs proceeded to explain the first dish – A Hot smoked salmon kedgeree- he went through the process step by step as a restaurant chef would do it, rather than following a home recipe – really interesting – and then put it out for us to taste. We then went to our benches to recreate the dish. Following completion we took our dishes to the communal table overlooking the harbour and compared notes and ate our creations – I have to say – I was rather impressed!

Next followed Devilled Mackerel with Mint and Tomato Salad, followed by a Stuffed Crab Shell, with the crab presented to us whole and needing to be dressed – a skill I now possess! The afternoon courses were accompanied by a lovely fresh and zesty Touraine which was offered, and re-offered l.

Finally we were given a demonstration of how to make Salted Cod. Delicious!

The day started before 9am and finished well after the advertised 4pm finish time, so a great day. All the Chefs were great – as both hosts and tutors – highly skilled, clear delivery, funny, accomplished, supportive and hugely informative. Everyone learnt so much and had we all had a great time.