COOK @ Cook the Books
Thanks so much for all the lovely emails we have received recently. We love hearing how much you have enjoyed coming here, or when you have tried our recipes.
Together with our favourite cook Grant Allen we build an ongoing series of workshops that we hope will inspire people to try something a little bit different. With over 30 years experience in the New Zealand food scene, Grant’s experience spans fine dining, cafes, catering and food styling. Grant describes himself as a Cook – his food is uncomplicated, ingredient driven and accessible. Grant has travelled, tasted and cooked widely – and shares his knowledge enthusiastically. Grant believes making something good to eat, either for you or to share with friends, can lift the spirits in a way little else can. If you haven't already - do check out his weekly food pages in the Herald on Sunday.
It is so much fun to spend some time with fellow food lovers, doing what we all enjoy – cooking, eating, and talking about food!
Due to popular demand we are repeating some of our most popular workshops, Pastry Perfection is here and we are going to Spain. We are currently recipe testing for our Winter Vegetarian Class which will run in July & August.
We are looking forward to having two "Guest Cook's" visiting in July. Chris Fortune & Alex Mackay. Chris is a founding member of the NZ Farmers Market Movement, the Marlborough Farmers Market and Slow Food Marlborough. Not to mention the author of two of our best selling NZ cookbooks - Pick, Preserve, Serve & The Kiwi Sizzler Smoking Book. New Zealander Alex Mackay has worked as a chef at Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Italy and the UK. Has run Raymond Blanc's cookery school and founded the internationally acclaimed Baou d'Infer cookery school in Provence, he now teaches alongside Delia Smith. We are eagerly anticipating his new book Everbody Everyday. Details available shortly.......
Here are our Culinary Workshops for the next 6 weeks, don't forget if you have a group of 8 or more people, we can do a workshop just for you and your friends. Perfect for a fun night out, or for team-building.
A Feast from Persia - $60 per person
Book here for Wednesday 13 June - 7pm
Wednesday 12 June is already full, so we are repeating this class the following night. The food of Persia is justly famous for its elegance, delicacy and fragrance, in particular its subtle blending of sweet and savoury flavours. The table is set, the dishes are shared - join us to learn how to create a unique feast!
Pastry Perfection - $60 per person
Book here for Wednesday 20 June - 6.30pm
Pastry is one of those tricky things in the kitchen - once you get it right there is no stopping you, but until then it just turns into a gluey mess and you wonder why you didn't just reach for the Ernest Adams? In this class we are teaching 3 foolproof recipes - a sweet or savoury Cream Cheese Pastry, a divine old-fashioned Lard Pastry, and a decadent Italian Chocolate Pastry. And of course these will be made into pies, tarts and all things nice. Please note that due to the content, this class will take 3 hours. So rather than running late into the night, we are starting earlier than normal at 6.30pm.
Sri Lankan II: Chicken Curry, Fish Curry, Vegetable - $55 per person
Book here for Thursday 21 June - 7pm
Back by popular demand! If you love curry, but are looking for something fresher & lighter, this is for you. The follow up to Sri Lankan I - this time we will be using chicken, fish and vegetables. These curries require the making of a fresh curry paste - so think coconut, chilli, lime, coriander....
Coastal Moroccan - $55 per person
Book here for Monday 25 June - 7pm
We have had a lot of requests to repeat this workshop, so here it is! If you enjoyed our North African workshop, or even if you have never eaten North African food - but are looking for something different, then you will love this, a celebration of fresh fish. We don't seem to eat as much fish in winter, but these dishes are warming & fragrant. Think lovely delicious tagines, kefta, and a few surprises. A fresh take on some familiar ingredients!
The Winter Braise - $55 per person
Book here for Wednesday 27 June - 7pm
Winter and comforting braises go hand and hand, with layers of flavour gently cooked to perfection. We share our tips for the perfect hearty winter meal. Pork Hocks that fall apart; 2 superb braises, a stem-ginger steamed pudding, and a chocolate surprise. What could be better on a cold winter night?
All About Soup - $45 per person
Book here for Tuesday 10 July - 7pm
Definitely not something that comes in a can! In this class we will cover the basics of making great stock - the foundation of good soup. We will then translate this stock into three very different soups, one light & fragrant, one hearty & rib-sticking, and one that is perfect for a dinner party. Not that there is anything wrong with a slice of Vogels - we'll be sharing our recipe for cornbread (perfect for delicious dunking). Interested? Here is what Mairi from Toast had to say about our All About Soup Workshop
Spain - The Pig & Paella - $55 per person
The Pig & Paella – two of the icons of Spanish Cuisine together in one class. Perfect Pork Belly, and 4 other pork dishes, then we’ll be making paella from scratch. Bought to you by our friends at Freedom Farms – the home of the happiest piggies in NZ.
Book here for Wednesday 11 July - 7pm
* Just a reminder - all workshops are designed to provide the participants with a tailored, informative experience in a relaxed environment. To make sure our guests get the best possible experience, we limit the number to 12 participants per workshop – small, intimate and close up in our demonstration cooking space. Each workshop runs for 2.5 hours (unless otherwise stated), and you won't need dinner before you come! Price includes a copy of all recipes prepared on the night and a glass of wine from our friends at Vidal Wines.
Cheesemaking @ Cook the Books
Cook the Books is delighted to have become a supplier of Mad Millie Cheesemaking Kits. Mad Millie is a product range we absolutely love! The kits are very easy to use, and really de-mystify the process of making cheese at home. To celebrate we are currently running Mad Millie Cheesemaking Courses. We currently have 2 classes on offer - Fresh Halloumi & Ricotta or Fresh Mozzarella & Marscapone- both using the Mad Millie Beginners Italian Cheesemaking Kit.
In both classes we share simple recipe idea's to enjoy your fresh cheese such as a Rocket, Halloumi & Walnut Salad or Caprese Salad, followed by Tiramisu or Cheesecake (YUM)!
We have been absolutely amazed by how many people want to learn how easy it is to make fresh cheese - So we are adding more classes all the time. Here is what Anna had to say who came along last Tuesday "
Hi there, just wanted to say what an awesome job Marly did at a recent course I went to at Cook the Books. Her enthusiasm rubbed off on everybody, she was incredibly knowledgeable and great at answering questions, and we all had a wonderful time. I heard a number of people say it was the best cooking class they had been to. Thanks Marly!"
The class price is $60 per person. This includes the Mad Millie Beginner Italian Cheesemaking Kit (rrp $40) which includes all the equipment plus the consumables to make 15 batches (7.5kg) of fresh cheese (excluding milk). Please note that if you have already done the Halloumi Class with us, and want to book into the Mozzarella class there is a $25 fee.
Book here for Halloumi on Wednesday 6 June - 7pm (limited places still available)
Book here for Mozzarella on Monday 11 June - 7pm
