Last Friday, I was able to check something off my BC bucket list. After three years of talking about taking a cooking class, my roommate and I decided that there is no time like the present. We did our research (thanks Google!) and came across The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. So from 6-9pm, we donned our chef aprons and put our culinary skills to the test.
While the school offers an endless array of classes ranging from savory to sweet and easy to highly technical, we knew that we wanted to sign up for one of their popular holiday classes. As avid bakers and lovers of all dessert, we chose “Just in the St. Nick of Time – Holiday Cookie Class.”
After a long and stressful school week, this was THE perfect way to spend a Friday night. Our instructor, Marie, was friendly and knowledgeable. She spent about 45 minutes showing us around the kitchen and making sure we knew where to find all of the ingredients and appliances. We were given a packet of 21 cookie recipes. I truly don’t think I have ever been so excited to receive a 22-page handout. Each student picked two recipes that they wanted to execute. The idea was that each student would bake two types of cookies and then do a giant cookie swap at the end.
My roommate decided to make Peppermint Melt Ways and Frosted Italian Snowballs:
I made Molasses Rum Cookies and White Chocolate-Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies:
By the time 9pm rolled around, the cooling racks were full. I am pretty sure I died and went to Christmas cookie heaven. All I could smell for the remainder of the night was cookie.
Some of the other cookies made by students were:
- Salted Caramel Almond Thumbprints
- Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Thousand Dollar Bars
- Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti
My roommate and I had a blast and would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who enjoys baking and/or cooking. If you’re interested, check out the recreational classes offered in the CSCA catalogue.
And if you want to make a night of it, there is a terrific restaurant a few blocks away called Christopher’s. It has an extensive menu, a great bar, and provides the perfect atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.