Last night we had the opportunity to attend a cooking class at Sur la Table. It was the first time I had ever been to a formal cooking class, and I was so excited. I made sure we were front and center...because I wanted to take everything in.
Aaron, Jenna, Josh and I took turns making everything for our dishes. We should have waited for instructions (my bad on over dressing the salad), but overall I think we learned at least three things.
Our menu was surf and turf and included scallops, steak and a banana pudding. Since you wanted the dessert to set, we started off with that first.
Bourban-Banana Pudding with Candied Pecans
Pan-Seared Scallops with Oranges in a Ginger Vinaigrette
In addition to learning how to properly cook scallops (something I have always wanted to make at home but was just too darn scared), I also learned the trick to chopping shallots and onions...and using a paring knife on oranges to create a garnish. That last one needs a little more work.
Herb-Crusted New York Steak with a Red Wine-Peppercorn Sauce
I feel like I am still a newbie to steak. It certainly isn't something I feel comfortable cooking. Last night I learned that you should let the steak come to room temperature to cook (same apparently goes for fish). Also, and this was a big learning for us...we need to be using vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
I jumped at the chance to learn how to make the sauce. I want to be a better sauce maker...and last night I got my chance.
We also made green beans to accompany our steak. They were roasted and were delicious.
Our finished products
Which we actually ate and didn't die from...
I believe this was a success...and of course am now addicted. Private pasta making class anyone?
