Looking for a cooking class in Austin? I recently took a class with The Prickly Pear Cooking Classes and loved my experience. Read on to learn all about it.
Disclaimer: Prickly Pear Cooking Classes provided a complimentary class but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting companies that support this blog!
The Prickly Pear Cooking Classes
I enjoy learning, especially classes, which you probably know from past blog posts. Austin has a wide selection of cooking classes and classes related to food. Some of the memorable classes I’ve tried are cookie decorating, Thai food, and chicken butchery. Classes are a great way to learn in person and with a guide who’s a pro. It’s also a fun activity with your significant other or friend.
The Prickly Pear Cooking Classes is run by founder and instructor Deb Roberts. Her knowledge and passion for teaching come from her parents, who were an accomplished gardener and cook. As she raised her kids, she began to teach cooking classes and now instructs at least four classes a week in her kitchen venue. You’ll likely also see Mike, Deb’s husband and assistant extraordinaire, helping out in the class. Deb knows her stuff and seamlessly empowers you through the steps.
Deb has several class themes to choose from and each class includes hands-on opportunities to make three to five dishes. Classes are usually around 16 students. From team-building to bachelorette parties, groups of all kinds would enjoy a cooking class too.
Sign up for French Riveria Mediterranean to learn to make ratatouille or the New American Risotto class to learn a special take on a classic. The Inspired by Mexico class will teach you traditional Mexican dishes with a twist and the Taste of Rome class, the one we took, will teach you an easy yet impressive gnocchi. Each of these classes includes multiple dishes for the theme, so you’ll enjoy a full, family-style meal.
No matter which class you take, you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen, get practice at what will become go-to dishes, and have a fun time cooking with Deb!
Taste of Rome Class
We joined the Taste of Rome class for a date night because I had never made gnocchi before but had always wanted to try it.
Here is the delicious menu for the night:
- Mozzarelline Fritte – mozzarella, homemade marinara
- Roman Salad – market greens, classically simple vinaigrette
- Handmade Gnocchi (Gnudi) – whole milk ricotta pasta, browned-butter sauce, cherry tomato, citrus-spiked mushrooms and asparagus
- Sorrento Lemon Pudding Cake
- Almond Cookie
We zested lemons, coated and fried mozzarella balls, chopped asparagus, rolled and sliced gnocchi, folded in egg whites, and pan-fried gnocchi, all while cheering on and laughing with other students.
The fried mozzarella balls were enjoyed early in the evening and after a few hours, our community-made dinner was enjoyed.
Deb shared plenty of cooking tips and went through the dishes expertly. This class made these dishes less daunting, and I can’t wait to try making them at home!
If you’re interested in trying a cooking class, check out The Prickly Pear Cooking Classes website to see the options.
Want more cooking class suggestions or want to learn more about food in Austin? Check out these posts:
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