Cooking Class

For Christmas, I received a gift card for two cooking classes with Marguerite Henderson (a fabulous local chef). I've taken her classes before and I always have a delectable time. The Oh Baby, It's Cold Outside!, comfort foods galore class I just attended, didn't disappoint.

Cream Cheese and Fig Jam to start

Bean and Onion appetizer. Very good.

The pretty china we used

Dish # 1

Chicken-Vegetable Pot Pie with Parmesan Herb Crust

The first dish we started preparing was the pot-pie. I shouldn't say we, since Marguerite does all the cooking. We just sat back and sipped wine and chatted and watched her work her magic. 

Fresh vegetables are lightly seasoned and sautéed until soft.

The chicken was poached, then cut into 1-inch cubes

The vegetables and chicken are mixed with a heavy cream sauce and poured into a pretty pie dish.

Here's a close-up of the creamy chicken and veggie mixture.

Marguerite rolls the Parmesan and herb dough over the top of the filling.

The dough gets brushed with butter and heavy cream and then it's ready for the oven.

40 minutes later... we had piping hot, golden brown, pot pie. Yum

Dish # 2

Gratin of Crab Claw, Artichoke and Mushrooms

Really, really rich and really, really good

The chessy crab dip is topped with bread crumbs and then baked until bubbly.

Served with slices of baguette and fresh vegetables, The vegetables were a nice balance to the dip.

Dish # 3

Pancetta, Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

Yes, it was awesome

Pancetta is sauted with onions and herbs

Roughly chopped brie gets a quick toss with the pancetta and onion mixture.

The cheese mixture is spooned onto a puff pastry and baked.

Here it is out of the oven. This was sooo good. Salty, bready, cheesy heaven. 

We ended the meal with warm gingerbread cake topped with orange ginger cream. Delicious!

This comfort food meal definitely hit the spot. Marguerite's kitchen is cozy and inviting. Her classes are really fun and she is lively and entertaining. My cooking club is doing a group class with her in February and then I'm taking another class, five pastas/five sauces, from her in March.

If you're interested in taking a class or signing up for her free weekly recipes, click here!