Cooking

Palo Alto Adult School offers an excellent cooking curriculum at the best prices in the area. With professionally trained chefs as our instructors, our students return each quarter to enhance their culinary repertoire.

NOTE: Our classes vary from minimal to extensive hands-on preparation. Cleanup is minimal. Food fees are included in the registration fee, so don’t come full! No refunds will be given for missed classes. Classes are listed in date order. Bring containers for possible leftovers.

GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN SOUPS

One session · January 18
Wednesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Ron Kent, www.oaxacankitchenmobile.com Register Now »

Humble ingredients are transformed into extraordinary soups this evening with warmth and satisfaction, during the cold winter months you will enjoy these recipes for years to come. From a Carrot and Ginger with Green Apple or "Creamy" Tomato Soup to a Wild Mushroom and Butternut Squash with Wild Fennel soup, these exceptional soups have offered a constant source of comfort for centuries. Your left- over containers will be filled. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

U-THAW APPETIZERS

One session · January 19
Thursday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Cindy Roberts, cinroberts@sbcglobal.net

CANCELLED

Inspired by a 2010 San Jose Mercury article, learn how to make these appetizers weeks in advance, then store them in your freezer. Pop them out minutes before serving and bake, then your fabulous appetizer buffet is ready. On the menu for this class: Spanakopita, Mushroom Sausage Strudel and Bacon Cloaked Cheesy Dates. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

COOKIE WORKSHOP

One session · January 26
Thursday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Cindy Roberts, cinroberts@sbcglobal.net

CANCELLED

Hone your cookie-baking expertise in plenty of time for a rainy day baking fest. Spicy Chocolate Morsels, Chocolate Macaroons and Cream Cheese Jammers will be presented. Some recipes provide you a way to prepare for guests in advance of a party, some make great gifts and some are perfect for a cookie exchange. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

EVENING IN SPAIN

One session · January 31
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Yannette Fichou Edwards, yannette@culinary-events.com, www.culinary-events.com

FULL

Back by popular demand! Learn to create a complete make ahead dinner that will dazzle your guests! On the menu: Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Tapenade on Toasts; Tomato and Pepper Soup; Traditional Paella made with chicken, sausage, shellfish, peas and saffron; and Arborio Rice, a stunning centerpiece. Finish the evening with a Silken Coffee Flan that melts in your mouth. Bring containers for possible leftovers. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

VALENTINE'S CHOCOLATE

One session · February 2
Thursday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Cindy Roberts, cinroberts@sbcglobal.net Register Now »

Baking a sweet for your sweetie is the best Valentine's gift. Taste test a number of bar chocolates, then choose the winner to use in your Valentine's baking. Learn how to make the perfect brownie, a Warm Lava Cake and a heart-shaped Espresso Chocolate Cake. All of these desserts are easy once you learn few simple tricks. Join us for this fun and chocolaty class. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

FRENCH COMFORT FOOD

One session · February 7
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Yannette Fichou Edwards, yannette@culinary-events.com, www.culinary-events.com Register Now »

Tonight the instructor, who was born in France, will share some family recipes she learned from her "Grand-Mére." On the menu: a Warm Goat Cheese Salad with homemade hazelnut vinaigrette and toasted nuts; a Golden Filet of Sole with almonds, butter and parsley; Roasted Broccoli with toasted breadcrumbs and capers; and for dessert, Silky Espresso Chocolate "Pots of Crème." Amazing! Bring containers for possible leftovers. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

ASIAN FUSION 101

One session · February 9
Tuesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Yannette Fichou Edwards, yannette@culinary-events.com, www.culinary-events.com Register Now »

The instructor has travelled the world and loves to fuse flavors into new exotic dishes. On the menu: Sesame Beef with spring onions and watercress; Pacific Rim Steamed Dumplings with chicken, pine nuts, water chestnuts and ginger in a soy chili sauce; Seared Sea Scallops with cilantro soy butter; and lastly, Hot Szechwan Asparagus and Green Bean Medley. Unique and delicious! Impress your friends with this menu for your next gathering. Bring containers for possible leftovers. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

SUMPTUOUS SOUPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

One session · February 23
Thursday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Cindy Roberts, cinroberts@sbcglobal.net Register Now »

There's no better way to warm up a winter evening than with a hot bowl of soup. Make these recipes from around the world weeks in advance and store in the freezer, then heat for a dinner party. Learn several healthy techniques for thickening soup (no cream!). Taste test several chicken stocks then use your favorite as a base for the evening's menu: Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup, Avgolemono Soup and Mexican Lentil Soup. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

 

MARVELOUS MALAYSIAN FEAST

One session · March 1
Thursday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $50

Instructor: Cindy Roberts, cinroberts@sbcglobal.net Register Now »

Travel to Southeast Asia's culinary crossroads in this class. Malaysian cuisine encompasses flavors from India, Indonesia, Singapore and China in addition to traditional dishes of the Malay people. This will be a true adventure as we cook together Tahu Goren (Fried Bean Curd Salad), Mee Goreng (Fried Noodles with Spicy Shrimp), Gulai Ikan (Fish Curry with okra, tomatoes and mint) and Ayam Basil (Basil Chicken). Taste test various rices to serve with your Malay dishes. This class will include demonstration, participation and sampling.

INDIAN COOKING

One session · March 7
Wednesday · 6:30–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 103 · $55

Ramesh and Bharati Joshi Register Now »

The Joshis will take the mystery out of aromatic, mild, low-fat and nutritious Indian cuisine. Learn from experts how to prepare delicious Chicken Curry, Pullao (rice), Puri (fluffy bread), Chole (spicy garbanzo beans) and Aaloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower). Taste and enjoy! Bring leftover containers. This class will include demonstration and sampling.