Breakfast Baking Class at Hill's Kitchen

While I can make some darn good pancakes, eggs, grits, and french toast, when it comes to baking my skills fall short.  I have tried making muffins from scratch before but I have this horrible problem with over-mixing, which can cause baked goods to be too dense and chewy.  I’m also not very good at following directions as closely as baking requires.  But I loved baked goods, especially of the breakfast variety.  Coffee cake, muffins, biscuits, bagels…YUM

Then a friend passed along news that Hill’s Kitchen was going to be holding a series of cooking classes, including one about breakfast baking! I decided that even on my current budget, $45 for a class that could help me overcome my baking issues would be a good investment.  At the very least, it would be a delicious way to spend a Saturday morning.

The chef, Brock Kuhlman, walked us through making coffee cake, traditional waffles, savory waffles (such a good idea for a dinner appetizer! or side!), biscuits, and muffins (some of the best I have ever had).  I have been kicking myself since that week for not bringing a camera with me to show the final results, which were not only beautiful but delicious.  I’ll experiment with some of the recipes in the coming weeks and post the ones that I have had success with at home, along with a few of the inside tricks that Kuhlman taught us.

Below is a list of the other classes being offered at Hill’s Kitchen this spring.  The second floor is set up with a big, open kitchen that works very well for classes, and the chef is very entertaining and clearly enjoys sharing his skills and food.  To reserve a spot, just email events@hillskitchen.com with information about which class you are interested in, number of attendees, email address, and phone number.

• Basic Knife Skills:  $35

Thursday, April 23, 6:00p

Sunday, April 26, 11am

Saturday, May 2, 12p

Learning basic knife skills can change cooking from a chore to a real pleasure!  This class will teach you the basic cuts and give you the chance to practice them in a fun and relaxed environment.  Hill’s Kitchen will provide excellent quality Mac knives to practice with- so just bring yourself!  Covering everything from knife selection to what cut to use with which recipe, this class will make you feel more comfortable in the kitchen and help you keep your fingers safe.  We will practice on a variety of vegetables and enjoy a few delicious bites at the end of the evening.

• Small Bites for Entertaining $45

Sunday, April 26, 3pm

Saturday, May 9, 3pm

Tired of frozen canapes from Costco?  Yeah, so is everyone else.  Learn to create exciting small bites for your  next party by choosing textures and layering flavors.  We will construct tiny quiche, create cracker canapes, roast herbed nuts, roast olives with herbs and lemon peel, and explore homemade pates and spreads.  This is a demonstration class, so all you have to do is enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and ask good questions.  No clean up required!

• Exploring the Food of Thailand: The Northeast $55

Saturday, April 25, 4p

Thursday, May 7, 6p

This series will explore the varied styles of the four regions of Thailand.  This first class focuses on the cuisine of Northeast Thailand and the influences of Thailand’s neighbors: Laos and Cambodia.  We will focus on simple, fresh preparations of local ingredients in the Thai tradition.  We will also taste some of the basic ingredients of Thai cuisine and discuss where to buy them.  Thai food doesn’t have to be a take-out only experience – join us to learn how to practice this art in your own kitchen.  More regions to come in the summer and fall!  This is a demonstration class, so just sit back, enjoy some great food, and ask good questions.  No clean up required!

• Chicken Three Ways $45

Saturday, May 2, 4p

Learn to use the whole bird in this class!  Roast, braise and stew this classic ingredient to come up with Coq-au-vin, Roasted Chicken Breast, and a seasonal Chicken Salad .  We’ll also explore where poultry comes from and how consumers can ensure that they are eating food they believe in.  Join us for an interesting take on a sometimes staid ingredient!.  This is a demonstration class, so just sit back, enjoy some great food, and ask good questions.  No clean up required!

• Cinco de Mayo $55

Sunday, May 3, 3pm

It’s time to move beyond tortilla chips and orange cheese dip!  Mexican cuisine is a deep and rich tapestry of old world foods mixed with new world traditions.  The complex depth of mole, bright vibrancy of pico do gallo, and satisfying heartiness of properly made tortillas all embody this vibrant cuisine.  We will explore the traditional parts of mexican food: the spices, chiles, seeds, vegetables and proteins that form the core of Mexican food, before combining these to create a rich pollo en mole, a ceviche, crispy black bean tacos with repollito, and proper guacamole.  Get ready for Cinco de Mayo with some practica en la cocina!  This is a demonstration class, so just sit back, enjoy some great food and a beer with lime, and ask good questions.  No clean up required!

• Cupcakes! Cupcakes! Cupcakes! $45

Saturday, May 9, 11 am

Are cupcakes passe?  Are they suffering from overexposure?  Who cares: they are delicious, and that’s why we love them.  Join us in learning three basic cupcake recipes, and six different icings to create most excellent combinations.  The keys to cupcake greatness are moist cake, delicious icing, and the all-important icing-to-cake ratio.  Come practice getting all three right so that you, too, may attain cupcake samurai status.  This is a demonstration/ participation class, so wear kitchen appropriate clothes and get ready to get frosting on your hands.  No clean up required!