Lakeside Culinary

Learn to cook in the beautiful Shuswaps

Pan-Frying

A popular class awaits! Dust off those expensive stainless-steel pans that have been hiding in the back of your cupboard, because this class will transform how you cook cuts of chicken and pork in a pan. Having food stick is a major setback and frustration for many when using this cooking method. Aside from learning the chef tricks to proper pan-frying, you'll also learn how to test for doneness so there's no more guessing when the proteins you cook are 'done.' You'll create juicy on the inside and golden on the outside results and be introduced to pan sauces—your new best flavor friend. Once you get the hang of this valuable cooking technique, you'll be able to craft quick and creative restaurant-quality mains any night of the week.

Greek Appies

Prepare to shout 'Opa!' as you embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Greece with this mouthwatering cooking class! Learn to craft iconic Greek mezedes (appetizers) including thick and tangy Tzatziki, golden flambéed Saganaki cheese, and either savory Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves with rice) OR crispy Spanakopita (spinach and feta-filled phyllo pies) — working with vine leaves or phyllo dough, respectively. To balance out the feast, you'll also learn how to make an authentic Greek salad. This class is the perfect indulgence for summer parties, offering a delightful taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

Thai Curries

Discover the art of crafting authentic Thai curries from scratch. Learn about choosing and working with key ingredients such as galangal, fish sauce, shrimp paste, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, Thai chilies, and spices. After making two curry pastes of choice (green, red, or panang), students will be guided through the step-by-step cooking process for cooking each dish. They will also learn about the interplay between sweet, spicy, salty, and sour elements that define Thai cuisine. We'll also, of course, learn how to cook fluffy Thai jasmine rice to serve with these delectable curries.

Risotto

Learn the essentials of crafting restaurant-worthy risotto dishes from scratch - from the proper ingredients and equipment to the techniques for achieving creamy perfection. Uncover trade secrets and discover a basic formula that you can vary to create an endless number of new risotto dishes. Once this cooking technique is understood, your culinary skills are guaranteed to be elevated. Spend time in the kitchen with your newfound confidence making these sensational rice dishes and implementing your own flavor twists.

Stir-Frying Basics

Learn the basics of stir-frying from preparing the ingredients to the proper sequence and heat management. From a basic protein and vegetable stir-fry to fried rice or chowmein, we’ll stir-fry dishes that incorporate meat, veggies, noodles and/or rice. By having a few basic sauces in your back pocket, you’ll be able to add a wide range of dishes to your repertoire without relying on recipes. Once the prep is done, stir-fries are one of the fastest (and often healthiest) dishes to cook! As most of the prep can be done in advance, you'll achieve better-than-take-out food when your schedule is hectic.