2010 COOKING HOLIDAYS

    WHAT THE COURSES ARE ABOUT...
     
    These courses are not about toiling over masterpieces that take hours to prepare. And they have nothing to do with competing - though showing-off a little is permitted! Yet it is not about 'doing 5 imaginative things with a tin of Spam' either.
     
    What they are about is acquiring sufficient skills and confidence to cook intuitively and for aesthetic pleasure (both in the cooking and the eating!) In short, it's about cooking for fun. A way of simplified cooking but with plenty of vigour and dash - like 'playing' with fabulous ingredients in a creative way...

    In a small Languedoc village we teach you how to create an unlimited range of vibrant and original recipes simply by matching flavours that complement each other. Once you have mastered the idea, recipes can be adapted and re-invented according to the changing ingredients of every new season - ultimately leading to the point where no recipes are needed. Which means that instead of shopping with a pre-written list (and finding some items are unavailable or not up to scratch) you simply buy what is fresh and at its best, and create your own unique dish at home.
     
    Having said that, cookbooks will always remain a fabulous source of inspiration and you will return home with all the information, checklists and recipes you will need to create this new personal cuisine.

    All courses include accommodation at La Souqueto, (also see rooms), all transport, cookery sessions, tutored wine tastings and of course plenty of communal eating both at home and in nearby restaurants.   Excursions include visits to local markets, vineyards and artisan food producers (such as a traditional olive press, an award-winning goatscheese farm, a beekeeper, an artisan baker, a fleur de sel producer or an oysterfarm. (You may state your preference upon booking).
     
    Courses are limited to 8 participants.

    Week courses (7 full days)

    Weekend courses (3 full days)

    • EASY SUMMER                  may 21-24 - fabulous food for lazy days in good company
       
    • SUMMER DAYS                  may 28-31 - the best of summer produce: think wild rocket, asparagus, baby artichokes, tiny broadbeans, fragrant cherries and berries, peaches and melons...

    • SUMMER JOY                     june 25-28 - the ultimate summer course - perfect food for perfect weather!
       
    • ENTERTAINING and WINE  september 10-13 - relaxed food that is smart enough for guests, taking part in the grape-harvest and a wine-appreciation course...
       
    • FAB FOOD ON A BUDGET  september 24-27 - great dishes on a shoestring (and nobody will ever know...)
       
    • DAILY SUPPER                  october 1-4 - put some new dash into your daily supper - more fun than any convenience food...
       
    • CUPBOARD LOVE              october 8-11 - always having something 'up one's sleeve' means being ready for the unexpected - super standby dishes from the larder

    • MAN IN THE KITCHEN      october 15-18 - for men who want to become pleasure-giving cooks (without exhausting themselves too much!)
       
    • WINTER COMFORTS         november 26-29 - warming comfort food for colder days

    For a quick glance at 2011 schedules click on 2011


    Private weekend courses for small groups can also be organised (great idea for hen parties). Please email to the address below.
     
    Remember that on these courses we will be serendipitous of mind - as the French have been for centuries. We will forage the markets (and countryside) for the best produce of the season and turn it into fabulous modern food that is good to eat and great to look at.
     
    The food demonstrated is quick and eclectic enough to appeal to those with young, busy lifestyles. But it is also pretty and delicious enough to be served at smarter occasions. You'll go home armed with all the information and recipes you'll need to recreate the ideas.
     

     
    For more information please contact info@petracarter.com or ring 00 33 468 407718
     

     

     

     

     
    Check out Creme de Languedoc Activity Holidays for other activity holidays in the Languedoc...