Enticing Meals Made Easy at Phoenix Cooking Schools

In the current economic climate saving money is on everyone’s mind.

For many, eating out has become a luxury that many families need to curtail and instead spend more time at home around the dinner table.  But, that doesn’t mean your meals have to be boring.  On the contrary, cooking schools throughout the Valley are serving up some great classes to meet everyone’s budget and tastes and can make even an average chef become an experienced cook.

With the recent buzz over the movie “Julie and Julia,” about chef Julia Child, a new interest in mastering home-cooked meals has become popular.  Here are a few local schools that offer a variety of cooking classes for any inspiring chef.

Sweet Basil Gourmet
With teachers from the Boulder’s, Copper Wynd Resort, Hyatt Gainey Ranch, Sweet Basil Gourmet dishes out experts who will teach you how to make a meatloaf your family will love.  Well, actually they might be a bit more creative than that considering their class schedule includes topics like Pastry 101, French & Fabulous and Sensational Southwest.  They also offer a lunch and learn class for one hour from 12-1pm for $25 per person and a couples class where you and your mate can learn to make a gourmet meal complete with a wine tasting and dessert.

Check out their November schedule and get cookin’!

Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School
10749 North Scottsdale Road #101, Scottsdale
Northeast Corner of Scottsdale & Shea
Tel: 480-596-5628

AndyFood, a culinary studio
Andy Broder, owner of AndyFood started out as an attorney in Phoenix who always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen.  He graduated from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has become a celebrated speaker and columnist for various publications in Los Angeles and Phoenix.

AndyFood provides advanced techniques for the experienced cook and basic courses for someone new to the kitchen.  Menus come in a variety of ethnic, seasonal and holiday themes.

Consider his three-part Thanksgiving classes or the many other options he offers during the holidays.  Classes average around $65 per person.

AndyFood
7000 East Shea Blvd., Suite 1740, Scottsdale
480-951-2400

Simply Impressive Cooking School
A home-based cooking school in Mesa, Simply Impressive Cooking offers hands-on cooking and baking classes for adults and children.  Typically, no more than six people per class, students participate in making every recipe.  Simply Impressive teaches you how to plan and make great meals while spending little time or money.

Get a jump on the holidays and check out their holiday cooking classes.

Simply Impressive Cooking School
3345 E Downing St., Mesa
480-654-1981

Photo Courtesy of flickr