“I am fortunate to have participated in two of Isabelle’s French cooking classes in November and December 2005. The classes are a lot of fun, very casual, and we learn a little about French culture along with our cooking instruction. In each class, we assist Isabelle in preparing a full meal, including fresh vegetables and dessert. She teaches us the techniques to use and she makes everything seem so easy. At the end of the morning, Isabelle plates each meal beautifully and we get to enjoy what we have helped to prepare.

Isabelle is a master of sauces and she unlocks some of their mysteries for us during these sessions. In our first class, we learned to make a spinach sauce and a red pepper sauce, both of which were served over salmon. We also prepared a very delicious veloute de carottes and, of course, chocolate cake for dessert! In December, we exercised our wrists and learned to make mayonnaise (French mayonnaise is different, and much more flavorful, than Best Foods!), aioli, and mousseline, which were served with fresh asparagus. She also prepared filet mignon served over portobello mushrooms with a sauce of pan juices and heavy cream.

I know several of us have already prepared some of these dishes for our friends and family. The classes are conducted in English, so if you are a beginner, you should not feel intimidated about joining in. They’re lots of fun and I’d recommend them to anyone who loves to cook!” L. Terpin