Favorite stores I frequent include the Williams-Sonoma located in San Diego’s beautiful outdoor Fashion Valley Mall. Since last fall, I’ve been enjoying their complimentary technique classes conducted by both Heidi and Deborah (see earlier posts Complimentary Technique Classes and Attempted Steaks au Poivre ) which has introduced and inspired some culinary adventures for me. Earlier this spring, I was happy to learn that my local store was planning a remodel, which included a larger store and an updated more audience friendly kitchen for their technique/cooking classes and product demonstrations . The only downside to this rebirth news was that the store was closing for four long months. The nearest Williams-Sonoma meant traveling another 20 minutes north to the nearest store.
The beautifully remodeled and larger store was worth the wait, as the wait is over! Williams-Sonoma allowed the Teenie Cakes.com Web site to photograph and share images of the new store and an early sneak-peek at the Fall schedule of complimentary technique classes – behind the scenes…
The first Williams-Sonoma store opened in 1956 and offered hard to find and select cookware imported from France. Today, there are over 250 stores nationwide and since 1991, they have published over 250 books/cookbooks.
What I find most mesmerizing when strolling through their stores are the myriad of tools, resources and products for cooks and bakers alike that lend a hand in turning out fantastic results for everyday meals, desserts and entertaining. Besides carrying their own line of unique and inspiring food products, they also carry a line of Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and Ad Hoc mixes and kits.
I have tried and thoroughly enjoyed the beef Demi-Glace (saved dozens of hours of prep time), which assisted me in creating the most impressive Steaks au Poivre!
Have not had the pleasure of trying the spices quite yet.
I think these peppercorns are next on my wish list…both the 5 Pepper blend and Pink ones (already enjoying the Tellicherries)!
This is one of my favorite layouts of the stores. It’s like being in a candy shop without the calories and carbs.
Williams-Sonoma Complimentary Technique Classes
Technique and cooking classes are taught by culinary professionals. The technique classes are compliments of Williams-Sonoma while cooking classes may have a fee. Reservations are recommended, especially as the holiday seasons approach because classes fill up quickly. The technique classes include a tasting of what your instructor is demonstrating (that’s part of the fun!). Fashion Valley’s remodel boasts a more audience friendly kitchen with an overhead mirror to more easily watch techniques and what deliciousness is being created before your eyes. Remember to bring a pen/pencil to take notes. You can jot tips and side notes on the hand-outs they provide you or bring your own notebook to scribble on.
Here’s an early peek at the August and September Fall schedule of technique classes (not posted on their Web site yet). I am likely to attend all the technique classes, but I’m especially looking forward to the Cooking Sous Vide, Lessons in Dairy (making homemade ricotta!), and Risotto classes:
Williams-Sonoma Fall Technique Class Schedule 2010
Cooking Sous Vide / Week of August 8
Discover the secrets to sous vide, one of the hottest culinary trends today. With this classic technique, foods are cooked in a protected vacuum with precise temperature controls, producing tender, succulent foods without overheating or overcooking them. This preserves the ingredients’ nutritional value and true flavor. Popular with chefs around the world, sous vide is easy to do at home. This class will introduce you to the basics, including the essential equipment you’ll need.
The Art of Seasoning / Week of August 15
Enhance your favorite dishes with spices, which add distinctive flavor and enticing fragrance. We’ll teach you the fundamentals of spices, including the best way to maintain their freshness and how to combine them to create new and exciting blends. Take your cooking to a whole new level by learning how to correctly season foods with aromatic spices.
Lessons in Dairy / Week of August 22
This class will cover the basics of dairy—from assembling a cheese plate to preparing homemade butter and transforming it into savory and sweet spreads. You’ll learn how to make fresh ricotta, which is delicious slathered on bruschetta and topped with vine-ripened tomatoes. We’ll also show you how a few simple additions can turn whipped cream into a decadent topping.
Knife Skills & Knife Sharpening / Week of August 29
A sharp edge, the correct grip and proper placement of the food are all essential components of good knife skills, as we’ll demonstrate in this class. You’ll learn how to slice, dice and chop and to make advanced cuts, including chiffonade and juilienne. We’ll also offer complimentary knife sharpening; limit one knife per customer, please.
Risotto / Week of September 12
A specialty of northern Italy, risotto has earned a place as a legendary Italian dish and is now a favorite outside its homeland as well. Risotto can be embellished with savory ingredients, including cheeses, vegetables, meats and seafood, as well with as sweet additions like dried fruit and chocolate. As you’ll discover in this class, risotto will quickly become one of the most versatile and well-loved dishes in your repertoire.
Indoor Grilling / Week of September 19
Even with the arrival of fall, you can still enjoy the succulent flavors of grilled meats and vegetables. This class will focus on the technique of indoor grilling–how to capture those summer favorites in your own kitchen. We’ll show you how to make classic pollo alla mattone (chicken under a brick) and share tips and other recipes that will inspire you throughout the fall season.
Fall Baking / Week of September 26
As the chill of autumn sets in, it’s time to fill your house with the enticing aroma of home-baked goods. In this class you’ll learn to bake tempting cool-weather treats that showcase the best of the autumn harvest, including apples, pears and other seasonal ingredients.
LINKS
- For the latest technique and cooking classes, product demonstrations and book signing events at your local Williams-Sonoma, visit their Store Events section.
- I have also posted the class schedules on the TeenieCakes.com Facebook Page under the “Events” tab.
A special heartfelt thank you and acknowledgment to S.M. of Williams-Sonoma Corporate offices and the lovely personnel at the Fashion Valley location for allowing me to photograph San Diego’s beautiful new store so that I could share it with my friends on Teenie Cakes and for the advance preview schedule of classes running through this August and September 2010!
Photos from this Williams-Sonoma store and the class schedules are also on the Teenie Cakes Facebook Page.
[Click on an image to easily browse image-set.]
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the Williams-Sonoma Company of stores.
Teenie Cakes
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