Last Wednesday evening Tom and I were delighted to be invited to Demuth’s vegetarian cookery school for an evening learning about and cooking tapas. Rachel Demuth was very kind and invited us down to experience the cookery school for ourselves. We were really interested to find out what the school was all about.
Demuths Cookery School is set in a wonderful traditional Georgian building just off bog island. You get an amazing view of the Abbey as you climb the stairs to the kitchen. We were given a great welcome with amazing tea & coffee where everyone sat down and were introduced to each other.
The evening started in earnest when we were all invited into the kitchen. Our main teacher/cook for the evening Jo Ingleby, has been at the cookery school for 12 years. She has lived in the south of Spain for some years so really knew her stuff. While Jo started cooking the seasonal Paella and Tortilla she explained in fascinating detail about each delicate stage in their creation. When she was about to add Samphire, an ingredient I had never heard of, I quizzed her on it. She let me try some (which was amazing) and explained about this very interesting vegetable.
Watching over. It was now time for the attendees to get cooking! The group was divided into four teams and we were making Empanadillas. Each group worked together to create the little pastries. I had not kneaded pastry for a very long time but Rachel was quickly on hand to adjust my technique. A mini production line was formed to cut out the pastry, add our filling and create our little parcels. Seasoning was provided for each team to adjust the flavour according to their taste.
The food was ready and we all sat down to eat together as a group. This was my favourite part of the evening. It was so nice to sit down with a great glass of organic wine and just chat to the other people in the class. There was a really pleasant atmosphere. The staff were mingling with the group and asking about the food as well as just having a good natter. At the end we were even given little books containing all the recipes that were used during the evening.
I couldn’t recommend the class enough. If you’re a foodie looking to expand your vegetarian/vegan knowledge, a parent looking to for something interesting to do with your child or a different first date. An evening spent at Demuth’s cookery school is perfect for any occasion. Thanks again to Rachel for inviting us down, I will definitely be going back!
