With a full-size commercial kitchen, and talented chefs in the neighborhood, cooking classes are a natural offering from the DCA. Classes vary with the seasons; recent classes include “All Things Chocolate” and “Making Pasta.”
We are currently featuring a Cooking Essentials series of cooking classes designed to help you cook without the cookbook (see upcoming classes below), instructed by Certified Home Chef Paula Nusslein.
Instructor Paula Nusslein obtained her professional training through various cooking schools on the west coast, including the Culinary Institute of America. After completing one year of professional training and an internship to become a cooking instructor, she then worked as an instructor for “HomeChef,” a San Francisco-based cooking school and kitchen store designed exclusively for the home chef. In a professional cooking school environment, Paula led students in cooking workshops and classes, as well as through a “Cooking Essentials” series, focusing on bringing both culinary techniques and food preparation skills to those cooking at home. Paula, a 14-year Darien resident, now brings her version of Cooking Essentials to us.
Upcoming ‘Cooking Essentials’ cooking classes
Cooking Essentials cooking classes are designed to make your day-to-day cooking and entertaining more gratifying, and help you leave the cookbook on the shelf. During each 2-hour class, Paula will demonstrate basic to advanced cooking techniques, including essential cooking methods and tools. Through tastings, lecture, and group discussion, students will expand their food knowledge, learn about cooking with fresh ingredients, and pick up new tips to make-it-light, make-it-ahead, and make-it-quick substitutions. Students will receive a handout covering all topics from class.
Grilling & Poaching
These low-fat, quick cooking methods produce delicious results. Learn about rubs, marinades, testing for doneness, and presentation for entertaining.
In this class students will learn how to make:
Poached Salmon and Chicken Salad Nicoise, Southwestern Cobb, Jicima Salad, Fish tacos, Broiled Sea Scallops w/ Grand Marnier Cilantro Sauce
(dishes may change based on availability of fresh ingredients)
Tuesday, April 23rd
9:30 – 11:30am
$45 DCA members, $55 public price
Register by noon on April 22nd. Minimum enrollment applies.
Click to register for this Grilling & Poaching workshop.
Braising & Baking
Braising and Baking are great cooking methods for make-it-ahead and one dish meals. Learn to combine a variety of foods and infuse them with flavor.
In this class students will learn how to make:
Vegetable Curry with Shrimp, Lime Saffron Rice and Mango Salsa, Gourmet Chicken Pot Pie + Bonus Recipes
(dishes may change based on availability of fresh ingredients)
Tuesday, April 30th
9:30 – 11:30am
$45 DCA members, $55 public price
Register by noon on April 29th. Minimum enrollment applies.
Click to register for this Braising & Baking workshop.
Preregistration and prepayment is required for all cooking classes. Register through the links below each class; alternatively contact the DCA at 203-655-9050 or info@dariendca.org.