An around-the-world gastronomic adventure encompassing New Orleans, Hollywood, Spain, France, the Grand Salon of RMS Titanic and Pennsylvania Dutch Country is on tap for 2014 at Brandywine Country Cooking School classes at Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast in Southeastern Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley.
Brandywine Country Cooking School is a culinary getaway for those who enjoy exquisite food, elegant accommodations and a convivial atmosphere centered on creating and enjoying memorable menus. Classes are all hands-on, conducted in Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast’s professional kitchen, with the participants actively engaged in the preparation and presentation of the selected menus under the tutelage of professional chefs skilled in the particular cuisine being featured. Classes scheduled for 2014 are:
New Orleans Mardi Gras
Dates: January 17–18
“Laissez les bon temps rouler” at this class that celebrates New Orleans cuisine and the traditions and flavors of Mardi Gras and the Carnival season, which always begins on January 6 (The Twelfth Night) and concludes on Mardi Gras day (Fat Tuesday). Dishes from casual fare for watching the Krewe of Bacchus parade down Canal Street to more elaborate offerings fit for “Rex”–King of Carnival at the “Rex Ball,” Carnival’s glittering conclusion—will be featured.
Hooray for Hollywood—Oscars 2014
Dates: February 7–8
In this culinary Academy Award–winning experience inspired by the 2014 Best Picture nominated films, students will create and partake of movie-themed menus celebrating this year’s Oscars. “Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams” will be enjoyed by all participants in this glitzy and glamorous class, along with entertaining tips and ideas for hosting your own salute to the Oscars.
Last Dinner on the Titanic
Dates: April 11–12
Indulge and return to the gastronomic extravagance of the Edwardian Era through the creation and consumption of the Escoffier-inspired multicourse final dinner served in the First Class Salon on the fateful maiden voyage of RMS Titanic. You will learn and use classic cooking techniques in the preparation of these menus.
Olé Espana—Tapas Time
Dates: June 13–14
Begin the summer season with this class featuring classic Spanish fare with an emphasis on Tapas. The ultimate finger food, Tapas are those delectable small bites that can range from simple items such as Iberian Ham and olives to more elaborate preparations such as Spanish Potato Omelet and Mussels Vinaigrette. Enjoy preparing this menu with traditional Sangria (which you’ll also prepare) to complement the experience.
French Country Cooking
Dates: July 11–12
Celebrate Bastille Day with sumptuous French Country cooking. Using the freshest of ingredients, you will create a traditional French Country menu to be enjoyed “En plein air” (al fresco) including individual pate de campagne to take home after your gourmet experience.
Brandywine Bounty—The Amish Way
Dates: August 15–16
Discover the food bounty that the Brandywine Valley has to offer with an emphasis on Amish-style cooking, which accentuates a natural way of growing, cooking, eating and preserving locally grown food. The class will spend a half day exploring a local farmers’ market to gather ingredients to create a menu that reflects the seasonality and local nature of Amish cooking. The afternoon will be spent cooking what has been found locally and, most importantly, enjoying the fabulous results that evening. The Amish are well known for big meals and multiple courses that are all about generosity and a desire to express affection and regard through the food that is prepared.
Brandywine Country Cooking School classes are limited to 10 participants for the ultimate hands-on culinary experience. Classes are $450 per couple/$300.00 single plus cost of accommodations, tax and gratuity. They include two nights’ luxury accommodations, an opening reception, breakfast each morning, two hands-on cooking sessions with professional chefs, lunch, dinner with paired wine and recipe book, along with a Brandywine Country Cooking School apron and tote.
For reservations, call (610) 459-3000 or visit Hamanassett’s website.
About Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast
Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast is an award-winning bed and breakfast in the Brandywine Valley area of Southeastern Pennsylvania featuring seven elegant accommodations with private en suite baths in the historic manor house; a 2 bedroom, 2½ bath Carriage House; and a 2 bedroom, 1½ bath Cottage on a private seven-acre estate. Known for well-appointed accommodations and exquisite hospitality, Hamanassett is a Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America, Diamond Collection and 5-star Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor property.
- Photography: Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast
