• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Simple Stylings
  • About
  • Home Decor
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Home Decor
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Home Decor
    • Travel
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Food

    The Art of Cooking

    Published: Nov 25, 2015 · Modified: Jan 2, 2016 by Simple Stylings · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    The Art of Cooking

    The art of cooking. That's what cooking is, right?  An artform?

    While I don't always feel this way when I'm trying to get dinner ready on a Tuesday night after homework and before bedtime, I truly believe cooking is a form art. Or at least it feels that way when done with some care and attention.

    sur7

    I knew it was going to be a great day as I walked into the brand new Sur La Table kitchen in Huntersville, NC. I had some of my favorite girls with me, I was taking a break from work and we were cooking up some French favorites for fall.

    The Art of Cooking

    sur8

    sur15

    When we arrived we were greeted by Chef Robyn and her staff and were introduced to everything in the kitchen. The kitchen had every piece of equipment you can image, the best of the best!

    sur17

    From the left is Lane, pastry chef; Jaime, kitchen assistant; Robyn, head chef; and Vera, savory chef. Shame on me but I had to ask what a savory chef. is I guess I really needed this class after all :) You could tell these women are passionate about what they're doing and were so happy be teaching us!

    And since we were at the 10am classcoffee and mimosas were a must!

    sur13

    The Art of Cooking

    We dove right into the first course of the class, the Creamy Mussel Soup with Saffron! I love mussels but even the girls who weren't sure said this soup was to die for! And the gorgeous Le Creuset Dutch oven that we used was not too shabby either! This is definitely one on my wish list.

    Robyn also taught us how to slice and dice the herbs for the broth. Did you know that if there are mussels that didn't open after being cooked then they are no good?

    sur14

    sur21

    The Art of Cooking

    The second dish we created was the Salad Verte with French Vinaigrette. I didn't know this but vinaigrette's are made with one part vinegar to three parts oil. Then you can add any spices or flavoring you like. The key here is whisking the vinegar and other ingredients while you add the oil. I apparently was not the best whisk-er but I got the hang of it! :)

    Beth and Robyn are getting down to business!

    The Art of Cooking

    Next up was the main course, Steak Au Poivre with Flamed Brandy and Mustard Sauce and it was as decadent as it sounds! Seasoning the steak with salt and pepper, searing it in the pan, then finishing it off in the oven is what makes it nice and juicy. Then use the leftover juices in the pan to make your sauce.

    The Art of Cooking

    sur2

    The Art of Cooking

    And finally, the ever elusive Dark Chocolate Soufflé with Vanilla Bean Créme. I never thought I would be able to make a soufflé (and I still may not be able to re-create it at home) but the Sur La Table chef's sure made it seem attainable! We only had to melt the chocolate twice :) When we finally took the soufflés out of the oven we were ecstatic and they tasted even better than they looked!

    sur5

    The Art of Cooking

    The Art of Cooking

    I think the most important thing I realized during our class was that having the right tools is essential! I'm here to tell you, that cooking in a well-equipped kitchen makes such a difference. We learned about proper tools, chopping methods and tips and tricks for each dish we prepared. It's only natural that my Christmas list doubled in size and includes mostly cooking items now!

    Here are my top must-haves for a proper kitchen:

    1. Sharp knives
    2. A good non-stick pan
    3. A meat thermometer
    4. An egg separater 
    5. A rachet mill for pepper (I'm definitely going back for this!)
    6. Garlic peeler
    7. Dutch Oven 

    [show_shopthepost_widget id="1213059"]

     

    Now that our kitchen reno is finished I'm trying to decide what will stay and what will go and I definitely have some new wishes! But I must say the best Christmas present this year is a Sur La Table gift card for a cooking class!

    I bought my my guy one (and gave it to him early) and we are doing the Romantic Seafood Supper date night class on 12/19 if anyone wants to join!!!! It's going to be a blast!

    The Art of Cooking

    I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to spend time with friends and family (hopefully eating lost of Turkey!)

    I'll be back with some Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday deals for you!

    Cheers!

    signature

    {A special thank you to Sur La Table for providing this experience for us and sponsoring this post. All ideas, words and opinions are my own. Thank YOU for supporting the brands that make Simple Stylings possible.}

    More Food

    • Cowboy Caviar: An Easy Healthy Snack for Everyone
    • Mom's Breakfast Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love
    • Kid-Approved Green Smoothie Recipe
    • A Spicy Deviled Egg Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Monica Lavin

      November 29, 2015 at 11:40 pm

      This class sounds like it was so much fun! Thanks for sharing the cooking tips you learned. And it's so true--a well equipped kitchen makes all the difference!

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}

        December 01, 2015 at 9:14 pm

        Thanks Monica! You are very welcome :)

        Reply
    2. [email protected]

      November 25, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      Oh, I love this! Looks like a lot of fun with your gals! :)

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}

        November 27, 2015 at 4:29 pm

        Thanks Aniko! It was a blast!

        Reply
    3. Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling

      November 25, 2015 at 10:02 am

      This looks like such fun! I love cooking and it would be so fun to take classes!

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}

        November 27, 2015 at 4:29 pm

        Thanks Amy! I really was so much fun!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Summer! The creator and voice behind the lifestyle blog, Simple Stylings. My goal is to help you create simple style in your home and life. I am passionate about budget decorating, stylish design, travel and healthy living

    More about me →

    Receive our posts in your inbox Subscribe now!

    Popular Posts

    • Easy Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake
    • Cozy Fall Decorating Ideas + 2 Recipes!
    • Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
    • My Spring Capsule Wardrobe in 20 Pieces

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Press

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Simple Stylings