You might have noticed that this blog is starting to become a “food blog.” Rest assured…I’m still keeping the “lifestyle” theme but food is an integral part of that. Since the hubby and I enjoy really good (and good-looking) food, we’ve been posting lots of recipes and foodie experiences. If I had the time, I’d probably start a food blog, but given the fact that my green blog is still sitting idle, I figure this site will have to suffice for my favorite recipes and food-related experiences.
Do you ever watch shows like Ace of Cakes and think, “How did they do that?” I could spend hours watching shows about baking, decorating and entertaining. The hubby and I have been wanting to take a culinary arts class together but given the fact that our children are so little, it’s on our “to-do” list.
Earlier this summer, the Montage Beverly Hills debuted Richard Ruskell’s Yes You Can Desserts Pastry Class. Offered monthly, this one hour pastry class is an interactive demonstration introducing students to concepts such as working with buttercream, how to make a great cake, and the secrets of mousse. You may recognize Richard Ruskell from the Food Network where he won the title of “Best Cake Artist in America.” Now he’s teaching LA natives some of his tried and true techniques in a series of intimate (approx. 15 students) pastry classes.
A few weeks ago, I sat in on Ruskell’s Buttercream: Be Not Afraid! class. In just one hour, Ruskell explained and demonstrated exactly how to make and use a variety of types of buttercream. Did you know there are several types of buttercream? I didn’t! While all are made with butter, some include cream, milk, and egg whites. We also had an opportunity to taste each of the varieties made by Ruskell to differentiate the textures and flavors of each one. At the end of the class, we took home copies of each recipe and a small box of treats featuring…buttercream (but of course).
The class was basic but informative and I felt like I could go home and replicate the recipes. More experienced bakers may desire a richer class, but given the fact that this is an introductory class, I felt like it was appropriate in terms of duration, content, and cost ($50/class).
Here are the classes that are coming up this fall:
The Secrets of Mousse – Wednesday, September 28th
Lesson one: It’s mousse. Not moose. Not mouse. Lesson two: It’s chocolate, what more needs to be said? Learn the secrets behind making the perfect mousse at home.
No Tricks, Just Treats – Wednesday, October 26th
Preparing for a Halloween party should be just as much fun as the party itself. Here are some tips for planning for the Scariest Day of your Life! And we’ll all have fun doing it!
Gingerbread House – Wednesday, November 30th
Just in time for the holidays! Learn how to make an authentic gingerbread house from the ground up from the “Best Cake Artist in America.”
For more information, visit the Montage Beverly Hills.
Disclosure: I was invited to experience a pastry class at the Montage Beverly Hills.
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