4-Part Confidence in the Kitchen

We're delighted to introduce our 4-Part Confidence in the Kitchen Course, taught by Ann Hood, founder of Ann's Smart School of Cookery.

Designed for beginners and anyone looking to build confidence in the kitchen, this friendly and hands-on course will help you develop essential cooking skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Over four weeks, you'll learn key kitchen techniques, knife skills, preparation methods, flavour building, and how to cook a range of delicious dishes from scratch. Each session includes step-by-step demonstrations, plenty of practical cooking, and the opportunity to enjoy the food you've created.

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to cook with ease at home and tackle new recipes with confidence.

Course Menu

Week 1 – Knife Skills & Kitchen Foundations

Knife confidence & safety • Professional chopping techniques • Mise en place • Seasoning & flavour balancing • Pan control & timing • Vegetable preparation & cookery

Dishes:

• Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Jasmine Rice

• Crispy Korean Cauliflower Bao Buns with Quick Pickles

Week 2 – Chicken & Poultry Butchery

Breaking down a whole chicken • Boning & trimming • Portioning poultry • Safe handling techniques • Achieving crispy skin • Roasting & frying methods

Dishes:

• Chicken Ballotine with Parmesan Cream Sauce & Fondant Potatoes

• Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Hot Honey & Homemade Coleslaw

Week 3 – Sauces & Flavour Building

Roux, reductions & classic sauces • Emulsions & deglazing • Achieving the perfect consistency • Seasoning with depth • Building balanced flavours

Dishes:

• Steak Tagliata with Chimichurri & Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

• Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc & Crushed Garlic Potatoes

Week 4 – Desserts & Sweet Skills

Baking fundamentals • Whisking & folding techniques • Custards, creams & desserts • Timing for perfect results • Presentation & finishing touches • Balancing sweetness & texture

Dishes:

• Grand Marnier Soufflé with Vanilla Cream

• Biscoff Cheesecake with Berry Compote

Taught personally by Ann, this course is suitable for all skill levels and makes the perfect start to your cookery journey — or a wonderful gift for someone who loves to cook.

👉 Book your place early — spaces are limited!

Want to buy a gift voucher instead? Click here