A Typical cooking session at the Balmy Kitchen

As people arrive we have a glass of home made juice or a cup of herbal tea, and we discuss the ideas behind the ingredients and recipes chosen for the day.

Sampling and comparison of foods are an important part of learning about the choices that are open to all of us, both in terms of taste, ethical options and cost. For example, we may compare different types of Honey from this country and abroad, including fair trade options or grades of Manuka Honey.

Cooking includes a demonstration of techniques as well as hands on involvement in the process of preparing the meal. There is discussion of the health aspects of the food as well as cultural and personal approaches to cooking.

We use seasonal foods as often as possible, and I have established links with some of our wonderful local food producers and stockists. I cook with the delicious sheep's cheeses produced by Tim Homewood of Manor Lodge, Litton, and Somerset goat's cheese from Nibbles Cheeses in the Guildhall Market - and of course our lovely Bath Soft Cheese from Kelston. We are also lucky in having Castle Farm in Midford, who grow organic vegetables and fruit (which can be bought in Harvest on Walcot Street), and the Farmers' Market in Green Park on Saturdays has a wide range of local foods, including the gorgeous mushrooms from Dorset Down. Each session includes information on ways to use this wealth of local produce.

During the session we taste the foods being prepared as well as sampling healthy snacks. The climax of the session is when we share the three course meal that we have cooked together, with more home made juice, or a glass (or more!) of wine.

Private cookery lessons: Learn to cook in your own home or in the Balmy Kitchen, following a course designed to meet your individual needs. We can cook meals for your family or friends, or we can enjoy exploring your own personal areas of interest.

Cooking with young people: Prepare for university or inspire your friends using  seasonal ingredients in delicious ways.
“Thank you so much for your fabulous teenage cooking course that my daughter and her friend attended. I cannot believe how much they learned in one afternoon. They emerged full of enthusiasm, knowledge and inspiration. I could not be more pleased!” Janette Wallis April 18, 2009

English language support: Overseas visitors to Britain are very welcome to come and enjoy the opportunity to cook seasonal dishes, made with the best local ingredients, in the kitchen of a Georgian house in Bath. As well as teaching people about the joys of cooking, I am a fully qualified English language teacher, so I can provide all the language support you need to cook and eat a wonderful three-course meal.

Team building events: The Balmy Kitchen provides the ideal environment for small businesses to enjoy a team-building event with a difference. Learn how to cook the dishes of your choice, and then sit down together to eat it, with plenty of good wine - so much more fun (and far less painful) than paintballing!