The all new funky social networking web site!  

I am delighted to launch our new all singing and dancing, fully e-commerce web site for The Cooking Academy, just in time for the Christmas sales period. 

It’s been a long time in coming, but with so many exciting new additions to The Cooking Academy we’ve finally managed to get it out there.  Our spice range is increasing all the time, and so too are lots of other frequently requested cooking utensils that are used in The cookery school.  If there’s anything there that you can’t find, then drop me an email.

Our ranges of cookery classes has also expanded so take a look and see what other culinary delights could be in store for you and your family in the new year….  with the gift of a cookery class.  The latest addition is the Middle Eastern cookery class - here’s the link for it  http://www.thecookingacademy.co.uk/Middle-Eastern-Cookery-Classes.php

The new site is enabled for direct booking of classes allowing you to check availability on line and book directly and pay.  There is also a facility to send the page you like to a friend to share your activity or invite a friend to join you on a class. 

Cookery Gift Vouchers for Christmas

Don’t leave it to the last minute.  We have some swift solutions for your Christmas gifts this year.  We are now also offering gift vouchers starting from £50 now – so customers can add to the cost of a class or buy from our merchandising store – The Spice Shop.

For further information or for group bookings and christmas parties call us on 0845 0 68 58 48.  

If you would like to comment on our new web site please doo send an email to Kumud@thecookingacademy.co.uk, we welcome any feedback and suggestions to improve on the site.

Easy Dinner party win - recipe from Kumud Gandhi, the Cooking Academy

Griddle scallops in lime & ginger

 These delightful sea jewels are at their best at the moment – worthy of having a go.   Great as a dinner party starter or canapes!  Go On – knock the socks off your friends with this very easy dish…..

Ingredients

 250g Scallops – cleaned   

 Marinade/ dressing

2 tablespoons Olive oil

Grated zest and juice ½ ripe lime

1 tsp fresh ginger grated

1 small hot chilli fresh or flakes

1 tbsp fresh coriander – set a few leaves aside to garnish at the end

Salt to taste at the time of cooking

 Cooking Instructions

 Prepare the marinade by mixing all the ingredients together

1. Add the scallops, mix gently and set aside for 30 minutes
2. Heat the griddle to very hot, season the scallops with a little salt then place on the griddle for 1-2 minutes either side until cooked.
3. Spoon a little dressing on the scallops and serve immediately, makes an excellent starter – food to impress!  Enjoy

 Recipe by Kumud Gandhi – The Cooking Academy

Indian Cookery classes At The Cooking Academy.

Today I was teaching an Indian cookery class here at The Academy in Rickmansworth.  With Amrit off with an injured ankle and Kristen back in New Zealand for the time being,  I’m racking up a number of classes.  Its all good because I have say its reminded me of why I started on the journey 4 years ago; I am glad I have the opportunity to do what I do as a  job, though its so much more than just a job.  To say I love meeting new people is a cliche but I do love meeting new people and making a small contibution to their life journey on the culinary front.  None more so than today with the group of people I had in my class. 

I’ve already had 2 emails from them this evening so far and i love it….  they’ve been shopping, and their putting into practise what they learn’t today, that’s great! 

I’m a happy bunny and I’m glad I do what I do for a living.   I enjoy seeing new faces and I love to see the people come back again and again for classes…  or new recipes  because that means my mission is working !

Kumud Gandhi – Founder of The Cooking Academy  

Red & Gold themed decor - St Johns Wood

Food of Asia serves London Party goers tonight From The Saffron House

Something is in the air tonight, as we are busy catering for a host of parties in London this evening starting with a late Diwali Party catering in Begravia, a Rakshabunden Dinner for the brothers in Kensington and a Labanese Party celebration catering in St John’s Wood.   Whatever the occaasion, it seems that Stylish Asian catering from The Saffron House will be serving the guests tonight. 

What a feast they have in store from Monkfish for starters, Venison for main course and some pretty scrumptious puddings for dessert dinner will be fit for a king.  

If you are looking for very sophisticated but authentic Asian party catering  then you should speak to us here at The Saffron House.  WWW.thesaffronhouse.co.uk

Thai restaurants in Rickmansworth – Thai George

This restaurant has been established for a number of years, and has changed hands about 3 times during that period.  As far as Thai food in the UK  goes Thai George fairs pretty well.  it does because the service is very good, staff are attentive, and your order is taken efficiently.  The food also arrives fairly promptly, which is no bad thing if you’re hungry, however if you’re looking to make a night of it then you’ll need to take control of the pace a little.   As for the food itself, this is a bit of a dilema, it is Thai food but originality and depth of flavour is often lacking, so if your know your Thai food then you’re going to be pretty disappointed, which is the case with a number of Thai restaurant I have found over the years.  The Blue Elephant in Fulham is one of the few Thai restaurants that i think reall does consitently do well for original Thai falvour and creativity of menu items. 

If you really enjoy Thai food then you could do better by learning to cook Thai Food yourself.  For the cost of a couple of meals you could learn how to be totally original in the kitchen and learn to cook a range of Thai food that will definately give Thai George a run for their money.  Learn to cook Original Thai food at the Cooking Academy http://www.thecookingacademy.co.uk/ThaiClasses.html