Happy July Kuzak’s Closet readers! Hope you all are truly enjoying your summer as I am. As I mentioned in my June Month In Review (Read HERE), I have been working on incorporating more fun blog features and one of those recent collaborations took place up in the city when Kuzak’s Closet was invited to bake with San Francisco Cooking School. Although my busy schedule doesn’t currently allow me too much time in the kitchen, I do love cooking and baking so it was exciting to visit a culinary school and see if I could cut it in a professional student setting!
It was also a treat to meet fellow bloggers who love food as much as I do, look at this fantastic group!
The San Francisco Cooking School is in a gorgeous space on Van Ness in the city. One of my favorite things was how light and bright the kitchen was, making it perfect for food photography, . Aside from baking we were able to meet with the school’s founder and learn more about what their programs have to offer.
What I found so unique about San Francisco Cooking School was that a large percent of their students are what would be considered on their second profession. Many have had careers in other non-culinary fields but always have had a passion for food. Personally coming from a background where I made a big professional change during the middle of law school into starting what is now Kuzak’s Closet, I found it inspiring to hear that many of these students were in essence following their dreams. Aside from their professional programs for chefs they also have recreational classes for folks like me who want to learn more about cooking and baking. They have a knife skills class that I have my eye on along with many classes taught by Chefs from hot San Francisco eateries.
For our pastry class we were taught by amazing James Beard award winning chef Nicole Plue. It was great to meet her and have her teach us tips and tricks during the two hour class. She was so approachable and candid, it was really neat to spend the afternoon with her.
Our challenge for the day was to make butter. Who knew one of the worlds greatest indulgences would be so simple to make!
Another thing I really enjoyed about San Francisco Cooking school was learning about their approach to how and what is taught. Not only is the curriculum well curated but it is very hands-on where mistakes and questions are encouraged! We were all given a first look at this process during our butter exercise. It was fun to make a simple version that we then learned we could change up a million times.
Once the butter was made we then were given the task of punching out sugar cookies made with 9 different types of butter. We examined the dough and then did a taste test once they came out of the oven. Brown versus clarified. Lard versus shortening. Each had its own taste and texture. My personal favorite were the cookies made with clarified butter. They tasted like heaven!
I was a really fun process and I would highly encourage a visit to explore the San Francisco Culinary School’s programs. Who knows maybe one of my readers and or shoppers might just be an undiscovered culinary talent! If you are looking for some more baking or cooking inspiration check out my updated recipe gallery!
For another recent “in the kitchen” feature, check out my baking class with William’s Sonoma. Also stay tuned to the blog for a summer fashion post, I’ll be featuring what I wore on my trip to the city!
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