Cookery master classes in the Cotswolds

Throughout 2009, Whatley Manor, the peaceful retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds, will be hosting a mouth-watering series of master classes with Michelin star Head Chef, Martin Burge. Every quarter there will be a limited number of places available for the rare opportunity to join Martin behind the stove for the day to learn some practical skills in a variety of areas using the finest quality ingredients.

The classes are designed to give confidence in all areas of planning and preparing a variety of recipes and offer a unique opportunity to receive tuition within a small group in Whatley Manor’s own kitchen under the tutelage of one of the UK’s top chefs.

From creating sumptuous soups and sauces, tips on creating memorable dinner parties, to inspirational ideas and time saving tips for that all important Christmas feast, Martin Burge's master classes will leave participants ready to impress the most discerning of dinner guests.

The series starts on the 9th February with a winter warming bread and soups class, followed by a sauces class on 27th April, an entertaining at home class on 27th July and finally a festive preparations class on 23rd November.

Bread and Soups – 9th February
This one day course will include preparation techniques for some the most delicious soups served at Whatley Manor including ‘Traditional French Onion’, ‘Jerusalem Artichoke and Carrot’ to the more adventurous ‘Haddock Soup garnished with poached quail eggs and leeks’. The first part of the master class will also focus on preparing simple French breads to accompany these versatile soups.

Sauces – 27th April
This one day master class is designed to give confidence in sauce making and will cover most methods of sauce cookery, including a classic Roux base sauce followed by two more challenging emulsion sauces like hollandaise & beurre blanc. The day continues with more complex sauces like a meat base red wine sauce followed by a universal white wine fish sauce and finishes with a tricky ‘anglaise’!

Entertaining at Home – 27th July
This is the ideal opportunity to gather some great tips in creating the most successful and memorable dinner parties and make the role of host seamless. Time saving techniques will be covered allowing hosts the opportunity to relax with their guests. Recipes will focus on using the best of seasonal ingredients, including how to prepare a starter, fish course, main course and classic dessert.

Festive Preparations – 23rd November
Stuck for ideas for Christmas and in need of some inspiration? Discover enjoyable festive entertaining and pick up some time saving and useful tips along the way ready to prepare for the festive feast and make some edible Christmas gifts.

Each one day cookery master class starts at 9.30am and finishes at approximately 5.30pm. They cost £125 per person per day and include recipes, buffet lunch with wine and refreshments throughout the day. Participants will be provided with an apron and all essential equipment. A special event room rate starts from £185 (in February and April) and from £190 (in July and November) when attending a cookery master class.

A one night stay at Whatley Manor costs from £290 for a standard room including bed and breakfast and 10% discretionary service charge and VAT, plus use of the award winning spa Aquarias.

For further information and to book, log on to Whatleymanor.com.