Learn how to host a dinner party at Betty's Cooking School

As you walk past a small cafe and gift shop, you'll find yourself in front of a state-of-the-art professional chef's kitchen.

Although it can be intimidating, Betty's manages to create a cozy, homely atmosphere by being Betty's. Of course, this is helped by your hosts, Izzy and Sharon, who have freshly made pain au chocolat and steaming coffee in front of you as you settle into the culinary school's cafe area.

Expect a warm welcome from the amazing team at Bettys Cookery School. (Image: Betty's) Accepting beginners and aspiring chefs for more than 20 years, Betty's Culinary School opened in 2001 under founder Leslie Wilde, whose sole purpose was to encourage people to learn how to cook. With everything else in place for success, Leslie knew that hiring the right instructor to teach the course would be a key element.

Jenny Culver has been one of those tutors from the beginning. A perfect blend of professionalism and patience, her expertise and personable personality combine to make cooking seem fun and easy, even if (like me) you have no idea what you're doing. Let me. !

Gathering us around the central demo counter, Jenny explained how the day would work and began talking about the course as a whole. Dinner to Delight is designed to make you a star host, and at the end of the day you'll have the perfect three-course dinner for two ready to serve right at home. That night, my mom received an invitation to an impromptu dinner party, so get in line!

Jenny explains that the key to a successful dinner party is to have everything ready so you can take the stress out of the day and spend the night with your guests instead of spending the whole night lazing around in the kitchen. is. That's why this course guides you through all the time-consuming prep work so you can focus on what's important, like pre-dinner drinks.

Our objective for the day was to create a menu consisting of fried hake, orange beurre noisette, celeriac remoulade, fresh apples, and pickled fennel. Main course of marinated duck with yeast cauliflower puree, sour cherry, walnut granola and port reduction. A spicy ginger cake dessert served with charred pineapple and rum butterscotch sauce. Easy, right?

Learn some great tips and tricks. (Image: Betty's) Under Jenny's expert guidance and guidance, that was indeed the case. Breaking into bite-sized chunks (pardon the pun), we gathered around the center console, where Jenny took the time to explain what we were doing in an easy-to-understand way. They gave demonstrations, answered questions, and provided great stuff. Hint. We then set out eager to recreate what we had just been shown.

Grating an orange into butter, sharpening a knife and scoring a duck breast, flambéing a pineapple with rum (Harrogate Tipple, of course), following Jenny's instructions, the written word is in a pinch. We recommend saving it for later use. Putting everything together at home. She's always checking in on you without taking over, offering helpful suggestions and intervening when you're about to start a fire.

Each workstation has a course book with detailed instructions for each recipe, a Betty's apron to wear and take home (I'm still giddy), all the equipment you'll need, and even your own oven . / hob. What amazes me is that after each step, I go back to my station to find all the materials and tools I need for the next task, and then just sit there and wait. I wish it was like that at home too!

Jenny walks you through each recipe in easy to follow steps. (Image: Betty's)

Of course, being around delicious smells and tastes (no one will judge you if you lick a spoon of cake mix) may cause your tummy to start growling. Luckily, a two-course lunch with wine is served in true Betty's fashion and sets you up for the rest of the afternoon.

It's amazing how much you get done throughout the day, and at the end of the day you can pack up everything you had prepared to take home and finish it at home. Most of the ingredients can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, so there's no need to cook right away.

And what about the home results? Well, it's no exaggeration to say that I spend more time sitting and drinking wine wearing Betty's Apron than I do cooking in the kitchen wearing Betty's Apron. It's exactly what a dinner party should be.

Dinner to Delight costs £225 per person and can be booked at bettys.co.uk.

Final result. (Image: Betty's)

Betty's Cooking School courses you can book next year:

winter macarons

Make 12 macarons filled with two unique flavors.

White macarons studded with Betis Espresso coffee and filled with rich espresso and dark chocolate ganache.

Colorful macarons filled with cassis and crème de cassis pâte de fruit.

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (10am – 4:30pm) – Available

Thursday, March 13, 2025 (10am – 4:30pm) – Available

chocolate art

Learn the traditional skills used by Betty's chocolatiers and create your own stunning hand-finished chocolates.

Friday, February 7, 2025 (10:00 AM – 4:30 PM) – Available

Saturday, March 29, 2025 (10am – 4:30pm) – Available

best of bettys

Learn the secrets behind Betty's best-loved and best-known treats.

Thursday, June 12, 2025 (10am – 4:30pm) – Available

Friday, July 25, 2025 (10:00 AM – 4:30 PM) – Available

Thursday, August 14, 2025 (10am – 4:30pm) – Available

beautiful bread

In this hands-on course, you'll make three mouth-watering breads that are perfect for special occasions or to share with guests.

Saturday, February 22, 2025 (10am – 4:30pm) – Available

Friday, March 21, 2025 (10:00 AM – 4:30 PM) – Available