KITCHEN 101: LIFESTYLE AND COOKING CLASSES BY BABYCAKES

Culinary classes are a fun way to immerse yourself into the rudiments of cooking and baking. It’s a valuable investment not only for those who are kitchen-challenged but also for food enthusiasts and the learned ones. Whether you’re in a beginners’ class or cooking with the pros, each course can still work to your advantage because you get to practice new techniques and modify recipes to your own taste.

 

Babycakes, a long-running quaint patisserie managed by fellow moms Kay and Maite Gempesaw, just opened its doors to wannabe cooks and interested individuals who wish to enhance their skills in the kitchen and taste new flavors.

 

“Compared to culinary schools, ours is more like of an intimate class,” explains Maite. “The syllabus in schools is more advanced and immensely technical. Kitchen 101, as we call our classroom and workshop series, is home-oriented. We don’t delve deep into the science and theory of cooking nor do we give practical exams to our students. Our short courses feature recipes which homemakers, or anyone in particular, can do in their own kitchen --- no fuss, no frills." 

 

Kay, as Maite would put it, picked up Martha Stewart’s finesse in crafting ideas into edible goods and space and styling solutions. “She is not only my partner in the kitchen, she is also the creative genius behind our branding and packaging,” Maite beams. “She has given our brand an identity of its own with shabby-chic solutions and upcycled materials. With her ingenuity, we’ve incorporated tutorials on crafting and lifestyle concepts into our weekly sessions.” 

New themes and recipes are introduced every week and each course is reasonably priced, ranging from Php550 to Php1,500.00 net per person, inclusive of materials and ingredients. The best part of the class is the sit down meal where everyone gets to eat and bring home the dishes they made.  

Kitchen 101 kicked off its weekend classes with a 5-hour session on edible gifts from savory to decadent treats. Kay shares, “These are delicacies which you can share as gifts to family and friends. The fact that you made them yourself adds a personal touch to the gift --- making it more meaningful and special. Some may also think of selling these as edible goods have so much revenue potential during the holiday season.” Attended by 6 students, majority of which are moms, the class tried a couple treasured recipes such as (soft and chewy) Fudge Brownie, Spicy Gourmet Tuyo, Smoked Fish Pâté, Garlic Herb Butter, Red Pepper Butter, Orange Honey Butter and an adaptation of the popular ‘Custaroons’ (a delightful medley of two indulgences – the custard cake and macaroon). 

Right before the session ended, Kay shared some tips on wrapping and packaging, particularly for those goods which could be sold in the market.  

 

Other classes lined up this month are the following:

·         Nov. 15 – All About Pies (Bannofee Pie, Apple Pie, Coconut Custard Pie, Mud Pie)

·         Nov. 22 – Classic Noche Buena Favorites (Baked Christmas Ham, Russian Potato Salad, Embotido, Cathedral Window)

·         Nov. 27 – Decorating Baked Goods (Gingerbread House, Cookie Ornaments, etc); Open to kids 5 to 12 years old.

Each class is limited to only 8 participants. For reservations and inquiries, follow Kitchen 101 on Facebook and Instagram, or contact 0925-700-2860 or 0923-542-5299. Visit the shop located at Door 7, Values School Building, Marfori Heights, Davao City.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A4, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue no. 172, 12 November 2014.