The best part about being a self-taught chef is that I'm constantly learning new tricks and techniques. Whether it's trial and error, reading other food blogs or actually taking the initiative to sign up for a cooking class...I love learning more about food and how it's prepared.
Recently, I saw a Living Social coupon for half off a class in Russian Hill with Chef Anna Brincat at
Simmer and Sear. She offers a variety of cooking class options, but this one happened to be an Italian cooking class taught in her apartment. (BTW....love her "EAT" sign on the wall).
Along with my friends Devon and Kim, we took a lunchtime class and made wild mushroom and chicken risotto with bruschetta. We were allowed to bring wine, and it was neat because you felt like you were being welcomed into a friend's home. I won't post the recipes or reveal *all* of her secrets, but I will share with you a couple of the helpful hints we picked up during our two-hour class.
And thoroughly toasting the rice before adding any of the warm broth for the risotto. (Oh, and don't over-stir!)