My Premier Cooking Class

Gnocchi Making 

Recently I pulled out my Grandmother’s recipe for potato gnocchi.  Well, it really isn’t a recipe. It’s just some notes I took quickly years ago while watching her make them.  I can remember how quickly and effortlessly she pulled all the ingredients together.  She was a very petite woman who always wore a smile, even when she didn’t feel like it.  That day in her kitchen she reminded me that the secret to wonderful gnocchi was  “cold hands and a warm heart”!

With this in mind, I went to work in my kitchen.  I also received a lot of interest from family and friends to learn how to make them.

This is how my Premier Cooking Class came to be.

This huge table has certainly seen some wonderful gatherings.  It was designed to be a place where people can come together, relax, converse and eat well.  Over the years, it has certainly seen its share of laughter.

And well, it’s seen a lot of LIFE!

For events of this size, it is so important that I stay organized and on track.  There is almost a full week of preparation that goes into an afternoon like this.  Food shopping, menu planning, equipment inventory, and making the space ready for my guests are just a few things off the top of my head that need to have time allotted for.  I like to set the table a day before so that I don’t feel rushed.  Certainly, because this is an outdoor space, I am always watching the weather trends in my area.  I’m very fortunate that I can usually count on great weather from Spring through late Autumn here in San Diego, making this outdoor space a beautiful place to bring people together.

These photos sum up how happy I am to share my knowledge with those who really are excited to learn!  We made potato gnocchi from scratch on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.   Everyone was able to get their hands into the dough and then learn how to roll and form the gnocchi.

Then it was time to start gathering around My Table.  I had prepared a three course  lunch for the 21 people who attended that afternoon.  I like to have the antipasti waiting for my guests on the table.  It’s one thing to see a beautifully set table, but there is a whole added richness to see wonderful food and wine ready to go.

We all shared stories, we exchanged ideas and we got to know a few new people that afternoon.  I received such positive feedback and even a few requests for the subject of the next Cooking Class!

I had the BEST help that day!  My cousin, Sal, and my son jumped right in and served the Gnocchi with Braised Pork Spareribs in a Tomato Sauce.

Pictures really do speak a thousand words!  I want to send out a big Thank You to Jimmy Ferrari, @ferrarijimmy on Instagram, Valentine Viannay, @vvfabrics on Instagram, and all the other lovelies who were kind enough to share their photos of the day!

I hope you will join me as I create, find inspiration, and pursue my passion for bringing people together for Life Around My Table.