my first cooking class.

earlier this week, rae and i went to my first ever cooking class at CulinAerie in dc. the class was part a birthday gift from rae and a part thank-you gift from my friend john for designing his business cards. rae and i had a fabulous time, but i think i may have enjoyed it more. the highlight of my night was when the chef/instructor complimented me on my skills...apparently i really know how to make garlic into a paste and how to cut fennel razor thin. according to the class description, the evening promised to teach us how to "dazzle our guests with a sophisticated summer menu, all of which could be prepared in advance, allowing us and our kitchen to stay cool." the menu was simple and light, kept us cool and definitely dazzled us gals. here's what we made:

appetizer 1: manchego cheese and marcona almonds with garlic, spices and fresh herbs
appetizer 2: gazpacho andaluz with spicy cucumber sorbet
entree: salad of smoked trout, fennel, and new potatoes with creme fraiche, lemon and tarragon
dessert: savarin (brioche soaked in kirschwasser with fresh fruit and creme chantilly)

rae and i plan to make this meal for the rest of our roommates, so stay tuned for the recipes (we will probably tweak them a little bit). for now, just look at the pictures i took and drool. (i took the pictures with my phone, so they might be a little blurry)