So much to see and do, but so little time?

Learn to cook, the French way in half a day !

In order to facilitate our busy guests, we've come up with a one-day program which allows you to visit during the day and cook in the evening! Join us in our kitchen at 5.30p.m where together we prepare the evening meal. ( Non-participating guests are, bien sûr, very welcome to join us for dinner.)

           A sample day at the Wilde Kitchen.....

Arrive at La Blonderie (Wilde Kitchen), at 5.30p.m for an afternoon class..(or 10a.m for a morning class)

Following a brief introduction to the day's menu and it's recipés, aprons are donned and the work begins...

         

Together, we prepare simple, traditonal dishes, using domestic appliances, so that you'll confidently reproduce the same in your own kitchen.

 

             

          

During this time, Sinéad shares her vast experience of Normandy with you, in a country where food is like a national sport, and a recipé/tip never far from the subject of conversation!

 

Lunch/dinner with la famille Allart follows after which you'll go away laden with recipes, savoir-faire and lots of stories.....longing (and fully-capable) to share what you've learnt with your family and friends.

 

              

                   

      Friday Programme - le marché

  Read one visitor's account of a typical Friday at the Wilde Kitchen...

Starting our lesson at the market in Les Pieux, we sampled new, interesting foods and met a new, fabulous friend with a passion for 'la cuisine française'. Sinead's joie de vivre fills the day and her kitchen! Everyone who meets her will enjoy a once in a lifetime lesson in food and fun.

Local vendors at the market invited us to taste regional specialities like Teurgoule - a Norman rice pudding, plus hand-crafted breads and cheeses.  Selecting all fresh ingredients to prepare for our evening meal, there was still time for a café in the local bar and a drive along the dramatic coastline of La Manche before the cooking lesson began.

Greeted at the Wilde Kitchen by Sinéad and her family, she was kind to show us their 18th Century working farm, includind the original bakehouse, which makes La Blonderie so unique.

Reviewing the dinner menu, it was time to get to work. Dessert first!  Mousse au Chocolat ...Created with farm fresh eggs and a special flavouring of homemade orange liquor - Quarante Quatre!  Dark and milk chocolate mousse served in verrines.

Olive Tapenade introduced the culinary novice to creating easy hors d'oeuvres with the convenience of the food processor - the first addition to the appliance shopping list for the kitchen at home!

The main course - Poulet Vallée D'Auge, combined all the flavours of Normandy - Calvados,(apple liquer)local apples, mushrooms and walnuts.   Browned in butter and oil, flambéed with Calvados, and simmered in cider, the chicken fell off the bone as it was served with mashed potatoes... A good Irish cook, Sinéad served potatoes, but with a French twist - adding hazelnut oil for a delightful flavour!

Camembert, the favourite cheese of Normandy, was uniquely prepared.  Removing the cheese from the wooden box, Sinéad soaked the box in water, and then replaced the cheese and set the box in the embers of the coals of the fire.  The cheese was softened, warmed and easily dipped with endive and crostini.  Ooh là là!!!

The pleasant evening finished with Mousse au Chocolat and Barry's Tea!  A perfect finish to a wonderful day. New foods, new recipés, new friends and new memories of France!

   Many thanks to Christie for her very kind review!

       *market visit supplement €20

See the 3 day programme :: Back to homepage

HOW MUCH DO THE COURSES COST?
Morning/evening class with lunch/dinner and drinks: €85

Three-day all-in gourmet break: from €475

HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A COURSE?
Maximum: 8 people

Minimum:  2 people

WHAT ABOUT NON-FOODIES?
Non-foodies will also be spoilt for choice as the area has loads to offer (see our links page)

'What a wonderful day!  A fantastic way to explore the French/Normandy kitchen in this special part of the world.  A gastronomic delight and a wonderful sharing of French tastes and cultures...Great atmosphere with warm, open-heartd people.  Loved it!'

David and Mette, Perth, Australia

'It was an outstanding experience and we all enjoyed it tremendously....'

 Martin, U.K