“…people would riot….”

June 24, 2014   as seen in The Herald Sun & news.com.au

Where to whip up your kitchen skills in Melbourne…here are our picks for some of Melbourne’s best courses to do this winter.

“Winter cooking is different to other seasons,” says Rob Large from the CAE. And he would know. As CAE course product developer, he’s in charge of putting together the popular range of Winter Warmer courses at the college. “We’ve got 10 new courses this coming season…trends come and go, but there’s a couple of our classes we can never take off,” Rob says. “Spanish tapas has been on for about four or five years, and if we would ever take our Essential Dumpling course off, people would riot.”

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/where-to-whip-up-your-kitchen-skills-in-melbourne/story-fneuz8wn-1226964184373

Trupp Cooking School: Private Dumpling Class 2013

Trupp Cooking School Dumpling class 20130629

 “I had a fantastic afternoon. The dumplings were delicious, the surroundings delightful and the company warm and stimulating.”

“On a cold winter’s evening, dumplings shared with friends, handmade by ourselves, made a  delicious meal which we will remember for a  long time.”

“You were very calm and patient with everyone, explaining ingredients and procedure so well. Every little dumpling, no matter what the shape was delicious. Practice makes perfect. “

Saturday, 29/6/2013: an enjoyable day was had by the knife-wielding, apron-clad women who chopped, pleated, filled and ate many dumplings.   Doreen, Anne, Liz, Sue, Linda, Treena, Jacinta, Margot, Megan, and Bronwen (my unofficial helper) all became expert dumpling makers.  Best apron award goes to Doreen.

Thanks to Walter and Dorota for generously hosting my charity dumpling class at their sumptuous Trupp Cooking School, a warm and inviting place,  to my pal extraordinaire Deb who helped before, during and after the class with editing my notes, shopping, chopping, driving and washing (lots of it) and to my husband Peter for taking many great photos.

This class was made possible by S.Edleston and friends, who organised the donation to the annual Ron Evans Golf Day and Doreen’s partner who was the successful bidder at the Silent Auction. Funds raised by this class were  donated to Monash Institute of Medical Research.

Feedback: “…nice way to spend a Sunday morning.”

I had a GREAT time with the Essential Dumplings class at the CAE.   There were 15 very enthusiastic people – men and women from their 20s to 60s.   It was hectic, a little chaotic but energetic.   While I sliced the roast duck,  students introduced themselves and talked about their favorite dumpling restaurants: Hutong Dumpling Bar, Dumpling King, Mahjong were just a few of the names that came up.

Some of the students made very good suggestions – list a few vegetarian recipes as well as other fillings, plus the Asian cole slaw that I mentioned.  I’ve now posted that recipe.

Dumplings, like many other Asian dishes, require alot and I mean alot of chopping.  That is why dumpling making is a group activity.  Throw a dumpling party! Tell your friends to bring their own knife, board and apron and then chop, wrap and eat together.  Cooking and eating together is priceless.