It’s easier than you’d think, says instructor Andrew Young, who teaches several classes weekly—on fine dining as well as quick, everyday meals—for kitchen-goods retailer Sur La Table (10 N. Rio Grande St., 801-456-0280, CookingClasses.SurLaTable.com). “To be able to cook for yourself, rather than just ordering takeout, especially Monday through Friday, is a skill that everyone should have,” Young says.
Taking a cooking class can help accomplish several New Year’s resolutions, including learning a new skill and eating more healthfully and affordably. The three-class series “Anthony Bourdain’s Cooking Basics,” is a kick-starter, with a new series beginning each month. All of Sur La Table’s classes are hands-on, putting students in the action instead of merely watching, Young says. Try “Globally-Inspired Weeknight Dinners” or “Fast and Easy Thai Favorites” (each $69, including copies of recipes and cooking tips), or one of the many “Date Night” options with your significant other. For more challenge, advanced classes are available.
But there are a number of other cooking classes, as well: Viking Cooking School (2233 S. 300 East, 801-464-0113, VikingCookingSchool.com) features the demonstration Essentials Cooking Series (full 12 weeks, $419; single class, $49) as well as the five-class, hands-on Viking University ($599) covering the basics, plus individual classes spanning a broad culinary base (prices vary). Bosch Kitchen Center (8940 S. 700 East, Sandy, 801-562-1212, MyKitchenCenter.com) has more economical, demonstration-based classes that range in price from free to $10.
Any of these options could perk up your palate and bring light to the weekday cooking blight.