Susie and Don did it again: gathered a delightful group of their own friends and “unknowns” for cooking up Umbrian goodness in their Laguna Hills kitchen. Many times, people write me about wishing to join a class, though unable to host one. Susie and Don welcomed these requests into their group of friends and the bonding – while slicing and dicing, whipping and mixing – was soon underway.
Links form while slicing and dicing
A group reunion before the class to go over recipes
New friendships are formed in Susie and Don’s kitchen
Susie G meets Wende while cooking
All around the island to cook up Umbriian goodness
For some – like Steve and Dave, Jackie and Gavin – this was a “second-time-around” as they’d cooked with me before.
Jackie, son Gavin and his Helen
Steve (2nd cooking class with me) handles the pasta
Steve and Gavin at their 2nd cooking class – first time for Helen
Steve joins in for a second class; 1st time for Sue P.
For others – like Judy and Phyllis, Wende and Kevin, Helen, Mark and Maria Elena – this was our first “culinary connection.”
Helen, Judy and Phyllis link up while cooking
Kevin joins in the macedonia-making group
Phyllis was looking for a class to join- and here she is!
Wende takes over the leek dicing
Brian, Wende, Steve meet over the good flavors of Umbria
Mark, Maria Elena and Steve connect over the pasta
Umbrian flavors formed other links: Susie G. and I had last seen each other nearly fifty years ago at our Milwaukee high school graduation! Sue P and I renewed the ties formed when I was her tour guide in Umbria a few years ago.
Cooking together – what a way to reunite with an old high school friend!
Cooking with Caskeys is always a reunion
Dave, Brian, his cousin Sue B and Steve link through Umbrian flavors
Wende, host Susie and my old friend, Susie united in the kitchen
And what better way to renew past links, form new ones than while cooking up the goodness – and then feasting?
Susie and Don, never thought our cooking class last year in your home could be beat. Well…………
Mille grazie!
…and Susie and Don’s guests are the best ones to tell you about this joyful evening:
“Fabulous evening, fantastic food, wonderful teaching. Everyone had an absolute ball!” Susie G.
“…I’m a two-fer. Love these events and so wish I could do one every year. This one is so completely different from my first yet so comfortingly the same. I feel like I’ve come home!. What a treat.” Gavin
“Another great evening. Good food and great company. An your great direction of the event….” Jackie
“Thank you, Anne. This was my second year…both fun and informative. So much fun – it has now been my favorite annual event. Thank you Susie, Don and Anne!“ Dave
“Thank you so much. I am honored to be here. Can’t wait for next year.” Brian
“Thank you for sharing your Umbrian cooking skills and your wisdom – and making a wonderful evening.” Judy
“The food is amazing and the people here are out of this world – terrific!. Thanks to Don and Susie for another wonderful evening of fun and new friends.” Steve
“From Assisi and Spello to Laguna Hills: what a treat to share these Italian experiences with you. You are a joy.. I look forward to more good times ahead.” Sue P.
“Anne really IS olive oil! OMG, I have never seen so much used and thank God it disappeared! Very nice evening – great food….Very nice facilitation..but with her life experience, education, travel….well, of course.. Go, Anne, Go!” Mark
“What a treat to a part of this experience! So glad to meet and cook with you… a fun and interesting group of people.. Look forward to seeing you in Umbria!” Phyllis
“Anne, you are a joy! Thank you for everything you do. It is a blessing to anyone who has met you.” Kevin and Wende
“Anne, you rock! What a fantastic dinner party with Susie and Don. I completely enjoyed every course. Thank you so much.“ Maria Elena
“Love you! Thank you for a wonderful evening in Laguna Hills!” Susie (host)
“What a wonderful experience. Enjoying it all…” Helen
Sue P and Steve link up while slicing and dicing
A united group gathers to enjoy the goodness cooked up
Click here to read about the 2014 cooking class with Susie and Don
What a fun night with friends. Anne did a wonderful job and I hoe to see her again soon.
When you are in the South OC area again and should you have any cooking/dining events, I would love to participate. Please let me know. I live in Laguna Niguel.
Also, I will be in Umbria and Le Marche in September and October this year. I will be at a 4-week intensive course in Camerino and then traveling around Le Marche, Umbria, Tuscany for a few weeks. I will check out your website for recommendations….would love to know of any cooking classes that might be available in October there. Thank you. Diane
Diane..sorry…very sorry…just noted this on blog…and would have been most happy to cook with you here! How was your trip? If you need to get in touch join the future, email always best
Thanks!
Annie