These courses have been created with the emphasis on seasonal ingredients and special holiday menus (scroll down for the full list of choices). Indulge yourself for a weekend with great food, good company and spectacular surroundings. You cook during the day, a mixture of hands on and demonstrations, with lunch and dinner both your creations. In the evening, with a nice glass of wine, guests are invited back into the kitchen to watch the finishing touches being put to a truly gourmet dinner. You dine overlooking the Florence Court mountains. Guests work comfortably in pairs at each cooking station. There are two adjustable cooking stations which are wheelchair friendly. The school’s spectacular setting means you’re never short of things to do, even when you’re not cooking – there’s tennis, croquet, boats for hire, superb fishing, beautiful walks and can be as relaxed or fun-packed as you want it to be! Choose from: Dinner Party Special 2008: May 16, Oct 24 Food for Friends 2008: Mar 28, April 11 & 25, Oct 31 Early Summer Entertaining 2008: May 9 Autumn Entertaining 2008: Oct 10, Oct 17 Game Cooking 2008: Nov 7 Winter Wonders 2008: Nov 21, Dec 5 Autumn Entertaining Summer has disappeared and the evenings are getting shorter. What a perfect season to entertain! Learn how to make delicious bread, simple starters and seasonal main courses that are warm and rich but not as heavy as winter food. Dinner Party Special Learn how to give the ultimate dinner party! We show you how to organise things so the evening appears effortless, including how to dress your table. This course covers a variety of starters (mushroom tartlets with a thyme and mustard sauce)and main courses (wild salmon with basil & tomato butter). Early Summer Entertaining This course is for people who love to entertain but have little time to prepare food at the last minute. Increase your repertoire of recipes and learn clever tricks to prepare food ahead of time. This is casual food at its best with a smart twist. The recipes could include meat, vegetables and desserts. All courses are based on seasonal food. Food for Friends Our tutors will take you through many different recipes that can be used for picnics, family dinner parties. Much of it can be frozen and the recipes sweet and savoury alike, are simple, fun and versatile. The course may feature charred prawns with lemon grass, spatchcock roast chicken with red pepper jam and flourless chocolate cake. Game Cooking There are many tips to make game cookery more enjoyable and easier. On this course we will share with you invaluable secrets such as the fact that birds that have been chilled for several hours will be easier to pluck. Small hints can make a difference, but the real delight will be cooking "Pheasant `a la Georgienne" with Madeira & Walnuts or pan-fried Venison with Burgundy & Pears. This course will also cover suitable non-game starters and puddings to accompany game. Winter Wonders The seasons have changed and there are a huge variety of new season foods. Dishes will be more suited to the cold weather but remain light and tasty. Some game dishes will be included as well as lots of colourful puddings. Learn delicious new ways to serve vegetables as well as cakes and biscuits. 9.30/9.45a.m. Arrive at Belle Isle and settle in to your accommodation. Then head to the cookery school for coffee. 10.00 a.m. After a briefing on the weekend, the practical and demonstration course begins. 1-2p.m. Lunch and glass of wine 2-3p.m. Have a short break before the afternoon course. 3.00 p.m. Cooking demonstration and practical. 6.00 p.m. Freshen up for dinner. 7.30 p.m. Demonstration whilst dinner is in the final stages of preparation. 8.00 p.m. Dinner is served. 10.00 a.m. Practical involving preparations for lunch and dinner that day. 11.30 p.m. Coffee break 1-2 p.m. Enjoy the fruits of your labour, lunch with a glass of wine. 2-3 p.m. Take a break before heading back to the kitchen. 3.00 p.m. This afternoon, there's a demonstration followed by a hands-on cooking session. 8.00 p.m. Dinner is served. 10.00 a.m. This morning there’s a demonstration in the kitchen followed by lunch preparation. 1.30 p.m. Lunch and a glass of wine. After lunch the school shop will be open, where a range of cookery equipment, cookery books and crockery will be available. Also a range of jams, pesto and sauces. Check out is around 3.30 pm