Private Cooking Instructor, Geneva

It's all well and good learning how to prepare tricky dishes that will impress even the most seasoned gourmet, but what about honing the basic techniques that you use every day? Based in Geneva, Switzerland, American expat Louise is an experienced cooking instructor and culinary consultant who has been sharing her passion for uncomplicated yet tasty food with students for over 25 years. She focuses on sourcing the finest fresh ingredients and setting up your kitchen with the best and most useful equipment—a “Kitchen Doctor” of sorts! Her custom arranged lessons stress technique, advance preparation and elegant serving, and will turn boring, repetitive kitchen time into a fun and deliciously productive experience. Louise can instruct individuals or small groups of up to six, and classes are held either in her kitchen, in a client's home, and occasionally in a professional cooking studio for slightly larger groups of up to 15 people. The list of fundamental courses includes Meat and Fish Cookery, Vegetarian, Pastry and Seasonal Menus for Entertaining, and many are given in a series of three sessions (although one-offs can be scheduled if you're short on time). At the end of each class, students get to relax, chat and savor the final product. Once you've mastered Louise's straightforward techniques, you'll be all set to impress friends and family with easy, healthy and enjoyable meals.

Group classes are $150 per person per class; private classes are $200 per class. Louise is occasionally available for courses in London.

Contact her at cookingwithlouise@hotmail.com.