Are you a food lover looking to shake things up in the kitchen? Dobbernationloves, a local food and travel blog, recently launched a series of cooking classes that promise to be as educational as they are fun—and will help get you out of your recipe funk.
Andrew John Virtue Dobson, Dobbernationloves’ founder and publisher, is your foodie host with the most. He’s been writing about the Toronto food scene for over a decade, and ate his way through over 90 countries by the age of 30. It’s safe to say that culinary tourism is his jam. Dobson has also acted as a judge for the Ontario Culinary Tourism Awards.
Think of each Sunday afternoon cooking class as a cocktail kitchen party—you sip on a tipple while whirling together a meal that will be ready just in time for dinner. Dobson’s rambunctious character will keep the online chatter going, and he’ll be sure to share educational tidbits and the inspiration behind each dish along the way.
Each menu focuses on a specific theme, whether Swiss comfort foods for a chilly March eve, or vegetarian dishes perfect for al fresco entertaining come summer. Dobbernationloves’ Oscars menu is a party people pleaser featuring a Prosecco cocktail and two appetizers: cheesy chorizo jalapeno poppers and burrata crostini with tomato chutney. Host a watching party and serve your fellow film geeks these nibbles just as the stars strut down the red carpet.
The Mother’s Day class promises to be a hoot thanks to a guest appearance by—who else?—Dobson’s quirky mom, Janice. Grab your mom and treat her to a kitchen bonding sesh that will have you scarfing down a feast of caesar salad with ricotta gnocchi doused in a lemon cream sauce.
Classes start at 3 p.m. every Sunday and run for two hours. “My favourite day to cook is on Sundays,” says Dobson. “I grocery shop in the morning, and like to prepare a few dishes in the afternoon so I can enjoy a home cooked meal with friends and family. Leftovers make for easy work lunches and dinners to enjoy throughout the week.”
Attendees are encouraged to cook along during the Dobbernationloves class, but you can also sign up to simply watch and take notes. There’s plenty of time during the class to ask questions and the group taste tests each dish to chat about their favourites. Dobson offers plenty of substitution suggestions or alternatives to those with special dietary requirements.
Scroll through the Dobbernationloves virtual cooking class schedule and book a fun day in the kitchen for you and your foodie friends.
Swiss Comfort Food Class
Sunday March 13, 3-5pm EST
- Negroni Spritz Cocktail
- Alplermagronen Swiss Mac & Cheese with Fried Onions, Bacon, and Apple Sauce
- Lindt Lindor Chocolate Cookies
Oscar Party Finger Foods
Sunday March 27, 3-5pm EST
- Prosecco Gin Cocktail
- Baked Cheesy Chorizo Jalapeño Poppers
- Vegetarian Burrata Crostini with Tomato Chutney
Flavourful Vietnamese Cooking
Sunday April 10, 3-5pm EST
- Dark Rum Mojito Cocktail
- Crispy Lemongrass Vietnamese Tofu
- Bun Cha Vietnamese Rice Noodle Bowl
Vegetarian Summer Entertaining
Sunday April 24, 3-5pm EST
- Cucumber Gin and Tonic
- Guasacaca Venezuelan Guacamole
- Vegetarian Roasted Beet Salad with Grapefruit, Pistachio, and Herbed Cream
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Mother’s Day Italian Inspired Feast
Sunday May 8, 3-5pm EST
- Aperol Gin Cocktail
- Ndunderi Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream
- Creamy Tahini Caesar Salad with Walnuts and Spiced Chickpeas
