The UK's First Independent Online Cookery School Directory: lookingtocook.co.uk

The website currently lists in excess of 150 cookery schools that are easily searchable by region, course type and cost. For example, learn how to make artisan bread in a clay oven in a Birmingham back garden or Michelin-starred dishes at the home of celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

New reviews and more in-depth profiles of schools are added daily and are also searchable by use of an interactive map. There is a news section featuring the latest openings and cookery events, useful seasonal round-ups and a blog with expert cookery tips, competitions, discounts and videos.

Looking to Cook has been developed by Nick Wyke, who works as a freelance food writer and digital food and drink editor at The Times. "The nation's love for all things culinary continues to grow and people are keen to get hands-on experience and learn new techniques," says Nick.

"There are hundreds of exciting courses out there and Looking to Cook is the quickest way to find what you're looking for." He adds: "Our team of experts has been visiting cookery schools for many years, and knows the right ingredients for a great experience."

Looking to Cook also offers a range of social media and web content services for cookery schools and food businesses.

For more information: Email: info@lookingtocook.co.uk ; Tel: 0207 228 7991 or 0794 111 5857 ; Twitter: @lookingtocook or follow them on Facebook

The Marilyn Factor Boosts Demand For Cakes, Puds And Dessert Course

Lake District cookery school, LucyCooks, is receiving support for its ‘Keep Cumbria Curvy’ campaign from an unexpected source – film viewers who have been to see the movie ‘My Week With Marilyn’.

The sight of the representation of Ms Monroe with real shapely curves and oozing sex appeal, despite being a reported size 14/16, is proving to women nationwide that it is not a sin to have a silhouette. Freed from the guilt that society has placed on food indulgence, women are booking themselves on to cookery courses as decadent as Classic Cakes and Bakes, Thrilling Three Courses and Canapés and Bubbles.

Top-selling courses at the Staveley-based cookery school near Kendal in the last two weeks have been Desserts – Queen of Puddings (April 20), Macaroon and Cupcake afternoon (January28) and the multi-generation desserts-focused Family Fun Day running on February 19.

LucyCooks front of house manager, Anna Morton, says: “Retro is the trend that’s dominating style, dining and fashion and it would seem that we are thankfully getting back to a time in which having a full and fabulous figure is something to celebrate, rather than hide away.

“Our message to male and female cooks is that you can indulge yourself with your favourite dishes, delve into delicious desserts and comfort yourself with cake, if you balance this out with some exercise to burn off the calories. It would seem that this view is definitely getting more backing thanks to the resurgence of the Marilyn factor”.

Food lovers wanting to free themselves from their food taboos can find a huge range of courses at www.lucycooks.co.uk that will give them a fabulous culinary repertoire and reward their bravery in standing up for the curvaceous Cumbrian. More information can also be obtained from 01539 822507.

Gourmet Explorer 6-day October cookery course in Carcassonne - special offer price!

Due to some last-minute cancellations on the French House Party Carcassonne's flagship cookery course, the Gourmet Explorer has spaces available at the unbelievable price of £950 - usual cost £1400, for single travellers.

The all-inclusive course includes cookery tuition from not one, but two master-chefs who run their own multi-star restaurants in the Carcassonne region of France.

Transfers from Toulouse or Carcassonne airports are also included, plus two meals out at restaurants and various other outings.

French House Party is recommended in the book "100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life".

See website for more information: www.frenchhouseparty.eu

A Titantic Menu

With 2012 being the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, a cookery course based around some of the ship’s incredible menus is proving to be a huge draw.

Dordogne-based cookery school, CookInFrance, developed the Titanic idea as part of its Last Suppers themed courses.

Brainchild of British chef and CookInFrance owner, Jim Fisher, the Titanic courses are almost completely booked until the end of the year.Although creating a ten-course banquet might seem a little daunting for some, the course is suitable for everyone whatever their level of experience.

As with all of CookInFrance courses, a range of techniques will be incorporated including knife skills and bread making.

The Titanic Courses begin in Autumn 2011 and more information on this and Jim’s other courses can be found on www.cookinfrance.com

Cost are €130 EUR for a day’s course (per day for 1 or 2 days excludes accommodation) and €795.00 EUR for the full, all-inclusive five nights.

“Last Suppers” cookery course

A cookery school in France is launching a course based around some of the most famous Last Suppers throughout history. The course is the brainchild of British chef, Jim Fisher, a former BBC Masterchef finalist who has since worked with Rick Stein, Tony Tobin and Alistair Little.

Now running his own school in the Dordogne, Jim will be offering people a choice of Famous Last Suppers including:

- The Titanic’s Final Banquet
- Pompeii’s Last Meal Moments
- The Last Supper
- Elvis Presley’s Fried Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich
- King Edward V111 & Wallis Simpson’s Abdication Dinner
- French gourmand, Julia Child’s, last wish menu
- Will & Kate’s Royal Wedding canapes

With the rise in popularity of dinner parties, people are looking for something original to serve to their guests. Famous Last Suppers offers a truly unique experience to impress friends and also provides a great opening gambit for dinner-party conversation. Jim Fisher takes up the story:

“We’ve had great success with our courses as everyone loves to learn ‘cheffy’ techniques that they can recreate at home. People also enjoy finding out about the science of cookery – why do eggs curdle and what can you do when this happens to salvage, for example, mayonnaise?

“Our Famous Last Suppers Course offers something for everyone, whatever level of ability and experience. There’s the challenging Titanic menu which is a five-day course in itself. Then there’s a simple, Elvis Presley-style snack which, together with a couple of other celebrity favourites, can be learnt in a day.

“Whilst not quite a last supper, we’ve added the Royal Wedding canapé menu as everyone would love to be able to share a taste of the event of the decade with their friends.

“As with all of our courses, a range of techniques will be incorporated including knife skills and bread making. We’ve already had lots of interest in our Famous Last Supper courses and, if they prove a success, we’ll look at a host of other, themed courses”.

The Famous Last Suppers Courses will begin in Autumn 2011 and more information on this and Jim’s other courses can be found on www.cookinfrance.com.

Cost for the courses are €220.00 EUR for a day course (per day for 1 or 2 days excludes accommodation) and €995.00 EUR for the full, all-inclusive five nights.