Seasonal local and regional produce is a feature of Tonia's cooking. Numbers at cooking classes are kept small, to provide ample opportunity to be part of the process. All recipes and notes are provided for you to take home as a continuing reference. And...best of all, you will always be able to sample or dine on what has been cooked!
It's often heard – 'The nicest presents are those made by hand and from the heart'. This class will give you a repertoire of easy biscuits, fruit conserves, tapenades and pestos, simple confectionery, sweet and savoury biscuits and the best shortbread. Also, some lovely ideas for wrapping and presentation.
Full day class on Saturday December 6 and Saturday December 13.
This is probably the world's universally favourite food - and we've assembled a broad selection of impressive recipes for you. From hot chocolate, through cakes, sweet treats, to cheesecake and classic desserts.
Please let us know if this class interests you - it is an ideal hands-on group class. Suggest a date and we'll do our best to arrange it.
Food that children will like - and dare I say (but don't tell them) is good for them. All the traditional favourites for the big day.
Please let us know if this class interests you - it is an ideal hands-on group class. Suggest a date and we'll do our best to arrange it.
Where would we be without a barbecue? This class is gender-neutral - so you'll both enjoy a new take on culinary triumphs from the barbecue - from seafood, sausages, chicken and red meat to desserts. We'll also explore a range of delicious salads.
Our special sea-food barbecue is timed for Summer entertainment. Fish, prawns, scallops, fillets and squid will all be on the menu.
Please enquire about dates for January and February for Seafood Barbecue classes.
It's good to know you can produce a fabulous cake when needed. Learn how to make my four favourite cakes – orange and almond cake, up-side down caramelised mango cake, baked lemon cheesecake and my all-time favourite chocolate cake. A quiche is a quick and welcome stand-by for easy lunches and light meals. Quiches with onion and ham, pumpkin with fetta or goats cheese, and tomato and bacon with herbs.
Full day class on November 22 with an emphasis on gluten-free cakes and biscuits.
Learn this ancient process and use the traditional and modern tools to do so – delicious egg pasta, ravioli, vegetarian gnocchi and several classic sauces.
Please let us know if this class interests you - it is an ideal hands-on group class. Suggest a date and we'll do our best to arrange it.
Learn about growing culinary herbs - even in pots outside the kitchen door - and the many ways of using these in many delicious ways. Easy recipes with a special touch - classic European, a touch of Thai and traditional Mediterranea.
Please let us know if this class interests you - it is an ideal hands-on group class. Suggest a date and we'll do our best to arrange it.
A one-off full day class has been scheduled for Thursday 20 November featuring breakfast dishes, and herb cooking and growing.
You'll learn to make home made muesli, prepare fresh fruit and fruit salads, muffins and friands (delicious French breakfast cakes), fruit and vegetable juices, eggs done every which way including omelettes and frittatas. You'll be hosting fabulous brunch parties before you know it.
Please let us know if this class interests you - it is an ideal hands-on group class. Suggest a date and we'll do our best to arrange it.
Contact Melbourne Wine Tours on 1300 946 386 or go to www.winetours.com.au to discuss an individually arranged group tour of Macedon Ranges wineries which includes either lunch or dinner with Tonia at 'Highbank'. They will collect you from Melbourne in their mini-bus and guide you in the discovery of the region, its fascinating history and wondrous locally grown produce. Then on to "Highbank" to learn to cook the food prepared for you. A recipe file is provided for you to take home as a continuing reference.
Produce the best-looking, easily baked and most delicious biscuits ever. Sweet and savoury varieties, just like those in the best cafés. Bake to impress, indulge or simply to give away as a welcome present.
Full day class on Sunday November 23.
Learn to make a variety of canapes, dips, terrines and antipasto, all of which will make entertaining enjoyable and stylishly easy.
Full day class on Saturday 13 December
You'll learn to prepare and cook a roast meat dinner which includes seasonal roast vegetables and accompanying sauces. Add two two traditional favourite desserts – bread and butter pudding and apple crumble, both served with vanilla egg custard and you'll be entertaining beautifully – and confidently!
Full day class on Saturday 25th October.
Inviting the guests, how to plan the menu and learning to pair food and wines, setting the table and arranging flowers, preparing the house, plus a step-by-step guide to the whole process. Plus, impressively easy recipes that can be prepared in advance. Good for those who are busy, or still learning!
Saturday 15th November.
A new class especially scheduled for the school holidays in January. The whole day will be filled with hands-on easy cooking that children will appreciate and learn. Suggest dates that suit your group, and we'll organise it. Weekdays or weekends. The full day includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea and recipes for a continuing reference. Bring containers for sample goodies to brag about! At a special rate of $100 (plus GST) for the child and adult - $50 for each extra child.