Pizza and Champagne, Anyone?

December 5, 2011

Wow-what a weekend-snow, snow, and more snow! It was not an epic snowfall, but all the same we will take the 9 inches and run- I mean ski!

I signed my 1st grader up for a cooking class at The Peaks Resort in Mountain Village. A few weeks ago a poster caught my eye and it was advertising a cooking class at The Peaks for 1st through 3rd graders. I thought, “Why not?” I have seen many cooking classes offered throughout town, but not for that age range. We packed ourselves up and headed to the Gondola for our first ride of the season which is always fun. My 3rd grader came along as well, as the designated photographer. He assured me ahead of time that there was nothing that they would be cooking that he would like, and he was not going to participate.

Arriving at the Peaks is always a pleasant surprise. The Peaks is beautifully decked out for the holidays, and I always forget how amazing the views are. Chef Lynn and Nicolas Francois, the Food and Beverage Manager were on hand to greet the incoming kids and their parents. We were offered wonderful Champagne and other beverages, and told to relax as the kids sat down with Chef Lynn and Nicolas. The kids were informed that pizza and peanut butter mousse was in their immediate future. Of course, my third grader who had absolutely no interest when we started out was all of a sudden very interested and ready to make pizza.

As the cooking class commenced, the parents heeded Chef Lynn and Nicolas’ advice and totally relaxed. The kids became totally engaged in pizza dough, learning about yeast and making our lunch while the parents chatted and watched it snow through the huge windows.

I met several parents that I had never had the opportunity to meet before and had great conversation in a beautiful atmosphere while the kids were also having so much fun. Every so often a really nice server would come by and ask if we were in need of anything, and I felt really pampered. It was a lovely treat, and the best part was that my kids were cooking for me for one of the first times ever. Can you say HEAVEN?

Lunch was served and we ate delicious salad, pizza and dessert. The kids totally enjoyed the class and eating the fruits of their labor. At the end, Nicolas and Chef Lynn held a graduation ceremony and gave each child a graduation certificate and posed for pictures. The kids were really proud of themselves.

It was a great experience and The Peaks Resort did a fabulous job of teaching our kids some fundamental cooking principles. The kids also learned how to treat their parents to a delicious meal. When the Peaks does this again, I highly recommend it! It was a great way to spend a day.

Musicmama: One of musicmamas’s passions is music in all its forms. Based in Telluride and surrounded by excellent music, she is falling in love with new sounds every day. When not immersed in the the music scene, she loves to hang out with her two kids and hubby. Constantly surprised with what life brings to the table, the adventure continues with good music, food and family.