Cooking classes - what would you like to see in them?

[johnro]

We have never had the opportunity to attend anything other than a B2B class, which is of no interest to me.  Unfortunately my consultant is not very adventurous with regards thermie.  She has my folder of tried and tested recipes so that customers can have access   

[djinni373]

They are indeed burning questions Meagan.  Unfortunately I don't have the knowledge or skills to come up with details. I was hoping some clever consultants could come up with some possibilities. 

[KylieJade]

The B2B cooking classes are especially designed for new owners and they are really great for answering questions about Thermomix, things they may have missed at their demo - not really questions about food- after all us consultants aren’t chefs or food specialists, we are not necesarrily even particularly good at cooking! (me ) but that is the beauty of TM - anybody can show up at a stranger’s place and whip up a 6 course meal!

The classes are also great for those who have never seen TM before, like those who want the husband to see it without having to hold their own demo, or want to see it again or show to a friend.

It would be wonderful to have more advanced classes as suggested and some attempt at that was made with the baking classes held in June.

I love your ideas djinni – how cool! Maybe we can organise some unofficial ones like that ourselves!?

[djinni373]

I'd be up for that KylieJade

[petit4s]

I guess that's the problem with b2b classes - so many of the consultants/presenters are either new, can't cook or are sales people, and it can be a bit the blind leading the blind. There is still some technique necessary to whip up a meal and that's why it would be nice to have someone who can answer food related questions so one can get the most out of their tm. A b2b class can be very informative if the right person runs it.

[Lovemythermo]

I've had my TMX now for nearly 2 years and have been to the basic classes, but I agree they should be called demonstrations.

One of my friends who bought from my demo and received awful service from the consultant went to a basic class a couple of months ago but was promptly told she wasnt allowed to go to any more as she was not a new owner. She really only wanted to go along to see the bread demonstration particularly as the consultant on delivery dumped the TMX on her kitchen bench and left.

The Adelaide Easter class was excellent, and worth the $45 it cost - and knowing the cost in running these things would be prepared to pay more. More of the same please! 

I just think it makes sense to keep owners motivated so they can continue to spread the TMX word. Sometimes all this might take is a class to learn something new and get motivated again!

[cookie1]

I can see the problems Meagan. Lots of us have been to a sourdough class recently that we paid $120 or $150 for and it was about 4 hours. Even if people took their machines and the ingredients along or just sat and watched and were then given the recipes. Are individuals who are friends, eg our get together group permitted to have everyone round and make something to show and share? I realise that you certainly wouldn't want folks you don't know at your house but a few of us have got to know each other quite well. This would be an interesting angle to take. Say meet at each others house once a month or every 2 months and share/cook something.

[johnro]

Oh to be even close to you sourdough experts   

[Twitterpated]

johnro you are in the town that I'm 2.5 hours from. Anytime you are having anything let me know and I'll try to be there. I know a few others that may be prepared to travel as well if it's worthwhile.

[johnro]

That would be lovely Twitterpated, as I mentioned in a prior post there has only ever been B2B.  However I did receive an email from consultant that there was a Christmas in July class/demo - pm me your email address and I will forward the email to you, the June B2B was cancelled in Rocky no idea why!!!!!   

[kezza]

Interesting reading everyone. I think cookie1 has a great idea here.  I have experienced a lot of what has been noted - the lady I bought my TMX from no longer sells them, so  took myself off to a class in Melville which didn't really give me anything new to learn, except I was able to get the Indian cookbook there, despite being told you couldn't get it.  Luckily a demonstrator brought a couple in to sell and because I had enquired about it eariery in the evening, I was able to buy one.  So getting back to cookie's point - I think setting up your own group to meet once every month or so is a great idea.  I would think it would be great if we could bring a recipe we all like, and we all nut out how to convert it to TMX style.  I don't begrudge the consultants doing their job - let's face it, they are trying to  make a living out of it as well as embracing the health benefits it can give to all of us. I have learnt so much from this forum, so I am going to continue learning from all of you who are so happy to share your recipes.

[KarenH]

I have been to several cooking classes (non-TMX) that ran for about 4 hours and cost $125 - which included all ingredients and a copy of all the recipes made that day, and a sit-down meal of whatever we had cooked that day, with wine/beer included.  They were fabulous classes, and absolutely worth every dollar spent, as well as a great afternoon or evening out.  If there were a TMX equivalent in a specialty area (ie not just the basics), then I would be there with bells on!  I would have LOVED to have been to chookies bread making a few months back!

[hopefulcook]

Sounds good to me Karen!!

[Meagan]

Thanks for all of your opinions and honesty  Cookie I went to one of the sourdough classes and really loved it i will think more about it but a catch up every two months with machines to cook and share sounds fantastic.

[achookwoman]

I think Cookies idea is great. Members on this forum are good indifferent areas  . I do the bread demos because I can manage these.  :)Hands on, Iworking in pairs.  8 people in total. 4 machines. We start at 9', Usually cook 4 different breads. Have morning tea and lunch,(all TMX recipes)
The fee covers the cost of ingredients, as the students take home what they cook.  It is usually between $ 20 and $30 . It takes a couple of weeks to organise and 3 days to get. The ingredients together, and set up the kitchen. 
Could see a group thing with say 4 different people doing their own thing.