Saturday, November 6, 2010

Did You Know? Fun and Free.


So several weeks ago, I got an okay from Williams Sonoma to take photographs during one of their technique classes that they do on the weekends. I wanted to share this with you because it's fun and free, with a dash of product information, of course.

The Williams Sonoma store here in Sugar Land, Texas, is such a friendly place. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and super helpful. I want to give a special "shout-out" to Maria, who did the actual demonstration- Thank you, Maria!

I tend to get hung up either in the gadget section (either wondering who really needs a strawberry slicer or greatly coveting an expensive, hand-carved wooden spoon to stir my marinara sauce) or at the knife wall. I love knives.


So back to the classes, did you know they had these? I've been on their mailing list for some time now and recently realized that these were free and involved getting to taste food too. Not too bad. Many of you may be saying, "Where's she been? I've know about this for years." If that's the case, please remember, mommies sometimes get very out of the loop, regardless of their foodieness.

I had such a blast taking photos. I felt like a pro...or something.

We all drooled as Maria, the most passionate baker I have ever met, talked to us about apple varieties, showed us different techniques for slicing and chopping. She showcased gadgets and got us all "oohing" and "ahhing".  

I believe the class is to be approximately an hour long. This class went on to be and hour and half. Normally, I would not mind, but the Hubs was trying to keep the 3 tots happy with a bag of graham crackers that just ran out. Needless to say, they were getting antsy. He had already walked them all over the outdoor mall twice, but I wanted to stay long enough to thank Maria, so we waited. The kids kept running up to me and yanking on my leg. I promised them treats that she was making if they were quiet. They did really well. 

The peeps snacking on the goods...see the Hubs in the background (far background) trying to look interested in something? Such a good guy.

Maria made fabulous cakes and a beautiful pie: an apple coffee cake with glaze, pecan muffins, pumpkin pie and that gorgeous molded cake...so pretty.
That was the cake mix she used for the coffee cake...delish.

Isn't this mixer gorgeous? It's a Breville. I didn't bother to look at the price tag, but it did have a timer and a paddle attachment that had mini rubber spatula type thingys on the side to scrape the bowl down as it works. Love that.

This is the apple coffee cake in their "gold" pans. I would love to have a set of those.

Delightful little pecan muffins.


This was the coffee cake made in the speciality pan.

Glaze for the coffee cake, but let's be honest, I was really focusing on that copper pot.


She did not make the pumpkin pie in front of us...

but she did show us how to use those adorable leaf-shaped cutters for the crust. Another favorite thing...

Tasty trio.

I simply wanted to share this because it is a lot of fun, you get to sample the treats, and they have classes on all sorts of things...not just baking. Here's the LINK to check out the schedule. They ask that you call to get your name on the list so they know how many to expect, but other than that, just show up!

So if you spend all your Christmas money at Williams Sonoma like I do, they you may want to check this out and get your foodie on.

P.S. There has been a lot of interest in when the videos will be up for the next challenge of Project Food Blog. I got an email last night saying they are extending it another week, something about issues with copyrighted music. Anyways, you'll have to wait one more week...wish it weren't so. I'm ready to get on with this! But until then I will try to keep you happy with other tidbits.


Love Ya, Foodies!

11 comments:

  1. Either you have a terrific zoom lens, or the classes at your local WS demos aren't as crazy crowded as the NYC ones are! I went to one last year and it was awesome, but very difficult to see with the crowd there. I'm still using the recipe for Catalan Spinach I learned at my demo. I have to keep myself out of that store. It is a danger zone (for my wallet).

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  2. I have wanted to go to one of these classes...now I have to! I adore Williams Sonoma and have a hard time leaving the store without a new baking goodie. Thank you for sharing...everything looked delicious...especially that beauitful pie with the leaves!

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  3. thanks for sharing this wonderful experience with us, I will check out the schedule here in New Mexico, Lord knows I could use a little mama's day away :) Your photos are divine.... I can't wait for your next entry sweet bella

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  4. Looks like a great time and a nice learning experience. That's a dangerous store for me to go into - I'd have to leave my wallet at home :)

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  5. This is great to know! I love wondering around Williams Sonoma but I didn't know about their classes. I'll have to see what the ones here offer. I'm actually surprised she had time to demo all those things in an hour and a half!

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  6. That is my idea of fun...great photos :)
    I have seen several of their classes advertised but have not checked into it yet...

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  7. Wow this is what I call learning things the fun way

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  8. This looks like so much fun! And the photography is wonderful! I just stumbled upon your blog and love it!! I'm a new follower =)

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  9. Oh wow! Looks like I already do follow you. Well now I will be sure to read!

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  10. So many great shots. I especially like those of the crowd.

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  11. The photos are nice. Keep up the Good work

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