Key Facts

  • Starting
    3 Jun 2026
    Location
    Wandsworth
    Start Time
    09:30
    End Time
    13:30
    Duration
    4 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Wednesday
    Start Date
    3 Jun 2026
    Level
    Short Course
    Code
    WABX151TL

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    £ 60

    Enrol

Absolute Beginner Cooking - Party Food

Absolute Beginner Cooking - Party Food

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This course is for beginners who want to learn how to prepare, cook and serve a range of Party Dishes and Yummy Nibbles!

In a sociable environment you will create a whole meal including a starter, main and dessert. In a four-day course we will learn together how to prepare, cook and serve a range of nibbles for a summer party and bake some simple deserts to share with your family and friends!

All ingredients and materials included in the price! Just turn up and enjoy your lessons.

  • Entry Requirements


    No formal entry requirements needed. This course is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced students.

  • Course Content


    • Learn and practice cooking and baking skills in our lovely Wandsworth campus kitchen
    • Learn how to budget and plan for your Summer Party
    • Master principles of kitchen safety and hygiene
    • Understand and apply the principles of sustainability and reducing food waste in the kitchen
    • Share food and taste all the meals and bakes
    • Take food home to show off your new cooking skills
    • Work together in an informal setting

  • Progression Next Steps


    You can continue to learn new cooking, baking and sustainability skills at one of these courses which run throughout the year:

    Cook Well for Less (6 rounds of 4 weeks on Thursdays at Merton)

    Bake Well for Less (6 rounds of 5 weeks on Fridays at Merton)

  • Additional Information


    Course materials and ingredients fee - £20

    Please ask at admissions if you are eligible for a discount.

    All ingredients and materials included in the price!

    Please bring an apron and 2 tea towels to the lesson each week

    Please contact your tutor Beata Allen for any additional information on beata.allen@stcg.ac.uk

  • Course Structure


    Week 1 - Easy Party Starters & Kitchen Safety

    Recipe 1: Mini Sausage Rolls.

    Recipe 2: Fresh Tomato Salsa Dip with Flatbread.

    Theory & skills focus:

    • Kitchen hygiene & safety
    • Knife safety and basic cuts
    • Cross-contamination basics
    • Oven safety and tray handling

    Week 2 - Make-Ahead Party Food

    Recipe 1: Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip.

    Recipe 2: Crispy Potato Croquettes with Garlic Dip.

    Theory & skills focus:

    • Time management in the kitchen
    • Freezing and reheating guidelines
    • Safe handling of raw chicken
    • Shallow frying safety

    Week 3 - International Party Food

    Recipe 1: Mini Italian Meatball Sliders

    Recipe 2: Spanakopita-style Spinach & Feta Parcels

    Theory & skills focus:

    • Balancing flavours from different cuisines
    • Minced meat safety
    • Cooling food quickly and safely
    • Labelling and storage
    • Reheating to safe temperatures

    Week 4 - Sweet Party Treats

    Recipe 1: Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

    Recipe 2: Chocolate-Dipped Party Treats (strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows)

    Theory & skills focus:

    • Baking safety
    • Measuring accurately
    • Allergen awareness (nuts, dairy, gluten)
    • Oven and mixer safety
    • Food handling for guests
    • Safe transport

  • Assessment Details


    Assessment will be ongoing and designed to support learning and skill development through tutor feedback, practical tasks, self-assessment and peer discussion.