I took my first ever cooking class with Amanda, and it was amazing. The food was delicious, and Amanda is an excellent instructor. She walked us through the cooking technique for each of our dishes and provided advice/feedback/answered questions as we tried on our own. She also taught us about the cuisine we were cooking. In my class, we were cooking Morrocan food, and I learned all about the types of spices you'd see in a typical Moroccan dish. She was able to match each of our varying skill levels too. This was my first cooking class, while other students had taken many classes before--she was able to meet all of our differing questions and needs, all without slowing down the class or leaving newbies like me in the dust. One other thing I loved about this class is that Amanda created a warm environment. She is smart and friendly, and people in the class were happy to get to know each other and cook together. At the end of the class, we all ate together and had a wonderful meal--both because of the excellent food and the excellent company. I definitely recommend taking one of Amanda's classes! read more

If you're considering a cooking class in the triangle, I would definitely recommend choosing Amanda as your instructor. Her background in cooking is so impressive and her vast knowledge of cuisine allows her to really alter the class to her audience. She did not arrive with any set script / schedule and allowed our experience level and interest guide the way she taught the course. In addition to being an amazing culinary instructor, she's also a very interesting, inspiring and engaging woman I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet. This was a Christmas gift for my dad, and it really turned out to be a fantastic gift! We are all experienced in the kitchen and Amanda tailored the class as we went along, sharing helpful tips and tricks of the trade. She is a fantastic teacher and the recipes she brought were thoughtful and exciting. I am looking forward to having another class with Amanda, she was so engaging to speak with and I feel like my cooking has vastly improved thanks to her instruction. Thanks Amanda, let's do Moroccan next time! read more

I've taken two classes from Amanda Cushman and have enjoyed both. I took them to learn, and learn, I did! Amanda has the wonderful ability to talk about what is going on as it's happening; with the happy result that watching and listening (while doing) one can learn a lot. Small tips and tricks as well as the bigger picture of putting together a lovely, easily co-ordinated meal. Amanda manages to get into a very short time, a world of information. In addition, Amanda is generous with her knowledge, and responds graciously to questions with complete and informative answers. The learning is expanded by the knowledge and experience of the class with questions. As a lovely bonus, the class has a delicious meal after cooking it, while getting to know one another. A well organized, well thought out and very informative class, a great way to learn to cook or expand your cooking knowledge whether one is a novice or a professional. A cooking class with Amanda would be a lovely change for a book group or other group. Very highly recommend. read more

Chef Cushman has taught cooking classes at my business, Weekend Kitchen in CT, for the past 3 years. We love having Amanda in our kitchen. She is a true culinary educator in every respect from menu preparation and providing a shopping list to her pre-class preparation. When the students arrive she methodically goes over the menu and where to source ingredients in the area. She offers ways to modify the recipe for specific food preferences or allergies. If it's an ethnic dish, she will give a nice history of the cuisine and where the foods originated. Technically, Chef Cushman is able to direct even the greenest of home cooks. She patiently demonstrates proper knife skills and culinary shortcuts that each student can take back to their own kitchen. The classes run like a well-oiled machine with a beautifully presented and delicious meal served up at the end of the class. She has many repeat students and they are all awaiting her return as a guest chef to our kitchen. Nancy Weekend Kitchen Essex CT read more

I had the chance to take not one, but two classes with Chef Cushman. The first was "date" evening with the husband to learn the ins and outs of creating a Moroccan feast. We love food but in no means know very much about the fine points of cooking and creating. Amanda was knowledgeable, amusing and immediately put us at our ease (despite the very sharp and large knives). It was a memorable evening not only in the skills acquired but the urbanity and ease. The next day I arrived with women friends in tow to learn how to pull together the perfect brunch. Chef Cushman once again aided us with the tricks of the trade and true insights into the beauty of elegant food done with simplicity. I have already put some of what I learned to good practice -- onions are nothing for me now. I highly recommend and look foreward to her return to Charlottesville. - Kat Imhoff, Montpelier Station, Virginia read more

I have had the good fortune of taking several of chef Amanda's classes. Each class has been delightful. Amanda is skilled in cooking, teaching & relating to her students. Every recipe is simple & her willingness to help each student makes it fun. You leave the class believing you can reproduce her recipes at home. Amanda's vast knowledge of ethnic cuisine is unbelievable. She has traveled all over the world and has first hand knowledge of what ingredients make the best recipes and better yet, she knows where to get the best ingredients locally. Her knowledge, layed back technique in teaching and her personality make it all worth while. Do something nice for yourself and take a few of her classes, you won't be disappointed. read more

I first met Amanda in a 5-course "techniques" series which was exactly as advertised - a thorough overview of some of cooking's most fundamental elements. It was a mini culinary school boot camp (I'll never chop both ends off an onion again!) but also an affirming and encouraging environment to allow a personal passion to flourish. Her stories keep you entertained and her knowledge base about food, travel, and life in general keep you coming back for more. I have subsequently taken small group classes with Amanda, and also hosted her in my home for a private class on a specific ingredient when I needed in-depth coaching. If you see an opening in one of her upcoming classes, snag it - you'll be very glad you did. read more

Cooking classes with Amanda Cushman are always a special treat for anyone who wants to learn or improve their cooking skills. Having taken several of her classes I always leave having learned new "tricks of the trade" and eager to apply them. Amanda's preparation for the classes are highly organized and her way of making students participate and explaining exactly each process of a dish has made me a huge fan of hers. I hope that in the future I will get another chance to participate in more classes as it is always a great experience and fun for me and my friends who have joined me in the past. I highly recommend taking her classes. read more

Like most people with skill, passion and dedication in what they do, Amanda makes cooking great food look easy. I have taken three or four cooking classes over the past few years and can honestly say that I found hers to be the best in terms of technique and in terms of her approach to, and respect for, food. Whether a novice or an expert home cook, you will find Amanda's classes to be instructive and entertaining. Yes, she makes cooking fun! So, if you want to sharpen your culinary skills and pick up some new tasty recipes along the way, I would highly recommend Amanda's classes. read more

Chef Amanda is a great teacher and fabulous cook. She did a private Asian-inflected cooking lesson/dinner for 8 in my home, an anniversary gift to my sister and husband. They still rave about it 2 years later! She sources the freshest ingredients, finds the local little shops and regional specialties, brings everything together and makes it accessible. My husband and I have learned so much, loved every minute. I've used many of her recipes and they are in constant rotation in our home. She explains her techniques and gives kitchen tips that are just "simple real" useful. read more

I have known Amanda and taken her cooking classes, starting in Los Angeles, for over the last 15+ years. I am consistently surprised and pleased by the simplicity of the recipes and delicious results over and over, with everything from delightful salads to delectable desserts, savoury Indian dishes and beautifully prepared fish, chicken, beef and lamb, to name a few. Amanda's classes are fun and professional and she is delightful. I highly recommend Amanda's cooking classes and will continue to be a satisfied participant! Cynthia read more

Chef Amanda came to our home for an 8-person Tapas cooking class. We had a great time! Our guests had a blast, the food was fantastic, and Chef Amanda made it fun, delicious and delightful. We might never host a dinner party in a different way again! It made our lives easier to have everyone involved, and it was a great way to socialize, to enjoy each other and to learn a LOT, while making amazing food. Plus, we have the recipes and the know-how to make it all again! read more

My husband and I have taken 3 of Amanda's cooking classes. We have enjoyed them all. The recipes are fun to make, and the end result of sitting down to amazing meals and chatting with new friends is awesome. Amanda is amazing in her knowledge and skills, and has great techniques to try out in her hands on classes. I am impressed with her patience and calm in dealing with many cooks in her kitchen! Try it out. Great for singles, or date night! read more

Amanda first gave me a cooking lesson as a surprise birthday present. My dad was a chef, so I do know my way around the kitchen, but Amanda taught me stuff I didn't know how to do. Most recently, I surprised my husband with a cooking lesson with Amanda. I picked five or six recipes, and the food was beyond amazing. Amanda is not only a great chef, but she's an incredible teacher. Unfortunately for us, she no longer lives on the west coast... read more

I have taken 4 classes with Amanda, and each one has been great. I have learned to make some delicious recipes, but I have also learned some cooking tips that I can bring to my kitchen on a daily basis. I also like that her recipes are healthful and easy to replicate. I have made several of her dishes, including her chocolate tart that I made for New Year's, and they have all received a lot of compliments. read more

I have taken two of Amanda's classes when she has been visiting Connecticut. Not only is she a skilled chef, but she is an excellent teacher. She shares multitudes of tips and helpful information while she is demonstrating and cooking. Her recipes are not overly complicated and I enjoyed recreating at home what she presented in the classes. They are enjoyable, informative and delicious. Janice read more

I was lucky enough to be invited to a friend's home when Amanda was teaching a cooking class. There were great recipes, and she was very organized. Everyone was involved in the cooking process which was great fun. We learned new skills along the way while preparing a fabulous meal that we then enjoyed! And we have continued to make the crab cakes she taught us how to make! read more

I took a couple of classes from Amanda with my daughter for fun and great food to eat at the end. Even though we both cook, learned a few valuable tips. Amanda is a great teacher and knows not only how to make a great meal easily, but does so in a very organized,simple and relaxed way. Highly recommend her as a real pro who is a terrific person as well. read more

My boyfriend and I took a private class with Amanda at Chapel Hill Cooking Classes. It was perfect for date night and we both learned great new cooking techniques. One week later we're preparing the same meal we learned and loving every bite of it. I highly recommend her private class and Amanda's great attitude is simply a spoonful of fun! read more