Not everyone can cook, but anyone can learn (except maybe my wife…jeesh).  It just takes patience.  Mostly you learn through trial and error.  That’s how my mother taught me.  Everytime you make a dish, you tweak the recipe a little bit more until it turns out exactly how you want it.

If you’re interested in learning, or maybe you just need some pointers as you aim to perfect your craft, catering chef Julia Helton may be just who you need in your life.  Hailing from East Nashville’s Mitchell Delicatessen (1402 McGavock Pike, Nashville, 37216), Helton teaches cooking classes for those “people who know where their kitchen is located but have never really been inside.”

She starts her students off with eggs and then progressively moves up to other proteins.  Pretty smart.  You definitely don’t want to practice cooking on a $30 Filet Mignon.  Helton’s words of wisdom, “Go slow and don’t fret. There’s a pizza man lurking around every corner to give you sustenance if you burn the family meal.”  I can dig it.

Her classes are held every other week on Monday at 7:30 p.m., with a mid-level class starting in September.  Best part: only 25 bucks.  You can reserve your spot by calling 615.426.9517 or emailing catering@juliahelton.com.  Bon apetite!