Hi, I'm Denise!

I’m a cookbook author, cooking instructor and pie champion from beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

I’m classically trained in French cuisine but prefer the comfort of a good home cooked meal over fine dining. If you'd like to boost your confidence in the kitchen, I'll hope you’ll join me for an online cooking class.

What better way learn, than from your own kitchen?

Photo of Denise Marchessault teaching a online cooking class in her kitchen
Photo: Tobin Smith

Hi, I'm Denise.

I’m a cookbook author, cooking instructor and pie champion from Beautiful Vancouver Island, Canada.

I’d love to see you at an online cooking class. What better place to learn, than from the comfort of your own kitchen?

A photo of Denise Marchessault teaching an online cooking class

Online Cooking Classes

Photo: Tobin Smith
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, Apr. 1, 2023

Raspberry Charlotte Workshop

Online Class
11:00am – 12:30pm PT

If you're looking for a distinctive cake this Easter, look no further than this classic French Charlotte.

Photo: Deb Garlick
ONLINE CLASS
Wednesday Apr. 5, 2023

The Magic of Meringue

Online Class
3:00pm - 4:30pm PT

Join me at Milk Street to learn to make Pavlova, Lemon Meringue Pie and more! The link below will re-direct you to Milk Street. Prices are in US$ and subject to Milk Street’s Terms and Conditions.

MILK STREET ONLINE CLASS
Saturday, Apr. 15, 2023

Grilled Asparagus Tart and Lemon Cream Tart

Online Class
11:00am – 12:30pm PT

Up your pie game this spring with two stunning tarts: a savoury grilled Asparagus Tart made with slow-cooked leeks and Greyère cheese and a Lemon Cream Tart so light and luscious, you’ll want to serve it year round.

Photo: Deb Garlick
ONLINE CLASS
Saturday, Apr. 29, 2023

Grand Marnier Soufflé Tart

Online Class
11:00am – 12:30pm PT

This Grand Marnier Soufflé Tart is so light and delicate it nearly melts in your mouth. But unlike a traditional soufflé, there's no need to sprint to the table before it collapses. We’ll also make a chocolate variation so you can enjoy a slice of each.

Photo: Deb Garlick
ONLINE CLASS

"Denise has a natural gift for teaching and her online classes provide a practical framework for cooking.  I’m more confident in the kitchen and willing the try new recipes, no matter how complex.”

Carolyn Henson, Victoria  

"I really enjoyed your class - it was fun, entertaining and informative. Your knowledge and experience shone through--and your organization was apparent."

Wendy Pratt, Victoria

"Denise, your teaching style is fun and easy to follow! I’m motivated to go home and make everything! Looking forward to attending more classes."

Tricia Barbetta, Victoria

Portrait of Denise Marchessault
Portrait of Denise MarchessaultPortrait of Denise Marchessault

A Message To The Reluctant Cook

Sometimes you’ll scorch the rice or overwork the dough. You might under-cook the fish, over-salt the pasta or curdle the cream. I’ve made all these mistakes and plenty more. But with every blunder, a new lesson unfolds. Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. If your cooking history is, um, colourful, consider yourself ahead of the curve.

With practice, you’ll learn to trust your senses.

Touch your food.  You’ll feel when the dough is ready or when the meat is perfectly cooked.

Smell your food. Your nose knows if the fish is fresh or funky — or when the garlic’s about to burn.

Listen to the sizzle and sputter.  It’s telling you the if the pan’s the right (or wrong) temperature.

Taste as you cook. You’ll know if the soup needs a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon.

Watch your food. It’s always perfect — just before it burns.