VALENTINE'S GIFT IDEA: Classes with Chambers Bay Executive Chef Available in March and April

's executive chef shows participants in a series of cooking classes that you don't have to be an executive chef to cook like one.

Chef Dustin Joseph and his culinary team are collaborating with Pierce County Parks & Recreation to host a series of cooking and culinary classes. The classes, open to people age 21 and over, are held at the at Chambers Creek Regional Park in University Place.

Joseph and his team instruct participants on various culinary skills, dishes and techniques, with each two-hour class focused on a separate facet of cooking.

The class hosted in late January featured demonstrations of proper knife handling and maintenance.

Margaret Rebillion, an accounting assistant for Pierce County, signed up for the "Knife Skills 101" course as a self-proclaimed "microwave cook" who rarely cooks at home.

"It's always been on my bucket list to enroll in a cooking course," she said. "It didn't matter your skill level or interests, Chef Joseph and his team were patient and extremely informative."

The Feb. 13 class on pasta making is sold out, with 43 participants. Space is still available for two upcoming classes:

"Sauces 101" on March 12: Learn simple steps to consistent sauces, including a review of mother sauces, and a demonstration of some quick pan sauces.

"Perfect Grilling" on April 16: Master grilling techniques and perfecting timing so your meals come out on-time and hot.

"The first class was full of smiles and people simply enjoying themselves while learning to cook great dishes," said Andrea Clay, recreation supervisor for Pierce County Parks & Recreation.

Classes are held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th St. W, University Place. The cost is $50 per person or $95 per couple.

All classes allows participants to enjoy a meal cooked with the materials that they prepare during the demonstration and later pair them with wines that compliment each dish. For more information about classes, pricing and availability, and other questions regarding events hosted by Pierce County Parks & Recreation, contact Andrea Clay at 253-798-4703.