My favourite thing to do is eat out (I know, you’re shocked right?), but a close second is creating something really delicious at home – often inspired by my restaurant experiences or travels. Last week I visited Edinburgh New Town Cookery School to find out what they had going on this year and to pick up some inspiration for my own cooking.

I’ve attended a cookery class at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School before so I have no hesitation in recommending it to you.

The evening ended up being a bit of tour of some of the best loved cuisines of the world.

First up there was a savoury Romesco Sauce Served With Crudités – perfect with a glass of prosecco in the garden, or as an accompaniment to barbecue food.

The romesco was also used as a dip for the pork stuffed Empanada, unfortunately in my haste to taste, I didn’t manage a photograph! You’ll just have to trust that it was delicious, and many of the authentic Spanish ingredients are handily available at Lupe Pintos in Tollcross.

Learn to make the above dishes at Flavours of Spain £155 – 6th August

After our flying visit to Spain we were off to sample the cuisine of Thailand with a Paenang Style Red Curry with King Prawn. It was much more delicate than I was expecting and would work as both a dinner party dish or a midweek supper (king prawns could be replaced with chicken or vegetables).

Learn to make Paenang curry at Curries From Around The World £155 – 9th July

Our final destination was Vietnam and a Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef and Noodle Salad which packed a lot of flavour. Citrusy with the contrasting flavour and texture of nuts made this a really nice alternative to a green salad, another one to enjoy outside in the garden. Served on a platter and stacked high, it would also make an impressive dinner party dish that would serve as a shared starter or as part of a spread of dishes.

Learn to make Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef and Noodle Salad at Vietnamese £155 – 9th July

Thanks to Edinburgh New Town Cookery School for inviting us to sample these dishes, find out more about the courses available here – Edinburgh New Town Cookery School