Long walks on beautiful white sand, volleyball and other outdoor games, restaurants and night life, miniature golf and amusement parks . . . and a class? Taking a class when you come to the Gulf Shores area may not be top-of-mind, but widening your horizons may provide a welcome new vacation experience.

Cooking is more fun when you know how! Choose from a variety of Gulf Coast Culinary Institute workshops to enhance your skills and bring out your hidden chef.

The Gulf Coast Culinary Institute at the Gulf Shores campus of Faulkner State Community College is offering a tasty array of afternoon and evening workshops through early December. Each class lasts 2.5 or 4 hours, and includes information, demonstration and guided hands-on opportunities.

To whet your appetite for the classes, take note of what the Culinary Institute has in store for you in November and December:

Saturday, November 12, 3–7 p.m. ($45)—Holiday Cajun Style
Who says your holiday meal has to be the same each year? Adopt a full Cajun theme or simply incorporate a few Cajun ideas to spice things up. This class discusses the history, the foods and the cooking techniques of Cajun cuisine. After a little exploration, you’ll get to put your new knowledge to use in the kitchen as Chef Trawick guides you through the steps.

Saturday, November 19, 3–5:30 p.m. ($45)—Sushi
Sushi lovers often declare that they would dine on this delicacy more often if not for the cost. But knowing how to make it means you can serve it often for a much lower cost than dining out. Chef Douglas will describe the history, food and techniques of sushi-making. Once you enter the kitchen, you’ll be instructed on selecting ingredients and cooking the rice, then experience the ease of making large rolls, small rolls, inside-out rolls and hand rolls.

Saturday, December 3, 3–7 p.m. ($30)—Cheesecake
Place a homemade cheesecake on the dessert table, and you’re the star of the gathering. You won’t need to watch someone else take those honors at your next get-together once Chef Douglas teaches you the secrets of successful cheesecake creation. Ingredients, tools and techniques will be covered, followed by guided preparation of a variety of savory and sweet treats. Among the lessons are crusts, styles, garnishes and sauces.

Register for any or all of the classes, held at the Faulkner State Community College campus just north of the Intracoastal Canal bridge in Gulf Shores, by calling 251-990-0445 or 800-231-3752.

Culinary workshops are even more fun when couples, families or friends share the experience, so get everyone together and come on down to the beach! If you haven’t already made your lodging arrangements, take a look at some of Meyer Vacation Rentals’ properties, such as 2-bedroom Gulf Shores condos and houses—or for larger groups, 4-bedroom houses and condos in Gulf Shores might be the perfect fit.

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