What do you do when you’re invited to cook at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School? Erm, you go of course, you take your kid and learn to cook like a Don.

The summer break has been so good this year, we’ve had a blast going on holiday and attending events like we’re somewhat important folks. Don’t worry, that was a joke, we’re so not big headed.

Both Zachary and I were invited to learn how to cook with the pros at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School. Since I don’t know who’s who from telly land or even cookery land, I didn’t know these chefs were like, huge ass professionals. Maybe that was a good thing as it allowed me to focus and listen to their instructions and not think about snapping pics to send to Heat magazine for a chance to win £200.

They were so cool, and so patient with the kids, although, Gennaro Contaldo mistook Zachary for a girl due to his luscious bouncy curls, he quickly apologised and took him under his wing when he realised his faux pas. Zachary wasn’t phased at all, he was just happy that Gennaro made him laugh and that he called him a fabulously talented chef! Awww.

(Not sure if you noticed, but I got a pic with the beautiful Amanda from Ginger-Mum.com, she was there with her two gorgeous lads, they got stuck in and seemed to have as much fun as we did).

Zachary was taught how to properly prepare and cook mini Meatballs and fresh pasta, the kid learnt more on this day than I ever did taking GCSE Cooking for two years.

Now folks, confession time, I’ve never really enjoyed pasta, I’ll make it for the kids or use it at playtime… but I never choose to have it myself. I’ve always found it a bit, well, blah… meh in fact. But, and I’m using that word in the truest sense, but, this dish was really tasty. Yep, I’m a convert. Who knew pasta could taste so good?! Maybe it was the fact they made fresh pasta? Maybe it was the fact that they said that you need to use more than a pinch of salt when boiling? Not totally sure, but they taught Zachary how to make a hell of a good dish.

As I said before, these guys were so good with the kids, their instructions were clear and easy to follow- you could recreate this dish at home with ease!

If you fancy taking a class or two, take a look at their official site and book. They have everything from Vietnamese Street Food to Junior Sushi Master Classes… take my money now, they sound amazing. Listen, if my kids could cook Sushi, I’m never cooking again.

Tips that Zachary would like to pass onto you:

1. Cook your pasta in boiling water with more than a pinch of salt. About a teaspoon to 65g dried spaghetti.
2. Add Breadcrumbs to your Meatballs, this helps it all stick together and makes them heartier.
3. Don’t use too much oil when frying your Meatballs, Zachary learnt that oil will spit and try and blind you. You probably won’t have a good looking chef to help you out and act like oil isn’t hot as hellfire.
4. You can get kids to eat more veg by hiding it in sauces. Simple but true.

If you would like to make this dish, you’re in luck, the team at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School have passed on the recipe! Take a look or download it here!

Happy eating x