DURHAM, N.H. - From the Pyrennes Mountains to the shores of southern Italy, from classic pastries to gluten-free concoctions, a new series of cooking classes at the Thompson School of Applied Science at the University of New Hampshire introduces adult learners to a wide range of cuisines and culinary techniques.

The classes, which are ongoing throughout the spring on Wednesday and Friday nights, can be taken individually or as themed series.

"These courses offer adults the chance to learn valuable skills and recipes they can use in a professional kitchen under the guidance of a professional chef," says Julienne Guyette, chef and a lecturer in the Thompson School's culinary arts program. "And, of course, everyone enjoys eating what they cook."

"We've had requests for this type of class for a long time, so we're pleased to be able to offer these courses," adds Thompson School director Regina Smick-Attisano. "The Thompson School already enrolls nontraditional students, so this audience is familiar to us."

One upcoming series of classes, starting March 29, 2013, explores Italian cuisine, working through the popular culinary regions of Tuscany and southern, northern and central Italy. Students will cook (and eat) their way through Italian classics like minestrone, risotto, and tiramisu and will be introduced to regional specialties featuring fennel, seafood, almonds, and prosciutto. The Italian culinary classes meet four Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.; cost is $275 for all four classes or $75 for each class.

In the culinary skills series, starting April 26, students learn knife basics and techniques for making stocks, sauces and soups; hors d'oeuvres; and pastry. The series meets four Friday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. and costs $200 for all four classes or $55 each class.

In addition, several "bite-size learning" classes introduce specialized cuisines and techniques in individual classes that meet Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Yeast breads (March 27) and bakery classics (April 3) cost $65 each. 

For more information and to register for the classes, go to http://thompsonschool.unh.edu/sites/thompsonschool.unh.edu/files/Culinary_Workshops_Spring2013.pdf.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students.

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