Give the gift of cooking this Christmas

Forget the usual last-minute present-buying frenzy – it’s really not necessary. If you’ve a foodie, or willing novice left on your list to buy for, what about going for a gift that keeps on giving?

Bristol has a number of great cookery schools, so whether you fancy booking a one-day introduction to chocolate making, a bread-making master class or a guide to dinner party success, there’s a course to suit.

Here’s a run-down of some lovely courses to excite and delight the gourmand or wannabe chef in your life.

Little Kitchen in Brislington is run by friends Madeleine and Claire and together they aim to provide fun and affordable workshops and courses to both adults and children. There will be a number of workshops held throughout January that would make ideal gifts. These one-off classes, which are about three hours long, are perfect for even the busiest of food enthusiasts. There’s the Patisserie Workshop (£35) on the 24th January, Curry Club (£32) on the 23rd of January and Perfect Pastry (£39) on the 31st.

Runner up in the UK Cookery School Awards 2013, 102 in Bishopston has a range of full-day courses at around the £150 mark. Choose from the likes of 30-Minute Dishes, a day designed to get you cooking impressive meals using fresh ingredients, even after a day at work. Taught by South West favourite, Nathan Muir, this a fantastic class that will prove endlessly useful – there are still spaces for the 17th January. Another popular one is Joe’s Bakery Introduction, a course led by Bristol baker Martin Hunt of Joe’s Bakery in Bishopston. As well as teaching you how to kneed and prove your way to the perfect focaccia and soda loaf, among others, this fun-packed day includes lunch with wine – there are still spaces available for the 24th January.

The Devilled Egg in Clifton offers courses at a range of prices. The three to five-hour bespoke classes are a genius idea, offering students the opportunity to focus on whichever area of cooking they wish (£145 to £225). For just £45 on the 15th January, there’s a short course in smoothie, juice and seasonal salad making, designed to inspire a fresh start after the indulgent festive period. There are plenty of options at the £89 mark too, ranging from pasta making to how to create the perfect romantic meal for two.

At Bordeaux Quay on the harbourside, the team host a variety of workshops throughout the year, catering to the novice cook, as well as those with a more skilled hand. There are evening courses, as well as weekend options, so there really is something for everybody. Whether learning butchery skills, how to prepare the perfect steak, or how to come up with a pudding for every occasion, there’s something to suit. The wine and tapas evenings are wonderful sociable occasions, and the knife skills workshops are a must for any improver. Prices range from £50 to £150 for a session.

This is just a taster of what’s available, so for further information have a browse through the schools’ various websites.