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About me



About me





As far back as I can remember I’ve been most happy in the kitchen. Cooking and making meals for family and friends.


This sent me on a journey to Leeds catering college at age 16, for 2 years gaining catering and hospitality experience. I spent 4 years at Manchester Metropolitan University studying hospitality management. After university I worked in two hotels in the Manchester area until family life took over.


I have always wanted to run cookery classes from my home with the shmooze experience (coffee & cakes) whilst others would watch me cook. It didn’t happen, I found people weren’t interested in committing to courses and I put the idea to the back of my mind.


Nearly 6 years ago I was approached to teach GCSE food & nutrition in a local school and for five and a half years I was teaching food and nutrition at GCSE level. In my time at the school I produced a school recipe book, which is used in other girls schools in Manchester, London & Gateshead. I helped design a new kitchen for the school and I hope I imparted some of my wisdom and care towards the girls that entered my classroom. I was keen to develop a relationship with my pupils so that the classroom was an enjoyable place.


As with many people these days, Covid 19 arrived and for whatever reason, I wasn’t to be returning to the classroom in September. During lockdown I organised a zoom bread plaiting session for friends around the world. I’d also teamed up with a local Manchester organisation to run a few “bake & learn” sessions. Then I had my lightbulb moment.....I really enjoyed these cookery classes online......I was cooking and teaching all at the same time, sharing tips and tricks of the trade. I was in my element!


I started with an Adults class, inviting men and women. It was received well with people asking if I did classes for kids, So I started them as well. Then I thought there must be an opening for men only classes. The dishes we make are suitable for family evening meals and some for special weekend meals. I try to keep costs low and introduce new flavours and ingredients.



Amazing



Cooking





Tasty



Dishes





Great



Experiences





IN THE NEWS



”I love Debra’s sessions. They’re fun and the food is always tasty!"





Libi Doerfler (Kids class)



”Debra, you are a great teacher! You are so incredibly patient and positive! my son is gaining skills in the kitchen, but more importantly he is gaining self esteem. I am so grateful to you."





Rivky Shleider (Parent from a Kids class)



”The equipment & ingredient lists are very clear, so we know exactly what to have ready before the class starts. The recipes that we make are really delicious & the whole family enjoys them”





Esther Donoff (adult class)



”As an 80 year old single man I've always proudly said " can't cook won't cook" since joining Debra's men's cookery class that has all changed. Not only do I look forward to the fortnightly Wednesday evening class but I now cook some of the dishes in-between the lessons and stock my deep Freeze. The lessons are easy to follow and I get a list of ingredients required and utensils needed beforehand, I also get a resume of instructions on the following day.
”





Guy Holme (men only class)



”I really enjoy doing the zooms! I love making great recipes for supper, for my family!”





Evie Deacon (kids class)



”I’m really enjoy expanding my cooking repertoire with the lovely Debra Kay, who is very pleasant, well organised & very encouraging”





Rochelle Steinberg (adult class)



IN PARTNERSHIP WITH





In the kitchen with Debra



debra@inthekitchenwithdebra.com



© Debra Kay 2020


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