An evening of culinary delight was enjoyed on Saturday 27 February when over 40 parents and friends gathered to experience a superb Italian Evening in the school’s new Practical Cookery Suite.   This special event was organised by the Parents’ Fellowship and Mrs Jayne Lee, Q’s Practical Cookery teacher and made full use of the sensational new facilities.   Through her professional links, Mrs Lee was delighted to welcome two leading practitioners of Italian cookery: renowned chef, author and teacher, Ursula Ferrigno and co-author, teacher and recipe-tester, Bridget Colvin - and a recipe for a brilliant evening was ensured.  

On arrival, guests were treated to delicious canapés and sparking wine and settled down to participate in a fantastic feast for the senses.   Abounding with charm and cheerfulness, Ursula’s engaging and enthusiastic style held an enraptured audience with her skilful demonstrations of pasta and bread-making.   Bridget’s expertise and common sense approach was in evidence as raw ingredients were transformed in an instant to wonderful Mediterranean classics.   After a sumptuous Italian supper, cooked to the duo’s recipes by Queenswood’s own chefs, guests returned to the Cookery Suite to appreciate more demonstrations of citrus cake and chocolate biscotti making and the inevitable sampling, accompanied by much murmurings of approval.  The whole emphasis was to have “fun, learn and be inspired”.   At the end of a full and fulfilling evening, Ursula signed copies of her books and a happy and enlightened audience departed home-ward. ‘Buon appetito’ everyone!