An Afternoon In The Kitchen Getting Back To Basics Is Good For The Soul

Remember how excited we all were when local organic farm Moonacres opened its first cafe, Moonacres Kitchen, in Robertson [and since then a second – Hearth by Moonacres – at our regional gallery]?

Well, we had that same reaction when we discovered Moonacres Cooking School, also in Robertson, had opened its doors [after a few false starts thanks to a lockdown or two].

And were even MORE excited when we had the opportunity to head along for three wonderful hours of fabulous scone making [and eating!].

The cooking school is the perfect addition to the Moonacres family.

It’s focus is on the art of cooking, reconnecting people with their food, showcasing the best, natural produce, and best of all, making delicious food, by hand.

Join us as we perfect the art of scone making – it was such a beautiful afternoon. 

The class begins with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a delicious baked treat as we introduce ourselves to our classmates and settle ourselves into our aprons. 

We have a little browse of all the goodies. We can’t resist when it all looks so good. 

The hands-on class was led by scone-pro Barbara Sweeney – cook, writer and an encyclopedia of all things food.

It was all so relaxed and chatty as Barbara taught us the secrets of scone making, while she shared stories of her travels around NSW as a food writer, and of the farmers and producers she’d met along the way. 

Our first lesson was to churn our own butter which we would later use on our hot scones.

It was a surprisingly simple task, and incredibly satisfying – going back to basics using a jar and some muscle power. And best of all – it was utterly delicious.

All but a few of the ingredients used in the class came direct from Australian farmers and food producers, and fruit and veggies from Moonacres Farm were used to make the jam, sweets and sandwiches that we devoured for afternoon tea.

How good is that? 

As we’re making our first batch of scones we’re reminded there is something inherently beautiful and comforting about scones.

Quick to make, portable and affordable, scones are the perfect social delight to serve when expecting visitors or when visiting friends, family or the neighboring farm.

There’s nothing quite like pulling a batch of scones out of the oven and serving them warm. Yum!

After many laughs [and a whole lot of ‘oohing and aaaahhing’ as we each triumphantly took our scones out of the oven], we gathered around the beautiful large table to enjoy each other’s company and a delicious, old-fashioned, sit-down, country afternoon tea together.

OK, so who’s coming around for scones?! 

If you like the sound of an afternoon spent baking, chopping, whisking, churning, laughing, learning and eating…. take a look at the variety of classes offered at the Moonacres Cooking School.

It’s a truly wonderful way to spend an afternoon, and the classes are ideal to book in solo, with a partner or with a group of friends.

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