A couple Christmases ago, I started a new tradition. One of the gifts to each person in my family is an experience I want them to share with me. Good memories and laughter are worth so much more than anything you can stuff into a stocking. And I now have some amazing ones to look back on. This year for Dad, I took him to Sur La Table for a French cooking class!

Dad is my fellow foodie in the family--he is always up for new dishes, wine with dinner and accompanying me in restaurant hopping. So I thought this experience would be PERFECT. And for those who have never been, Sur La Table is one of my favorite shops in Dallas. It's where I go to find beautiful kitchenware. Plus they have cooking classes, and this was my first time signing up for one!

Once you get to the kitchen, you're given your own apron and cooking station. You feel like the real deal from the get-go! We were paired up with one other couple--who was extremely kind in sharing their Bring-Your-Own-Vino--and then the chef took us through the entire meal step-by-step. And since we were learning about French cuisine, two syllables: BUT-TER. The indulgence was real.

If you'd like to try one of their classes, look at their schedule ahead of time, as the classes start to fill up quickly. Not only do you get to enjoy what you've made, but you also learn technique. AND everything in store is 10 percent off the day of your class--I made off with a decanter and egg poacher before leaving! Also feel free to bring your own beverage for the class-- Dad ended up walking down the street to get a red halfway through. I can't recommend this kind of experience highly enough. We left happy and FULL.

ON THE MENU

PEAR + HAZLENUT SALAD with CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE
BEEF MEDALLIONS with RED WINE PAN SAUCE
POMMES FRITES
MOUSSE AU CHOCOLAT