Melusine diploma 1

Most days we will start cooking at 9.30am and finish at around 4.30pm, with a break for lunch to enjoy what we have cooked. On these days you will have the evening free to relax in your accommodation. There will likely be leftovers for you to enjoy for your dinner or, if you’re not too full, Helen can recommend local restaurants.

If staying in the onsite accommodation, booked through Anthony, breakfast will be provided.

All courses are taught Monday – Friday each week. For anyone joining us for longer than one week, the weekend is your time to relax and enjoy what the area has to offer. There is lots to see and do - we can give you more information about this. Anyone staying onsite has use of the pool and kitchen over the weekend.

There may be a day where we have the morning off, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore a little or relax by the pool. On this day we will instead cook into the evening, using the pizza oven, and enjoy dinner together as a group.

Everything you need for the course (knives, aprons etc.) is provided. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes with covered toes for in the kitchen. For time spent outside of the kitchen, you may want to bring sun cream, a book and your swimming costume!

The course is limited to a maximum 6 people to maximise your personal interaction with Helen and to ensure you have as much hands on experience as possible.

Helen will be there to answer all your questions and guide you through the recipes.

The courses attract people from all over the world, of all ages and from all walks of life, a mixture of men and women, vegans, vegetarians and non veggies, confident cooks and those less experienced. Many come on their own, some in pairs. Every course is different.

All the food produced will be vegan. Prior to starting the course you will be asked to let us know of any other dietary requirements.

Whilst we can accommodate gluten free and any other requirements you may have (e.g. soya free), please note that the Diploma syllabus is designed to cover all aspects of cooking (teaching certain techniques etc.) and we therefore cannot always guarantee we will be able to adapt each recipe.

In order to teach a comprehensive range of skills, each course includes both sweet and savoury baking, using a variety of flours and sugars. These courses are not suitable for those with severe allergies.

The Melusine Vegan Diploma is designed to take you from complete beginner to an accomplished cook. It may be that you attend all five levels. However, as some students will have more experience or be looking for different things, it is not necessary to complete each stage.

If you are unsure what course is for you, some questions to ask yourself...

- Are you newly vegan?

- Would you consider yourself a confident home cook?

- Do you have any professional experience?

- Why are you interested in this course - for enjoyment? With the idea of opening a cafe? To develop a menu for a restaurant?

If you’re still not sure, get in touch and we will be happy to help!

The Diploma runs twice a year in 6 week blocks. The programme is a fully comprehensive course designed to be taken as one. However each Diploma can be taken separately giving you the option to complete the programme in stages.

We cook with what is available seasonally so there will be minor differences in the dishes made, depending on what time of year you join us. The fundamental principles and techniques covered remain the same.