Ok, so I can put a reasonable meal on the table, but I've never been that interested in 'learning to cook'... Put it down to unpleasant experiences in 'Home Economics' classes at school the late 60s (what do you mean, you can't put your finger round the bowl??) and having a mum who was a fabulous cook with a talent I couldn't hope to match!

But at the Lutterworth Food Festival back in April, one of the exhibitors was Tina Morley of 'Cook in Kilworth', and I was lucky enough to win a day at her cookery school in the competition.

Tina offered me a number of options for my day, fom 'Posh Nosh' to breadmaking, but I chose the 'Special Indian' course - don't we all wish we could recreate those wonderful restaurant dishes at home?

I was a bit apprehensive before the day started. Tina had sent out lots of clear information and instructions and I was afraid I was going to be spending the day with a group of budding Nigellas & Blumenthals - not my scene at all. However, the reality turned out to be a lot different - and much better than I could ever have hoped!

Tina runs the courses in the well-equipped kitchen of her beautiful home in South Kilworth, near Lutterworth, and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming and relaxed. After an introductory cup of tea and home-made biscuits, my two classmates and I got on with the business of learning all about various spices and herbs used in Indian food. Tina trained in Kerala, so the recipes and ingredients she uses are authentic to that region of India.

After making our first few dishes - chicken tikka, masala sauce, kashmiri chicken and lamb rogan josh, it was time for the first tasting of the day. Sitting in Tina's lovely conservatory, with portions of each of our dishes, complemented by a glass or two of wine from Tina, this all seemed like a wonderful idea!

In the afternoon we made chicken biryani, potato and spinach oolarthiuthu (yes, that's what I said!), naan bread, samosas and Indian spiced pudding with pineapple. (We were also given a recipe for mango chutney).

Another tasting (with more wine!) followed, this time sitting in the sunshine in the lovely garden.

All in all, it was fabulous day and I learned quite a lot of new skills (even down to a new way to dice onion!). I've now tried most of the recipes at home, and all have gone down well with the recipients!

I'd heartily recommend you giving one of Tina's cookery days or evenings a try - whether you're an experienced cook, or don't know where to start, I'm sure Tina would make you feel welcome and comfortable, and you'll definitely learn something worthwhile! The courses are excellent value - Tina provides all of the ingredients and everything you need on the day, all you need to do is turn up!

Details for Tina's courses can be found on www.cookinkilworth.co.uk