Alfred has installed a demonstration kitchen in a dining hall and began giving free classes last month.

But with so many women in the compound and only one small demonstration kitchen, it was not clear how much practice the women got.

A large mirror over the demonstration kitchen's counter provides a better look at the chef's hands.

Other attractions include a full-time chef in a demonstration kitchen and a knife sharpener.

In the demonstration kitchen, she ditches her shoes, "just like home," she said, as if sharing a deep intimacy.

The ground floor featured space for displays and waiting visitors, a demonstration kitchen and an auditorium.

And with luck and some outside financing, a large, glassed-in demonstration kitchen will become a television studio.

A wine or coffee bar might be placed at one end, a demonstration kitchen at the other.

Also located within the facility is a 100-seat demonstration kitchen.

The two-story, 22,000 square foot building includes three classrooms, and four teaching kitchens, incorporating a public demonstration kitchen.