Sooner or later, though, you are going to have to take a hands-on class and get into the kitchen yourself.

If a chef's demo is ballet, hands-on classes are operatic hell.

More than anything, hands-on classes force you to get your money's worth.

These are hands-on classes lasting 1 hours, taking place in rooms set up in a classroom style with tables and computers.

One of the best ways to find hands-on classes is www.shawguides.com.

"This is always a hands-on class," said the teacher, Eileen Shaloum.

Virtual classes are also available for pet sitters who do not have hands-on classes available in their area.

In addition to displaying metalwork inside the museum they also offer hands-on classes in the museums workshops.

The course includes four evening sessions and a hands-on class on a Saturday morning.

Food preparation is demonstrated there, but there are no hands-on classes.