Stories

Cool Teen Gifts for Trendy Kids in Sydney

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By Kellie Maloney

Looking for cool gifts for teens in Sydney? We have a range of gift experiences that are perfect for parents chasing unique present ideas!

How to Enhance Team Motivation in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Discover the fun side of team building in Sydney! Elevate work culture and performance effortlessly with these corporate activities for team motDiscover the fun side of team building in Sydney! Elevate work culture and performance effortlessly with these corporate activities for team motivation. ...

Try Out a Photography Class in Sydney (2025)

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By John Tabari

Try out a photography class in Sydney and learn how to take photos on manual mode or your smartphone while exploring Sydney.

Creative School Holiday Activities in Sydney

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By ClassBento Team

Beat boredom with school holiday activities in Sydney to engage and delight your kids! Plus, redeem NSW Creative Kids vouchers valid on over 100Beat boredom with school holiday activities in Sydney to engage and delight your kids! Plus, redeem NSW Creative Kids vouchers valid on over 100 workshops. ...

Discover Surry Hills' Best-Kept Secrets This Weekend

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By Laine Fullerton

Surry Hills is brimming with creativity and there's even more things to do than you might expect...

Support Local Creatives at Art Classes Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Sydney's art classes invite you to explore untapped creativity! Engage in painting, resin art and more. Work with local artists and create masterpiecesSydney's art classes invite you to explore untapped creativity! Engage in painting, resin art and more. Work with local artists and create masterpieces in 2025! ...

9 Top Hens Party Ideas to Relax the Bride-to-be in 2025

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By Kellie Maloney

Wedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2025 to help her ease some worries and haveWedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2025 to help her ease some worries and have fun! ...

Killer Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney to Help You Be the Best Best Man

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By Sam Bowden

Just been appointed the role of Best Man at your mate's impending nuptials? With these unique bucks party ideas in Sydney you can avoid the tropes,Just been appointed the role of Best Man at your mate's impending nuptials? With these unique bucks party ideas in Sydney you can avoid the tropes, cliches, and dodgy traditions of the stag do... ...

Unique Gift Experiences for Him (Or Her) in Sydney

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Get him what he really wants with these 5 experience gifts for him in Sydney. From leather to fire and broken ceramics, these gift ideas will blowGet him what he really wants with these 5 experience gifts for him in Sydney. From leather to fire and broken ceramics, these gift ideas will blow his mind. ...

Everything You'll Learn at Sewing Courses Sydney

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By Jana Lepojevic

Learn the art of sewing in Sydney! From beginners to advanced, discover how sewing courses can teach you to make clothes, embroidery and more.

Meet the Classic Cupcake Co

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By Laine Fullerton

From baking for the Royal Family to serving up cakes to the Mosman community, join Anna Eden, founder of The Classic Cupcake Co., and learn her cakeFrom baking for the Royal Family to serving up cakes to the Mosman community, join Anna Eden, founder of The Classic Cupcake Co., and learn her cake decorating secrets! ...

Meet MakMak Macarons

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By Charlotte McKewen

Meet founder of MakMak Macarons, Carlos Heng - the creator of Sydney's tastiest award-winning round treats!

7 Benefits to Trying Out a Photography Course in Sydney (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

See your city through a whole new lens and reap the benefits of photography courses in Sydney!

5 Sydney Experiences That Will Lift Your Mood

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By Sam Bowden

Looking for Sydney experiences that will lift your spirits? From glassblowing to ramen-making, here are five cozy activities to do this weekend!

Best Experience Gift Ideas for Her in Sydney Delivered to Her Door

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By Sam Bowden

Spoil the lady in your life with our creative range of experiences gifts for her that can be delivered straight to her door!

Best Bachelorette Party Ideas at Home in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Looking to host at least part of your hens party at home or your hens weekend accommodation? These at-home hens party ideas in Sydney are for yoLooking to host at least part of your hens party at home or your hens weekend accommodation? These at-home hens party ideas in Sydney are for you! ...

Best 40th Birthday Presents in Sydney for the Man in Your Life

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By Sam Bowden

Find the best 40th birthday presents for men with these experience gift ideas in Sydney! Think woodworking, cooking and cocktails for a celebratoryFind the best 40th birthday presents for men with these experience gift ideas in Sydney! Think woodworking, cooking and cocktails for a celebratory occasion. ...

Learn to Cook Traditional Japanese Food in Sydney

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

‘We are truly happy. We would like to continue passing on Japanese food culture to the generations to come and work harder to let people overseas‘We are truly happy. We would like to continue passing on Japanese food culture to the generations to come and work harder to let people overseas appreciate the benefits of washoku’ revelled the Japanese President Shinzo Abe, in late 2013. Japanese cuisine or ‘washoku’ had just earned a place on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, seated between nations: France and Mexico, lauded for their culturally significant cuisines.  In a country renowned for its harmonious relationship to food, the recognition arrived at a time when vast amounts of food waste suggested otherwise. Specifically, a whopping eight million tons of it. President of the National Assembly on the Preservation and Continuation of Washoku Culture, Isao Kumakura, attributed the waste to the seductive charm of convenience. The Japanese appeared to be swept up in soaring productivity of the 21st century, the fast-paced days saw the home delivery of noodle-dishes and bento box lunches, fad-food diets and restaurant distributed meals replacing home-cooked. This detachment from food, ruined the very foundation of washoku: valuing food and avoiding waste. The pace of progress has not slowed for anyone, least of all Japan, since 2013, though the movements of bodies such as the National Assembly, alongside grassroots action, have certainly helped revive the endangered washoku. Implementation of parent-child classes in diverse dietary education, provision of local dishes in school lunches and community events and the establishment of symposiums on Japan’s dietary culture, have encouraged locals to rediscover their identity. Rediscovering Washoku Over the course of history, the cultural influence of nations embarking upon Japanese shores has resulted in numerous culinary transformations. The arrival of European missionaries during the 16th century saw locals combine Spanish and Portuguese frying techniques. An experimentation with Chinese methods of cooking during this time resulted in tempura: a deep-fried dish typically focused on seafood and vegetables, popular in modern Japan. Japanese chefs incorporated increasingly more meat into their dishes, reflective of Western-style cooking during the 19th century. Soon enough, beef, deep-fried pork cutlets and curry dominated the food scene. Underlying it all: the traditional Japanese cuisine: washoku, valuing simplicity and health. Surrounded by seas where warm and cold currents converge, Japan is home to four thousand species of fish, including squid, octopus, and eel. Sea vegetables line the shores and well developed rice fields saw the birth of a culture of cultivation, dating two thousand years. A combination of Japan’s natural elements, constitute the basis of washoku. Sitting down for a traditional meal typically resembles: a bowl of rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, fish or meat. Noodles often replace rice as a staple food, including udon, soba and ramen. Only the freshest and seasonal ingredients are served, in minimalist presentation. Japanese chefs aim to harness the natural flavour and texture of each ingredient, most commonly fish, requiring knife mastery specific to Japanese culinary arts. As children, locals are taught to balance plain-tasting rice with stronger side-tasting dishes, consuming a morsel of rice after each bite of side dish, savouring the taste and texture of every ingredient and achieve a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Umami is the core, essential element in washoku, translated from Japanese to ‘pleasant savoury taste’ coined by chemist: Kikunae Ikeda, back in 1908. Japanese cooking uses minimal ingredients, umami provides the flavour base for most dishes. The flavour is richest in fermented condiments such as ‘dashi’, a rich stock made from kelp, miso (fermented soybean paste) and soy sauce.   Of the numerous styles of Japanese cooking, chakaiseki (also spelt as kaiseki): cuisine of the tea ceremony meal, honzen ryori: elaborate style of banquet cooking and kaiseki ryori: traditional multi-course dinner, Shojin ryori: the temple food of Zen Buddhists, values traditional cuisine in a deeply introspective approach, reflective of the Buddhist gratitude to nature, promoting harmony of mind, body and soul. Temple Food of Zen Buddhists Dating back to prehistoric times, the Japanese’ indigenous worldview has found profound religious meaning in its surrounding natural environment. Founder of Soto Zen, Japanese monk: Dogen Zenshi, asserted the belief that non-sentient beings shared the human ability to engage in discourse with the Buddhist Dharma, and were therefore not exempt from enlightenment. Dogen’s philosophical values extend to shojin ryori, one of many Japanese cuisines, though maintains the largest influence on food in the country.   A common mantra of Zen Buddhism, spreading through 13th century Japan, was the belief in foods to provide balance, alignment to body, mind and spirit. Buddhist monks indulged in soybean-based foods, seasonal vegetables and wild mountain plants. Forbidden to slaughter animals for consumption, monks abstained from meat, fish or any animal product, believed to cloud the spirit and interfere with meditation. The ‘rule of five’ underlies shojin ryori meals, based on achieving nutritional balance and placing the body in balance with the seasons, by incorporating five colours and flavours into each meal. Common seasonal vegetables include: cucumber and tomato for refreshment in Summertime and root vegetables to warm the body in Winter. Buddhist monks preserve all components of local vegetables, including the tops and skins off carrots, radish leaves, out of respect for the natural environment. Knife Mastery Unique to Japanese cuisine is its cultural eating rituals and habits. Japanese chefs, who train for years, wield their artistic hands to create vigilantly prepared dishes, appealing to the senses as well as palate. Perhaps more reflective of an art form, than cooking, highly-skilled Japanese chefs dedicate laborious hours to rolling sushi with a bamboo rolling mats, grating daikon, grinding fresh sesame seeds, wielding clay cooking pots and simmering delicate fish with a wooden-drop lid (otoshi-buta). Mastering multiple knife techniques, chefs choose from an array of knives and cut entirely by hand: delicate slices of sashimi, wispy strands of daikon, flowers out of carrots and fish, beef and chicken into bite-sized pieces to be handled by chopsticks. Raw, simmered, fried, steamed, roasted or grilled, Japanese cuisine is presented on the plate with the utmost precision, the result of strenuous dedication, echoing a philosophy gratitudinous of the environment. Japanese Cuisine in Sydney Over the past few decades, Japanese cuisine has found a face in the international market. A boom in Japanese restaurants overseas, has attracting diverse audiences to sushi and noodle bars, to reap the benefits of the natural, nutritional dishes. Unfortunately, however, some of its authenticity has been lost along the journey. At the helm of Japanese eateries both small and large, chefs are often not of Japanese descent or properly trained in Japanese cuisine, and lean towards dishes that more closely resemble Chinese food, or take shortcuts and simply serve MSG-filled food. For an authentic Japanese culinary experience, Sydney-siders can opt for a professional-led class with ClassBento. Embark upon an appreciation of Japanese culture, begin a journey  of health improvement, and choose from a range of classes with Yoshiko Takeuchi, who boasts over ten years cooking experience. Yoshiko has frequented some of Sydney’s top kitchens, specialising in Japanese vegetarian and vegan recipes, in a mission to promote a healthy and enriching lifestyle. Start with a beginner's course, or jump straight into in a Superfood Gyoza or Power of Miso cooking class. Learn how to make healthy alternatives to gyoza, miso and sushi minus the msg and deep-frying practices found in some restaurants. Form mounds of sushi rice, create nigiri and nori rolls whilst sipping on Japanese tea with other Japanese-food enthusiasts. Make tofu from soybeans, tempura or matcha green tea salt. Embrace the Buddhist lifestyle in a Shojin Ryori Vegetarian cooking class by Setsuko Yanagisawa and make mushroom tempura, lotus roots dishes, and much more, while relaxing your mind and spirit with tea and sake. Introduce yourself to a diverse range of Japanese ingredients, refine your skills and cleanse your body. Interested in making traditional Japanese sweets? Learn to make Japanese sweets in Sydney! ...

Celebrate Your Next Event with Floristry Classes in Sydney

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By Jana Lepojevic

Elevate your next event with floristry classes in Sydney. Create flower crowns, bouquets and more to celebrate a hens, birthday, Valentine's or yourElevate your next event with floristry classes in Sydney. Create flower crowns, bouquets and more to celebrate a hens, birthday, Valentine's or your mum! ...

Discover Local Hidden Gems at Sydney Photography Workshops

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By Tiffany Fung

Be your own tourist at photography classes in Sydney and discover new, hidden gems to capture through your lens.

One Year Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can't Miss

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By Annie Symmonds

Find inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift eFind inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift experiences. ...

Last Minute Experience Gifts for Sydneysiders

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By ClassBento Team

Spoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops andSpoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops and much more! ...

Make Your Own T-shirt with Screen Printing

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By ClassBento Team

As a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it wasAs a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it was going to be complicated.   The contraption had several limbs branching out at different angles like some kind of advanced, spinning robot ready for take-off. The metal base was dripping with ink in various bright colors.   “I’m going to use that?” I asked my teacher.   She shook her head with a smile, “That’s a little advanced for you. Don’t worry, we’re going to be working with individual screens for now. It’s still a little complicated, but you’ll have fun.”   Over the next two weeks, I spent hours designing, cutting, aligning, and squeegee-ing on various types of paper and fabric. There were times when I wanted to pull my hair out and times that I was ecstatic with the outcome, but usually I was just extremely focused on my work.   By the time I had completed my first project - a tricolor work that would probably make Andy Warhol cringe - I was hooked on the hobby. I couldn’t wait to show off my freshly-pressed artwork to friends and family. I actually started to make my own t shirts with screen printing!!   “Just wait until you learn more about the history,” my art teacher prodded.   Indeed, screen printing has an interesting tale to tell.   The art form has a surprisingly long history, with Polynesian Island natives producing the first images by seeping ink through banana leaves over 1500 years ago (1). Similar techniques popped up in China and Japan, where they developed in sophistication and skill. At the 1853 World’s Fair, Japanese goods were lauded by European and American artists, who sought to learn and commercialize the art form.    Though screen printing wouldn’t show up in Australia until the second World War, other forms of printing have always been a crucial part of the country’s history (2). For instance, a humble little device came over with the first fleet in 1788, though it was incomprehensible to all crew members.   Once the newcomers learned how to use the press, printing exploded in the form of newspapers and informative books on exploration of the continent. This type of production was usually relegated to the commercial sector, and wouldn’t become popular as an art form until the 1970’s, as a result of Andy Warhol’s explosive entrance into the art world.   As an American artist, Warhol’s most famous works depict American popular culture, such as his iconic renditions of actress Marilyn Monroe in the 1960’s. As a result of his pioneering endeavors, artists all over the world began experimenting with silk screens.   The craft became particularly popular in Aboriginal communities, specifically in Bathurst Island and at Gunbalanya, where much of the printmaking took place on fabric instead of the otherwise popular paper (3). Over the next few decades, this style would become an integral piece of Aboriginal fashion design, with artists showcasing their work in art galleries, Parisian fashion venues, and international cultural exhibits.   Considering its humble beginnings, screen printing has certainly had an interesting journey. Today, many individuals, with or without an artistic background, are exploring the craft by attending printing classes. In fact, ClassBento offers a class in Marrickville lead by Carizza Teague who studied the art form at the Eastern Sydney Institute of Technology and has been teaching it for seven years.   You may be as surprised by a beginner’s class as I was the first time I saw a screen printing press, but there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy your first experience. Here are a few fundamental aspects to the process that may help you prepare for your first class.   First, the materials   This type of printing requires a pretty particular set of objects. Most notably, the screen, which is generally a wooden frame fixed with a thin semitransparent film. You will also be provided with a squeegee, emulsion liquid, printing ink, and testing fabric (although you should bring your own fabric for the finished project: think tea towels, tee-shirts, or tote bag.) Your instructor will have a light box to help the emulsion process along quickly.   If most of these items seem foreign to you, that’s okay. Your instructor will explain everything!   Churning out your work   So, all you need is a screen and some ink right? Why all this other stuff?   Well, it’s a little more complex than just seeping ink through a film. Carizza’s class uses a photo emulsion method, which requires the following steps:   1.     You design a creative graphic. Anything you want! Elegant lettering, your dog, your best friend, the sky’s the limit. 2.     You create a transparent version of your beautiful image that will be stripped away after the emulsion process (your teacher will help you with this part.) 3.     You prepare for emulsion by fixing your image to a screen, which has been covered with the emulsion liquid. 4.     When you expose your screen to light, the emulsion will harden where the liquid is exposed, allowing you to eventually strip away your transparent image. 5.     What is left is a kind of stencil through which you can squeeze ink onto fabrics, shirts, and paper products!   As a beginner, you will probably be satisfied with sticking to one color for your graphic, creating a minimalist work of art that will astound your friends and family. But, as you advance in your practice, this method can incorporate more and more colors into your work (just remember, each step usually requires a completely new graphic!)   In other words, whether you're interested in a novice understanding of screen printing, or you want to take it to the next level, you can be sure that there’s never going to be too little or too much that you can do with your art. You may even advance to larger printing presses!   So, don’t be shy! Anyone can make a beautiful graphic using this method, and there’s nothing quite like showcasing your work as part of your daily wardrobe.         References:   (1)  georgerodriguefoundation.org (2)  neram.com.au (3)  digitalcommons.unl.edu ...

Untraditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts They'll Love

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By Annie Symmonds

Defy convention with these untraditional wedding anniversary gift ideas and shine a spotlight on quality time and romance.

Alternative Experience Gifts for Him in Sydney

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Surprise your man with these unique experience gifts for him in Sydney that will explore a side of him you might never even have known existed!

Team Building Ideas in Sydney for Small and Large Teams

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By Susana Aguilera

Discover unique and creative ways to connect with your colleagues and increase wellness at these team building activities in Sydney!

Is Creativity the Cure for Loneliness?

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By Laine Fullerton

Discover the science behind the power of creativity and connection.

7 Unique Gifts for Women Who Have Everything

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover our amazing range of gift experiences for her in Australia and celebrate the special woman in your life with a present that is as uniqueDiscover our amazing range of gift experiences for her in Australia and celebrate the special woman in your life with a present that is as unique as she is! ...

What to Expect at a Barista Course in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Level up your morning cup of joe at a barista course in Sydney! These hands-on workshops are the perfect place to learn how to make your own coffeeLevel up your morning cup of joe at a barista course in Sydney! These hands-on workshops are the perfect place to learn how to make your own coffee at home. ...

Unique Gifts You Can Make Yourself in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Personalise your presents in 2023 with these DIY gift experiences in Sydney. From handmade candles to enjoying paint and sip together, there's somethingPersonalise your presents in 2023 with these DIY gift experiences in Sydney. From handmade candles to enjoying paint and sip together, there's something for all. ...

Creative After Work Activities in Sydney

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By ClassBento Team

After work drinks at the pub are great, but in an exciting young city like Sydney, there's lots more to do and explore in the evening hours especiallyAfter work drinks at the pub are great, but in an exciting young city like Sydney, there's lots more to do and explore in the evening hours especially if you're in need of rainy day activities in Sydney.  Thanks to our local artists, who are willing to share their passion and expertise, we've got a huge variety of secret and less known things to do in Sydney this weekend. Creative workshops are lots of fun, relaxing, and can help you take a real mental break from the stresses of work and beyond, as well as encouraging you to maintain a better balance against digital addictions (aka a great way to start/stay on digital detox). Do something social - go out with some friends or your other half, or take the opportunity to build relationships with some colleagues or clients. Why not meet some like-minded friends-to-be (and maybe even a potential special someone)? Avoid getting stuck and wasting time in peak hour traffic. Take some time for yourself and zen out, and by the time you're done, all those commuters will be gone and you'll have a much smoother and easier time home. #travelhacks Our teachers are flexible and love to teach, so you're welcome to Request an after-hours workshop. Whether you're in Redfern, Marrickville, Rozelle or elsewhere, we'll have a creative class close to you. And if you'd like to spend some time after your usual work hours teaching and getting some additional income, we'd love to hear from you.   Here are some of our favourites: Make a Kokedama or terrarium, in a beautiful Redfern floristry Draw a portrait, perhaps of someone you know (or keep it safe and do something more neutral), under the guidance of a professional illustrator Indulge in cheese, wine... and art of course, in a cozy Rozelle studio. Laugh, chat and create, with a talented artist Learn to make proper coffee in a barista or espresso class, or even jazz it up with a latte art class, with a world champion barista. Get physical and learn to juggle in one of Sydney's beautiful parks (perfect for those longer summer evenings). Take a photography class and develop both your technical skills as well as your artistic approach, with an experienced photographer (smartphones or DSLRs both welcome), in the gorgeous surroundings of The Rocks. It's a perfect time to hone your low-light / night photography skills in particular. ...

6 Reasons to Try Vegan Cooking Classes in Sydney

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By Jana Lepojevic

Explore vibrant plant-based cuisine with vegan cooking classes in Sydney. Learn delicious recipes, promote wellness and embrace sustainability.

Why Cooking Classes Are the Best Team Building Activities in Sydney

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By Courtenay Turner

Looking for team building activities in Sydney that aren't a bore? Check out these hands-on corporate cooking classes and whip up something seriouslyLooking for team building activities in Sydney that aren't a bore? Check out these hands-on corporate cooking classes and whip up something seriously special together. ...

Classy 30th Birthday Gift Ideas in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Looking for 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney that are a little fancier? Discover our classy gift experiences to help you celebrate your birthdayLooking for 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney that are a little fancier? Discover our classy gift experiences to help you celebrate your birthday in style. ...

Best Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Introverts in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Planning birthday party ideas for introverted kids can be a lot easier than you may first think, and Sydney has a plethora of choices for you andPlanning birthday party ideas for introverted kids can be a lot easier than you may first think, and Sydney has a plethora of choices for you and your little ones. ...

Everything You Need to Know About Pottery

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

Discover everything you need to know before trying pottery classes in Sydney, from ancient techniques to beginner-friendly tips and creative insDiscover everything you need to know before trying pottery classes in Sydney, from ancient techniques to beginner-friendly tips and creative inspiration. ...

7 Best Experiences to Give as Gifts in 2025

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking for unique experience gifts in Australia? Discover the power of gifting experiences as gifts instead, perfect for making your loved onesLooking for unique experience gifts in Australia? Discover the power of gifting experiences as gifts instead, perfect for making your loved ones feel special. ...

Try a Superfood Cocktail Making Class in Sydney This Weekend

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By Tiffany Fung

Master the art of mixology at cocktail making classes in Sydney and pick up the confidence and know-how to add a healthy superfood twist to yourMaster the art of mixology at cocktail making classes in Sydney and pick up the confidence and know-how to add a healthy superfood twist to your cocktails. ...

Learn How to Make Macarons in Sydney

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By John Tabari

Learn how to make macarons at fun baking classes in Sydney.  French or Parisian Macaron What people often refer to as a ‘Parisian’Learn how to make macarons at fun baking classes in Sydney.  French or Parisian Macaron What people often refer to as a ‘Parisian’ or ‘French’ macaron is the traditional recipe. That is, two meringue biscuits on top of one another with a sweet filling. Usually ganache, buttercream, smooth cream or caramel. They are easy to make but you must adhere closely to the recipe, otherwise they could end up with an undesirable appearance or texture. To make any variation of the macaron, you should first acquaint yourself with the basic recipe or alternatively if you dare you could book a class with MakMak's macaron making class in sydney If not then read on!   How to make macaron shells:   Whisk egg whites until they form meringue. You will know you’re at this point when you lift the whisk out of the bowl and it leaves stiff peaks. Add any food colouring or flavour at this point. Process almonds in a blender until smooth. You can also combine powdered sugar in the blender too. Sift this mixture well to get rid of any clumps. Fold the sifted almond granules and powdered sugar into the meringue. Continue to fold until you achieve a shaving foam consistency. Using a piping bag, pipe the mixture in the desired size onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave around an inch between each shell. Tap the baking sheets firmly a couple of times to release any air bubbles. Leave to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes until the shells form a skin. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 325 F until they have risen and set. Let them cool before adding the filling. How to make a macaron buttercream filling: Cream butter until it’s smooth. Then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until fluffy. Using a piping bag, pipe the filling onto one shell and gently compress both shells together.   Various fillings   You may want to change up your fillings depending on the flavour of the macaron whether sweet, savoury or a fruity flavour. For instance for a savoury macaron a common substitution for buttercream is cream cheese, which you can also make from scratch. You could get really experimental and see how smooth peanut butter or lemon curd work. Anything that has a thick, pasty consistency could work. But be sure to steer clear of ingredients with high moisture contents such as whipped cream or ice cream, as these will dissolve the shells. Make sure you’re gentle when adding a filling; they are delicate and pressing too hard could crush them.     Different Shapes   If you think that you’re a pretty skilled baker, or have mastered the simple macaron, try experimenting with different shapes. MakMak’s CEO Carlos the “Mak” daddy of macrons can give you your first steps in creating some amazing macarons with his macaron making class. If you’re game you could make animals, flowers or even other food shapes with macarons. Similarly, another Toronto baker, Christopher Siu creates macaron characters, including some faces you might recognise.   To make these macarons, follow the basic recipe. When it comes to piping out the mixture, you would need to pipe it into the desired shape. To achieve the desired colour, add food colouring in while you’re folding the dry ingredients into the egg whites.   Be careful though, these treats may end up being too adorable to eat. Taste test more of the best baking classes in Sydney here.  Bonus: Macaroons   People often confuse macarons and macaroons, thinking that they’re the same thing. In fact, if you google ‘macaroon’ you will still see results for macarons. But macaroons are a coconut based sweet, which is chewy on the inside with a crisp exterior. They are quite different from the traditional French macaron. The Anglicised pronunciation of ‘macaron’ often lends to the confusion.   Start by mixing sweetened condensed milk, shaved coconut flakes and vanilla extract until well combined. Then whisk egg whites and salt, the way you would to get meringue. Add the two mixtures together and fold. Scoop small dollops of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Then bake at 325 F for 25 minutes.   For some extra sweetness, dip the bottom of the macaroons in melted chocolate and then refrigerate for 10 minutes. Let the chocolate set and enjoy.   Macaron Troubleshooting Tips   Anyone who has attempted to make macarons will know that they don’t always turn out well. In fact, they often turn out less than perfect, since the margin for error could occur at any time throughout the baking process. Here’s what to look for if your macarons aren’t quite up to the Ladurée standard: Peaks on the shell. This can happen when the dry ingredients were not sifted enough or the batter was under-mixed. Cracked shell. This happens when the batter is overmixed. Uneven Shell. The batter is too liquidy or under-beaten. Too Crispy. The shells were left in the oven too long. ...

5 Creative Team Building Activities in Australia Your Team Will Love

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By Tiffany Fung

Want to find a group activity your team will actually enjoy? Discover our team building activities in Australia to help inspire and motivate yourWant to find a group activity your team will actually enjoy? Discover our team building activities in Australia to help inspire and motivate your team in 2025. ...

Share the Love and Gift Sydney Experiences for Two

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By Tiffany Fung

Whether you’re looking for mother-daughter time, date night ideas or anniversary gift ideas, find the perfect gift for two with experience giftsWhether you’re looking for mother-daughter time, date night ideas or anniversary gift ideas, find the perfect gift for two with experience gifts in Sydney! ...

Discover How to Take Good Photos with Your Smartphone in Sydney

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By Annie Symmonds

Grab your smartphone and your walking shoes and learn how to take good photos on your smartphone at photography courses in Sydney!

Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas

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By ClassBento Team

Calling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair inCalling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair in 2025! ...

Creative Gift Voucher Ideas for Her in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Need creative voucher ideas in Sydney this Christmas? From pottery to candle making, make your 2023 gifts for her special with local workshops runNeed creative voucher ideas in Sydney this Christmas? From pottery to candle making, make your 2023 gifts for her special with local workshops run by passionate makers. ...

Incredible Surprise 50th Birthday Ideas in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

In need of 50th birthday ideas for a surprise party in Sydney? ClassBento's workshops and activities make for an incredible surprise milestone birthdayIn need of 50th birthday ideas for a surprise party in Sydney? ClassBento's workshops and activities make for an incredible surprise milestone birthday experience. ...

9 Reasons to Try Cooking Class in Sydney

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By John Tabari

Need a little convincing to try cooking classes in Sydney? From exploring different cultures to building confidence, here are 9 reasons to try cookingNeed a little convincing to try cooking classes in Sydney? From exploring different cultures to building confidence, here are 9 reasons to try cooking courses. ...

What to Expect at Painting Courses in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

New to the world of painting? Read our beginner guide to uncovering what painting courses in Sydney are really like!

Crafty Gift Ideas for Couples with Unique Style

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover crafty gift ideas for stylish couples! Explore Kintsugi, textile classes, and artistic endeavours for creating unique home decor and lastingDiscover crafty gift ideas for stylish couples! Explore Kintsugi, textile classes, and artistic endeavours for creating unique home decor and lasting memories. ...