Cooking Classes

 

2024 Schedule

It is important to register early so you won’t be shut out. Most classes are hands-on with plenty of food for tasting and recipes to take home. Food fees are payable to me the night of the class. Unless otherwise noted, all evening classes are from 7-9 pm. Please bring containers along so you can take leftovers home with you.


Mentor

Mentor classes are held at Wildwood Cultural Center at 7645 Little Mountain Road. Unless otherwise noted all Mentor classes are held on Tuesdays. You can register online at CityofMentor/play or by phone at 440 974 5720 or 440 974 5735.

Classes in Mentor sell out quickly. Please be sure to ask to go on the waiting list if the class you want to attend is full. We do get openings and if there are enough people on the waiting list we can always schedule an additional session. Cost to residents is $18, non-resident fee is $21. That does not include the food fee paid to me the night of the class. Unless noted- all evening Mentor classes are on Tuesdays.

Note: During the summer months I teach cooking camps with kids, so there are fewer adult classes.

Jan. 16: Chowders and Stews: This class is all about the ultimate comfort foods. Learn how to make all kinds of warm, thick and creamy dishes for chilly nights You will get a chance to sample several dishes in class and will have plenty of recipes for home. You will also learn how to thicken chowders and stews without flour or cornstarch. Food Fee $10.00

 

Jan. 23: Breads of the World: Nearly every country has their own special type of bread. In this class you will learn how to make bread from many cultures including Swedish, Finn, Italian, Polish, Jewish, Middle Eastern and others. There will be a cooking demo in class as well as a ‘hands-on’ session on pita bread. There will be tasting in class and recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00

 

Jan. 30: Go Green, Cooking with Leafy Green Vegetables:  We know we should eat them but many of us just aren’t sure what to do with leafy green vegetables. This class will give plenty of tasty recipes using all sorts of greens. From delicate salad greens to the hearty winter greens you will learn how to prepare them all. Collards, beet greens, kale, broccoli rabe, spinach, chard, dandelion greens and many more. There will recipes to sample in class and recipes for home. Food Fee: $9.00

 

Feb. 6: Asian Take Out: In this class you will learn how to make some of your favorite take out dishes. Lo Mein, Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken, Orange Beef, Fried Rice, WonTon Soup, Crab Rangoons are just some of the recipes you will get to take home. We will be making several of the dishes in class. Food Fee $10.00

 

Feb. 13: A World of Dumplings: The word dumpling means different things to different people. Dumplings can be noodle like spaetzle, soft bready biscuits sitting on top of stew or Asian dough filled with any number of ingredients. In this class we will explore all sorts of foods that fall under the category of “dumpling”. Food Fee: $10.00.  

 

Feb.20: Pierogi Making:  If you want to learn to make your own pierogi- this is the class!! They take a little time, but aren’t hard to make at all. Pierogi, filled dumplings, are a traditional Polish dish. They are often filled with potatoes, but they can be filled with any number of ingredients. In class you will get hands-on experience making your own pierogi. Various fillings will be available. Food Fee $10.00

Feb. 27: How to Make Bagels: Bagels are one of the most popular breakfast foods around. They aren’t like most breads in that they are boiled before baking. Learn to make classic bagels and all sorts of variations in this fun class. Bagel serving suggestions and topping recipes also included. Food Fee: $9.00.  

 

Mar. 5: Spring Holiday Baking: This is a class to celebrate the holidays of Spring. Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, Cinco de Mayo and even recipes to welcome the coming of Spring itself!!!  Breads, scones, desserts and more. Some traditional recipes, and some recipes that might just become classics in your house. Food Fee $9.00

Mar. 12: Cracker Craft: If you never made your own crackers, you might be surprised at how easy and fun they are to make. From graham crackers to wheat, round and rye, in class we will make them all. You’ll get a chance to roll, cut and bake your own in this class. Lots to sample in class and many more recipes to take home, too. Food Fee $9.00.

 

Mar.19: Waffles: Waffles, they’re not just for breakfast anymore.  You’ll get recipes for breakfast waffles, dessert waffles and even whole grain and savory waffles.  Lots for sampling in class. Recipes include fudge waffles, chicken and waffles, Belgian Waffles, buckwheat waffles and more. Food Fee: $9.00

 

Mar. 26: Vegetarian Cooking: Watching your cholesterol? Looking for an alternative to meat and potatoes? In this class you will learn the basics of eating meatless meals including ‘protein pairing’ and how to make food the family will enjoy, too. Whether you are already a vegetarian or just want a change of pace this class will give you a lot of information and plenty of good food. There will recipes to take home and samples to taste in class. Food Fee $9.00.

 

Apr. 2: Pies, Tarts, Quiches and Other Flaky Treats: Learn how to make a perfect pie, quiche and tart every time. You will get recipes for several types of crusts including sweet, savory, low fat, no-bake and even a yeast raised crust.  Learn how to pair up the right crusts with fillings. There will be recipes for fruit and cream pies, quiches and hints from a baker’s daughter. Food Fee $9.00

 

Apr. 9: Cake Rolls: They are classic and can really make an impressive dessert for any party. In class you’ll get recipes for Lemon cake roll, Pumpkin roll, chocolate, Yule Log and many more. They look hard but are really fun and easy to make. Lots to sample in class and some hands-on, too. Food Fee $9.00

 

Apr.16: One Pot Meals: You can create tasty meals for your family without creating chaos in your kitchen. This class is all about making meals that cook in one dish for easy preparation and easy clean up. From casseroles to soups you’ll get to sample a wide array of dishes and you’ll get plenty of time saving tips as well as recipes to take home. Food Fee $10.00.     

 

Apr.23: Around the World with Pizza: Does your family have pizza every Friday night?  Getting bored with the same old traditional pizza? Even though pizza originated in Italy, today we can enjoy it with the taste influence of many other cultures.  Take a trip around the world and learn how to prepare pizza such as Asian Pizza, Chicken Fajita Pizza, Greek Pizza, Double Dutch Extra Cheesy Pizza and more.  Samples will be available for everyone to enjoy!  Next Friday night surprise your family with one of these new pizza variations! Plenty of recipes to take home, too. Food fee $10.00.

 

Apr.30: Tea Time: Serving tea in an English tradition that is gaining popularity here. Learn how to make proper tea and how to make all the tasty treats that are part of a proper tea party.  From scones to lemon cake and cucumber sandwiches to crumpets you will get a chance to taste several tea party foods and you will receive plenty of recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00

May 7: Breakfast in Bed: Pamper the ones you love as well as yourself with picture perfect breakfast foods. Besides learning the basics of preparing eggs and omelets you will also learn how to make fun foods like chocolate waffles, peanut butter pancakes and even homemade granola. There will plenty to taste in class and recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00

May 14: Cooking with Herbs: Cooking with herbs (and spices) can enhance even the simplest of foods. It can also be a way to reduce the use of salt in cooking. In this class you’ll learn the basics of cooking with herbs, both fresh and dried. Buying, preserving and storing herbs will be discussed as well as extending their shelf life. There will be a cooking demo and plenty of food to taste and recipes to take home. Instructor’s cookbook will also be available. Food Fee $9.00.

May 21: Fabulous Phyllo: This paper thin dough is the base for so many wonderful dishes. Phyllo is for more than Baklava. You can make any number of sweet and savory dishes including baklava, cookies, cheesy appetizers, nutty rolls and more. Have fun in class making assorted dishes with this versatile ingredient. Food Fee $10.  

May 28: Cooking With Tortillas: If the only time you eat a tortilla is at a Mexican restaurant be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. The flour and corn tortillas in the dairy counter at your grocery store can be used for everything from appetizers to breakfast, sandwiches to desserts. You’ll learn how to make Mexican and non-Mexican dishes including a baked egg roll! Tortillas are easy to use and can make cooking easier. Recipes to take home and plenty of samples to taste in class. Food Fee $10.00

June 4 : Cool Summer Dining: Summer is a time of year when we like to entertain family and friends at picnics, parties and cookouts, but still want time to relax. You can do both. In class you’ll get plenty of recipes and tips for preparing meals requiring little or no cooking that still taste great. You might even have time for the beach. Food Fee $9.00.

June 11: Homemade Pasta: This dinner time staple is more popular than ever. In class you’ll learn how to make fabulous pasta from scratch. Among the pastas we’ll try are carrot, broccoli, and sesame. whole wheat, sour cream  and many more. There will be some hands-on pasta rolling and some recipes for using store bought pasta, too. There will also be recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00

June 18: Jams and Jelly: Making homemade jams and jellies can be very rewarding and fun, too. You’ll learn the basics of jams, jellies, preserves, conserves and marmalades. There will be food to sample in class and everyone will have a jar of preserves to take home. Recipes included. Food Fee $9.00.

July 2: Picnic: The classic summertime feast will be planned and enjoyed in this class. From a family reunion to an intimate meal for two you will learn how to have perfect picnics every time. From classic dishes to fun new ideas you will get plenty of samples to take in class and recipes to take home. There will also be information on food safety. Food Fee: $9.00.

August 6: Totally Terrific Tomatoes: They are powerhouses of nutrition and very versatile. Fresh, cooked or dried they can be used in salads, sauces, soups and more. In class we will learn how to make the most of this tasty food. You will also learn how to preserve fresh tomatoes by dehydrating, freezing and canning. Plenty to sample in class and recipes for home. Food Fee $9.00   

 

Aug. 13: Pickle Barrel: From old-fashioned crock pickles to pickled peaches this class will teach all you need to know to make tasty pickled products for home and gifts. You’ll get to taste several pickled products and learn how to use them in cooking. You’ll get recipes for cucumbers and other pickles. You also learn how to make tasty relishes including one that uses up all those green tomatoes. There will also be recipes for home. Food Fee $9.00.

Aug. 20: Canning 101:  Canning, when done correctly, is a safe and relatively easy way to preserve food for later use. This class is all about learning the newest rules of canning. You will learn when to use a water bath and when a pressure canner is needed. We’ll discuss what foods are the easiest to can and even the foods that no one should can at home. We’ll also do some tasting in class of home canned foods. Food Fee: $9.00

 

Aug. 27: Awash in Squash: Did you know that in August there are more zucchini than there are people in this country?  Whether you grow your own or just know someone who does you know how prolific summer squash can be. This class will help take back your life and kitchen counters by giving you tons and tons of way to use both summer and winter squash. There will be plenty to try in class and recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00.

Sep. 10: Cooking With Tortillas: If the only time you eat a tortilla is at a Mexican restaurant be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. The flour and corn tortillas in the dairy counter at your grocery store can be used for everything from appetizers to breakfast, sandwiches to desserts. You’ll learn how to make Mexican and non-Mexican dishes including a baked egg roll! Tortillas are easy to use and can make cooking easier. Recipes to take home and plenty of samples to taste in class. Food Fee $10.00
 

Sep. 17: Apples and Pears: While available throughout the year these tasty fruits are certainly at there best in autumn. They are very versatile and can be used in desserts, baked goods and even in main dishes. In class you’ll learn about many of the varieties on the market and about many ways to use them. There will also be a section on freezing for later use. Plenty to sample in class and recipes for home. Food Fee $9.00

 
Sep. 24: A World of Dumplings: The word dumpling means different things to different people. Dumplings can be noodle like spaetzle, soft bready biscuits sitting on top of stew or Asian dough filled with any number of ingredients. In this class we will explore all sorts of foods that fall under the category of “dumpling”. Food Fee: $10.00.  
 

Oct. 1: Awash in Squash: Did you know that in August there are more zucchini than there are people in this country?  Whether you grow your own or just know someone who does you know how prolific summer squash can be. This class will help take back your life and kitchen counters by giving you tons and tons of way to use both summer and winter squash. There will be plenty to try in class and recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00.

 
Oct. 8: Fabulous Phyllo: This paper thin dough is the base for so many wonderful dishes. Phyllo is for more than Baklava. You can make any number of sweet and savory dishes including baklava, cookies, cheesy appetizers, nutty rolls and more. Have fun in class making assorted dishes with this versatile ingredient. Food Fee $10.  
 
Oct. 15: Pierogi Making:  If you want to learn to make your own pierogi- this is the class!! They take a little time, but aren’t hard to make at all. Pierogi, filled dumplings, are a traditional Polish dish. They are often filled with potatoes, but they can be filled with any number of ingredients. In class you will get hands-on experience making your own pierogi. Various fillings will be available. Food Fee $10.00

Oct. 22: Breads of the World: Nearly every country has their own special type of bread. In this class you will learn how to make bread from many cultures including Swedish, Finn, Italian, Polish, Jewish, Middle Eastern and others. There will be a cooking demo in class as well as a ‘hands-on’ session on pita bread. There will be tasting in class and recipes to take home. Food Fee $9.00

Oct. 29: Soups of the World: Soup seems to be the universal comfort food. From hearty to light, piping hot to icy cold soup recipes are as different as the places they come from. This class will explore many cultural soup traditions. From Eastern Asia to Eastern Europe, South America to West Africa you will get a chance to sample soup from all over the globe. Recipes will also be provided. Food Fee $10.00  

Nov. 5: Party Starters: This class with show you how to get the party started. There will be recipes for appetizers and first courses. From finger foods to salads, these small bites are sure to make your evening special. Food Fee $10.00.

Nov. 12: Even More Party Starters: More recipes to start off your evening right. From interesting appetizers to salads and even soups, these recipes are sure to be a hit with d family and friends. Food fee: $10.00

Nov. 19: Focaccia, Bruschetta & Bread Sticks: Simple Italian Breads: Tell your family you’re serving Focaccia Bread or Bruschetta or and they may look at you funny.  But watch their faces change once they take their first bite!  Learn how to prepare Focaccia, a dimpled, Italian flat bread that is a “cousin” to pizza, Bruschetta, a classic Italian appetizer, and Bread Sticks that will compliment any Italian meal. Recipes include Herbed Focaccia and Fennel Bread sticks. There will plenty to taste in class and recipes for home. Food Fee $10.00.

Dec. 3: Cookies, Cookies, Cookies: What could be friendlier than a plate of fresh baked cookies? In class you’ll get hands-on experience making both traditional and innovative cookies including Holiday Fans, Ginger Cookies, Snow People and many more. Bring an apron and baking sheet and be prepared to have a sweet time. There will be cookies to take home and recipes, too. Food Fee $9.00

Dec. 10: Holiday Baking: Create that home for the holiday feeling by learning how to bake some traditional favorites. You’ll also learn how to bake some less-traditional foods, too. There will be several treats to sample in class including tree-shaped sweet rolls and cheese puffs. Use of these goodies as gifts will also be discussed. Many recipes to take home. Food Fee $10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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