Cooking Classes
2024-2025 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.
Fall 2024
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. 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
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. 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
1/21 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 $10.00.
1/28 Cooking with Grains: rich sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals grains have sustained the world for years. In class we’ll explore the array of grains out there and how to make them a part of our diets. From rice to millet, quinoa to teff you will get a chance to taste many dishes using these important foods. There will also be recipes to take home. Food Fee $10.00.
2/4 Whole Grain Baking: Whole grain breads and other baked goods don’t have to be heavy or “grainy” in texture. If you know the proper procedure, you can make 100% whole grain bread that has great texture, and that does not resemble and doorstop. Some grains work better than others, and we’ll learn about that in class, too. If you are trying to get away from white flour- this class will teach you about whole grain alternatives. Lots of samples in class- and recipes for home. Food Fee $10.00
2/11 Citrus Cuisine: Winter is citrus season and it makes sense to take advantage of that fact. Well beyond making juice in class you will learn how to use a variety of citrus fruits in main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts and more. You will get a chance to taste several dishes in class and will get a lot of recipes to take home. Food Fee $10.00.
2/18 Winter Salads: When the weather is cold outside the idea of a salad might not be the first idea that pops into your mind. Winter salads can be a way to beat those wintertime blues. Full of greens, citrus and some unexpected ingredients, these salads are a great first course. Some are a meal in themselves. You’ll get a chance to sample several salads in class and there are plenty of recipes to take home. Food Fee $10.00.
2/25 Skillet Dinners: Simple and fast is a good way to describe skillet dinners. In class you’ll get plenty of recipes and tasty samples of meals made on top of the stove. Many are made in 30 minutes or less, perfect for weekday dinners or any time you want a home-cooked meal in less time. Some take more time, but are well worth the wait. Food fee $10.00
3/04 Wok This Way: Stir-frying can be a fun and fast way to prep dinner. With wok cooking vegetables are still crisp and colorful and you haven’t spent the whole evening in the kitchen. It also does not need to be only Asian-style dishes. In class you’ll learn to cook like a pro with a wok in dishes from all over the world. There will be plenty to taste in class and recipes for home. Food Fee: $10.00
3/11 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: $10.00
3/18 Waste Not, Want Not: No one wants to waste money. Estimates say that we throw out $1,000-$3,000 in food, per household, every year. This class will teach you how to bring down that number. Shopping, storage and preservation information will be provided. We will also cook some tasty food designed to get more from your food budget. Food fee: $10.00.
3/25 Doughnuts, Fritters and Other Fried Treats: Fried dough is a treat enjoyed in many cultures throughout the world. In this class, you will learn how to make all sorts of fried goodies- doughnuts, fritters, churros and more. You be making them in class and taking plenty of recipes home with you. Food Fee $10.00
4/1 Marvelous Mushrooms: Mushrooms are available in a wide array these days and are very versatile. If you are unsure how to maximize them in cooking this class is for you. Learn how to cook with all sorts of mushrooms and get a chance to taste several dishes that focus on using them. You will also get recipes for home. Food Fee $10.00.
4/8 5 or Fewer: If you are tired of recipes with long ingredient lists try this class. All the recipes use 5 or fewer ingredients. Mostly main dishes and sides there are also some delectable desserts. Learn to make dinner simply, often using items you can have on hand and by using some convenience foods. Food Fee $10.00.
4/15 Chicken: If you are eating more chicken, but enjoying it less you may just need some new preparation ideas. In class you’ll learn about the types of chicken on the market and how to cook it to juicy perfection. Pacific Rim Stir-Fry, Lemon Chicken and Chicken Marsala are just a few of the recipes you’ll get in class along with samples for tasting. Many recipes for home, too. Food Fee $10.00.
4/22 Pasta Sauces: If your family is like most American families you are probably eating more pasta than ever. There are also more types of pasta to choose from every day. Still, the most common pasta topping is still tomato sauce. In class you’ll get plenty of new recipes and ideas to make your pasta special every night. Recipes include Indonesian Peanut Sauce, Almost Alfredo (a reduced fat dish), Carrot sauce and more. There are plenty of samples in class and recipes to take home. Food Fee. $10.00
4/29 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 $10.00.
5/6 Scones and Muffins: The smell of fresh baked scones or muffins is a great way to start any day. In class you’ll learn how to make scones, muffins, quick breads and biscuits. From choosing the right flour to mixing the right way you’ll learn how to make fast and easy home-baked treats. Lots of food to taste in class and recipes for home. Food fee $10.00
5/13 Cheesecakes: America’s favorite dessert. At least by some accounts. In class you’ll learn how to make perfect cheesecake every time. There will sample to enjoy in class and plenty of recipes to take home including cheesecake from the Russian Tearoom, Frozen Mocha Cheesecake and even a reduced fat recipe. Food Fee $10.00.
5/20 Tea Time: Serving tea in an English tradition that is gaining popularity here. Learn 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 $10.00
5/27 Liqueurs: Learn about the history of liqueurs and how their combination of fruit, herbs and spices can enhance your cooking. Sample recipes that, through the addition of liqueurs, go from ordinary to extraordinary. You’ll learn how to make your own liqueurs and how to use them in cooking. You will also get recipes to take home. No one under 21 is permitted to take this class. Food Fee: $10.00
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