Just Foodies

Three Tips on Selecting the Best Cooking Classes.

Taking cooking classes is like opening a window on the world. I love experiencing different cultures, foods, and cooking styles. These opportunities provide great insight into people and their way of life. I love to share my class experience and some good food with friends and family.

My favorite cooking classes have been hands-on and definitely broaden my horizons.  Honestly, I’ve also learned heaps from demonstration classes. It has been pleasure to take a couples’ cooking class, enjoy a girl’s night out or just attend a class on your own. I’m very confident you will find like-minded foodies at any class.  

 Here are some tips on selecting a cooking class that you’ll enjoy.

1. Pick a cooking class that interests you.

• What are your interests? Are you amazed with a certain chef or style of cooking?  Do you love Indian food, but you’ve never been brave enough to try cooking it at home. Maybe baking classes or knife skill classes would improve your confidence and creativity.  Another consideration is taking a class that would help you adapt to a health condition or dietary restriction such as diabetes, paleo diet or gluten-free baking.

• What are the local specialties? Whether it’s Austin’s famous BBQ, Sydney’s Amazing Fish Market, Seattle’s Publix market, or Latin food in Miami, each area has a specialties to learn and enjoy.
  
  
• Who are the amazing teachers in your area? Amazing cooking class teachers share techniques and inspire creativity.  These instructors may be passionate cooks or trained professional chefs.
  Another idea I enjoy is including a cooking class in my vacation plans. A local class can provide unique insights into your destination and you’ll bring home inspiration and techniques to share with friends and family.

2. Pick a class that suits your skill level

The three types of cooking skill training are: Demonstration classes, Hands-On Training and Workshops.

• In demonstration cooking classes, an instructor shows how to prepare food.   The demonstrator usually provides expert tips and you can view the difficult aspects of the techniques.  Demonstration classes are held in a kitchen with a mirror over the counter/cook top that allows students to view the food. These classes are usually shorter length and recipes are generally provided.  Attendees may enjoy a small sample or a full meal.  These classes are fun for beginners and no dishwashing or veggies chopping is required.
  
  
• In hands-on cooking classes students are in the kitchen preparing food, not just watching technique demonstrations or the recipe being prepared.  The instructor usually covers recipe basics and may demonstrate techniques prior to preparations starting.  There is an opportunity to try a new technique and ask detailed questions.  One potential downside in a hands-on class is that participation is usually team based,  so there are many activities happening at the same time.  It is likely you will only work on one or two dishes and that you may not be able to master all techniques taught in the class.  Depending upon the program, you may help with clean-up.
  
  
• Cooking Workshops are immersion training that can last a day, a weekend or even week. They are often a combination of demos and hands-on training. Some workshops include a market visit where students have a chance to procure fresh, local ingredients and sample local delicacies. Depending upon the program, you may help with clean-up.

3. Pick a class that helps you grow your cooking skills and gain confidence or just is plain fun!

• Check what background skills are required. Class descriptions generally describe the culinary skill level required. If you need some pluck to try a new skill, invite a friend to share the experience with you.
  
  
• Confirm that the class size, the instructor and style of class will meet your needs.  Look for classes in your local area or consider a destination cooking class. 
  
  
• If the class is a fun night out, choose a class that emphasizes entertainment.  There specific couples classes, Mom and Me or Girls Night Out classes that are enjoyable. Some schools also offer cooking classes as a corporate team building experience.

I learn something in every class. Even if you have been cooking for years a culinary skill building class can provide new insights or help you perfect a challenging technique.

I’ll share some of my favorite cooking classes in another post. Please check out the rest of JustFoodies to find local classes in your area.  I'd love to hear about your cooking class experiences.

I hope you will participate, learn, cook & share! Have fun and enjoy the cooking classes.

 

Related articles

Fort Collins, Colorado: Cooking Classes and Summer Foodie FUN!

Indianapolis Cooking Classes

Grand Rapids Cooking Classes and Grand Haven Cooking Classes

Austin,Texas Cooking Classes

The Best Frugal Gifts for a Foodie

What's New: A European Epicurean Excursion

Fort Collins Cooking Classes - Gluten Free

If you are looking for help adjusting to gluten free baking and cooking, Fort Collins has a team of resident experts at the Fork in the Road cooking school. Gina Mohr-Callahan and Gerald N. Callahan have a passion for sharing information and cooking tips for people diagnosed with Celaic Disease.  Classes and workshops are held thorughout the year. Their website is also a great resource for Gluten Free cooking tips.

The Gluten Free Cookbook:The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook by America'sTest Kitchen is another great resource for gluten free baking.

Related articles

Fort Collins, Colorado: Cooking Classes and Summer Foodie FUN!

Cooking Classes in Ann Arbor, Michigan Update 2014

Kalamazoo, MI Cooking Classes

Kalamazoo MI Cooking Classes

You always eat well at the Peoples Food Coop cooking classes. This community owned grocery store supports local community agriculture by providing locally produced products. The class roster includes: Raw Everything! and Macedonian Delights.  Classes are held at the Can-Do Kitchen
511 Harrison Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Popular Italian Cooking classes are available at Zazio’s Italian Restaurant and Bar. the restaurant  offers four hour sessions where you can help the chef prepare a three course meal. Of course you get to enjoy the meal. A lower energy option is to enjoy a unique dinner at the Chef’s table where you try the monthly special dinner or enjoy one of the guest Chef’s exclusive meals.  

Bravo Restaurant and Café has two hour long cooking classes for novice or a skilled cook.  The hands-on classes range from pastry and desserts to BBQ or Pasta. Chef Shawn’s informative classes are fun and entertaining.  

Kurry Guru is a Kalamazoo based gourmet food company providing ready-to-eat Indian vegetarian foods locally.  They run occasional cooking classes.  

Food Dance has a variety of foodie activities. This restaurant is obsessed with finding honest-to goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs. There are summer time Farm Dinners celebrating local farmers or grilling classes and cooking classes.  These events are a great way to learn about the local area.

There is a culinary school at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Interested students should contact Roderick Vogel at the school.

Kazoo foodies, please let me know about any new cooking courses in your area.  Contact me at [email protected].

 

Related articles

Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-off draws hundreds; winners Zazios, Mangia Mangia, Optimed Pharmacy

How to Host a Dinner Party & Host a Dinner Party | Pottery Barn

Cooking Classes in Ann Arbor, Michigan Update 2014

Northern Michigan Cooking Classes

Fort Collins, Colorado: Cooking Classes and Summer Foodie FUN!

Fort Collins, Colorado
Cooking Classes and Summer Foodie FUN!

Fort Collins has added some summer fun for Foodies with their Foodie Walk – Fort Collins.  This monthly event is a self-guided walk, featuring food and wine tasting opportunities.The Colorado Brewers Festival held every year in June is a chance celebrate craft brewing and to sample a few of the 50 Colorado beers that will be represented at the festival.

Fort Collins has great culinary skill training options for the recreational cook. There are also exciting programs for the children. Here is a list of the Fort Collins, Colorado based cooking schools for the recreational cook:

Foodies! Culinary Academy This culinary school creates a fun learning environment where young people and families can develop meal planning and meal preparation skills. They also have occasional programs featuring Disney Artists; how exciting!  The program emphasizes basic cooking techniques and safety. Men’s only cooking classes, gluten-free, vegetarian, or diabetic-friendly specialty cooking classes are also offered.

Hands on Classes for Adults are presented by Chef Linda at Come Back to the Table.  Chef Linda Hoffman recently celebrated her tenth year teaching cooking classes in Fort Collins.  Her classes are fun, informative and filling.  Upcoming classes include Fearless Fish, Grilling, or Fast and Fresh Seasonal Eating at its Best.

Indian Cooking Classes are available at bina mehta. All classes include ingredients, recipes, and wine. There are public individual classes or a three part Vibrant Indian Cooking series.

 Salud - Whole Foods Cooking School The Salud Cooking School at Fort Collins Whole Foods focuses on nutrition education and fun. There are demonstration and hands on class options.

 The Cupboard  The unique kitchen store in downtown Fort Collins, also features demonstration style cooking classes or special foodie events. The Cupboard is participating in the Fort Collins - Foodie Walk.

Two university programs also provide cooking classes:

• The Kendall Anderson Nutrition Center at Colorado State University occasionally holds a public cooking classes on unique topics during the school year. 
  
  
• The Community Botanic Garden in partnership with the University of Colorado Health presents the Garden to Fork program.  The focus of the Garden to Fork series is transforming local garden ingredients into a healthy and delicious meals. Students experience harvesting produce in the Garden of Eatin’ and cooking in an outdoor kitchen.

If you are looking for personalized cooking training or skill development, check out private classes by Chef David Daggett and his wife Chef Gay at the Tastebuds Epicurean Cafe. They also offer lunch-and-learn sessions at your business. This chef team has been serving Fort Collins since 2001. 

Related articles

It's Going to be a Busy Summer in Downtown Fort Collins [SCHEDULE]

Taste of Fort Collins 2014 Full Schedule of Events

Cooking Classes in Ann Arbor, Michigan Update 2014

Ann Arbor MI Cooking Classes 

Several people have asked for an update on my Ann Arbor MI cooking class overview, so I am happy to comply.

Ann Arbor's diverse population is reflected in the wide variety of cooking classes and cooking schools locally available.

The most famous classes are at BAKE! With Zing  These fun and filling classes are held at Zingerman’s BAKE! House in Ann Arbor. Whether you choose to indulge in a weeklong adventure, a weekend intensive or a half day fling, you will learn heaps and enjoy lots of treats. The classes I’ve taken have drawn participants from several states. Most BAKE! classes are very hands-on training appropriate for the home baker. There are also family friendly classes.

A couple of my favorite classes are: The Wood Fired Pizza class, Legally Magic Brownies and French Macarons.  My spring class wish list is to attend Aussie Afternoon Tea with Kirsty Carre because a good lamington is worth a lot in my opinion. Of course their two gluten free baking class options are also tempting because so many friends are wanting gluten free treats and it is challenging to find great recipes.

Zingerman’s BAKE teachers are knowledgeable and friendly. If you are ready to start kneading dough these classes are for you. Classes do fill quickly so be sure to reserve your spot.

Another opportunity for developing hands on cooking skills is at Ann Arbor Cooks.  Small class size are designed for learning techniques with lots of opportunities for instructor interaction. Under Chef Natalie Marble Ann Arbor Cooks classes have become favorites for new cooks and more experienced cooks looking to refine their techniques.  Several classes such as Friday Date Nights or Summer Grilled salads seem like a great summer break.  If you are looking for kids cooking programs check the schedule for Kids camps.

Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars provide small hands-on classes about using vinegar and oil to make dressings or novel beverages.

Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation

Community Education & Recreation provide a diverse assortment of cooking classes featuring local food experts. The topics include:

• Italian Cooking Classes by Francesca Giarraffa, owner, La Rustica catering company.  Honestly, some of her class recipes are my favorite go to recipes.
• Chef Tom Lin shares his vast knowledge of the Asian culture and  tells stories that tie into his dishes.
• Learn about the French dinner experience from Brigitte Romero, a local chef originally from Paris. 
• Indian Cuisine Cooking Classes by Jyothi Mathews Abraham
• Cake Decorating Classes by Jyothi Mathews Abraham

If you want cooking lessons from an authentic French Chef then Cecilia’s Pastries has the class for you.  I think it would be amazing to attend her hands-on Parisian Macaron Class or enjoy one of the French cooking classes.

 Washtenaw Community College has several cooking programs. For cooking classes that lead to professional culinary certification are culinary arts classes. The classes are a complete semester.

Personally, I enjoy classes at The Lifelong Learning portion of the school. The goal of these culinary classes is to increase your joy of cooking.  The classes are generally observation with occasional volunteers helping the teacher. There are Italian cooking classes and vegan cooking classes on the roster for summer.

Paesano’s Restaurant

Italian Cooking Classes by Chef Isabella are available at the restaurant or at various locations throughout the country. Also there are culinary tours to Italy scheduled several times a year.

Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Class Series for Cancer Prevention and Survival

This is a series of cooking classes in Ann Arbor and other venues across the US that is part of The Cancer Project’s Food for Life Nutrition Education Program. The course is based on The Cancer Survivor’s Guide: Foods that help you fight back! Specific cooking strategies and diets for cancer prevention or cancer survival are discussed and recipes are shared.

Sur la Table  has a full schedule of cooking classes available at Arbor Hills Mall.

Willams Sonoma usually offers free cooking demostrations on Sundays at Briarwood Mall.  Participants qualify for 10% off on class day.

 

Related articles

Bakery and coffee shop to open on Ann Arbor's Packard Street this summer

Home Barista Training

 

 

 

When you are a coffee lover, your morning latte takes on new meaning after you have trained to pull the ultimate brew at Barista School. There are intensive coffee classes for professionals and fortunately there are also consumer-based classes that teach the basics of making the best expresso drinks and latte art at home. 

Here is an overview of coffee schools that provide home barista training:

The American Barista Coffee School in Portland, OR has a one day class that includes brewing and purchasing expresso.

The Seattle Barista Academy has a three hour class that will help you discover how to get the best coffee flavors. This class is in Renton, WA. 

In Melbourne, Victoria Australia, The Expresso School gives private lessons in your home (within 15 km of Melbourne CBD) on coffee making and Latte Art classes. The classes last about 2 hours. They also have books and DVD's available. 

The Canadian Barista Academy travels to several cities in Canada to present a 1/2 day home barista class.

In the Sydney, NSW region of Australia, there are two barista schools that have offerings for a home barista: Danes Gourmet Coffee Institute or Toby's Estate's . Both offer half day courses.

In Holland, MI The Midwest Barista School has four-hour Home Barista training sessions available. The hands-on sessions are held atJP's Coffee House.  

 

Ann Arbor MI Cooking Lessons

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) has excellent cooking lessons for recreational cooks.  The new schedule is posted at their Lifelong Learning website. There are a variety of classes scheduled to help expand your cooking talents this winter.

I am excited to see Francesca Gitschlag return with more Italian cooking lessons. Italian cooking classes are held at Whole Foods.   Her cooking classes include: 

• Rustic Italian Cooking: A Taste of Northern Italy
• Rustic Italian Cooking A Taste of Southern Italy
• Rustic Italian Cooking: Hearty Winter Soups
• Rustic Italian Cooking: Every Day Pasta
• Rustic Italian Cooking: Two for Two (Two tested recipes to prepare for two people!)

Other fun courses at WCC this winter include:

• Tofu for Your Health ( Healthy Chinese Cooking)
• Vegan Foods (Cholesterol-Free Living)
• Wines fo MI

Recreational cooking classes are also organized by Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation.

The Community Education Center holds a variety of cooking classes featuring local food experts. The topics include:

• Italian Cooking Classes by Francesca Giarraffa, owner, La Rustica catering company. Francesca is teaching several classes at Big George's Kitchen.  Classes planned are:Quick and Easy Italian Style, Soups for Lunch and Dinner, Italian Sunday Supper, Italian Cooking City Style and The Flavor of Spring.
  
• Bill Loomis is teaching Soups: simple to Sublime and Roast Chicken Sunday Dinner
  
• Thai Green Curry Class is taught by Christine Nguyen, owner, Holy Basil website.
• Vegetarian Cooking Classes by Sharon Sheldon, owner Sage Chef Cooking School is teaching The Rites of Spring.
• Valentine Cupcakes is taught by Dahlia Weinman of Dahlia’s Cakes
• Fantastic Fish and Heart smarts classes are taught by Jennie Hahn RD CDE
• Jyothi Matthews Abraham is teaching Indian Cooking Classes.  Lessons include: Baingan Bharta with Chapati, Chicken Saag & Gajar Ka Halwa, Idian Vegetarian Meal and Vegetable Pakoras & Meat Cutlet.
• Singapore native Mercy Yang teaches: Bi Bim Bap, Chicken Satay and Taro or Shrimp Chow main & Hot Sour Soup. 
  

The Quarter Bistro & Tavern

Classes include knife skills, Mediterranean Appetizers and Jambalaya.

Ann Arbor Cooks

There are great  holiday cooking classes schedules at Ann Arbor Cooks.   The children and teens class schedule includes: candy making and gingerbread house workshops. Adults can enjoy a cooking lesson about creating "Food Gifts from the Kitchen" or hosting a "Dessert Open House" .

Arbor Arbor has a cooking class for everyone.  I'd love to take all these classes!  Let me know your favorites.

Seattle Cooking Classes

Seattle is a foodie's "Mecca" with a variety of cooking schools and classes.  Also, there are amazing fresh ingredients and lots of fantastic stores with hard to find ingredients.  Here are some of my favorite cooking schools:

Seattle Cooking Schools and Classes

Dish It Up!

Foodies will feel right at home taking cooking classes at Dish it UP in Magnolia Village. The class size is small and students really learn new skills.  Seattle Chefs Wayne Johnson, Jordi Viladas, and Greg Atkinson are just a few of the Seattle chefs teaching at Dish it up! 

Blue Ribbon Cooking & Culinary Center

The Blue Ribbon Cooking and Culinary Center offers instructional intensive training (each student executes every recipe) or cooking party format classes (still hands-on, but more casual the intensive).   Check out the schedule of Monday night classes. Besides the training and recipes attendees enjoy plenty of food and wine. The cooking school is located in the Eastlake Area on Lake Union.  Children's summer cooking class programs are also offered.

Bon Vivant School of Cooking

Bon Vivant Director Louise Hasson provides hands-on and demonstration cooking classes to Seattle and Bellevue residents. A wide range of classes are available. Examples of recent classes include a knife skills workshop, Indian Festival Dinner, or Saveur Cooks Italian Classics.

Cook's World

Cook's World one night classes have been a Seattle favorite for more than 18 years. A variety of guest chefs display cooking techniques. Recent classes examples include:

• Guest Chef Monique Jong teaching " A World of Spices: The Art of Flavoring Food".
• Native Thai Chef Pranee Halvorsen teaching "Thai Cooking Party Foods".
• Guest Chef Imad Abi-Saleh teaching "Party Food Middle-Eastern Style".
• Cheesemaker Mark Solomon teaching "Home Cheesemaking".

Diane's Market Kitchen

For a unique Seattle experience try a class at Diane's Market kitchen. The cooking classes lead by Dianne LaVonne combine a insider's tour of Pike's Market and an informative cooking class. Students report lots of conversation, good food and of course, excellent instruction.   The cooking classes are demonstration style or hands-on at the guest's discretion. Diane's Market Kitchen also offers family cooking classes. Diane's goal is to use her business to give back to community through connecting, cooking and companionship.

The Art Institute of Seattle

Culinary classes at the Art Insititue of Seattle is for serious students wanting professional skills to work in a culinary position. Most programs require 21 months of study.

Thyme to Nourish

Personal chef Rachel Duboff provides custom cooking classes to help people become empowered with food knowledge and its on health.

Korean Cooking Classes in Seoul

At the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine website there is an incredible guide to Korean Food. The institute's goal is to help preserve traditional Korean dishes.  There are classes in English which are hard to find on the website.  If you are interested contact the Institute by phone or email. The blog "Seoul Eats" also displays the listing of recent korean cooking classes.

If you ever wanted to learn how to make Kimchi this sounds like the best place to learn.  This complete review of the Korean cooking class also highlights the unique cooking program.

If you can't make the trip to Seoul, here are a series of u-tube videos on Korean Cooking Classes.

Cooking Classes in Battle Creek MI

There are several recreational cooking classes available in the Lifelong Learning Department at Kellogg Community College's (KCC) Regional Manufacturing & Technology Center. 

Fall 2009 selections include:

• Korean Beef Stir Fry using marinated beef, this dish is also called Bulgogi.  The class is available Oct 28 evening.

• Eat to Live: Anti-Aging Power Foods class is scheduled for the evening of Oct 27. Participants will discuss the science of healthy eating choices. 

Update - 2014 selections inlcude artisan mozerella cheese ball making and From Farm to Face: Sean’s Summer Surprise.

Registration is available on-line or by phone (269) 965 4134. 

Another option for fun craft classes with a unique dining experience in the Battle Creek & Marshall Area are programs at the  Southern Exposure Herb Farm. 

Enjoy!

Read my latest update on Southern Exposure Herb Farm