The Learning Kitchen: Local cooking classes

 Springfield has great options for learning more about cooking if you are so inclined. Some I have mentioned in our events space on the blog, but others will be more in depth. 

Good Decisions Cooking Class- Monthly

Located at Danenberger Family Winery in New Berlin. The class is filled with an evening of cooking and great food. The winery's cooks will demonstrate and teach how to make three of Good Decision's classic recipes: hand pie, seasonal pasta, and a sweet treat. Each class includes a three-course dinner and will highlight local farms, stores, and suppliers. This way you can recreate the dishes at home. The cost of the class is $50 and lasts from 6:30-8:30pm. You can register for the class and find the dates of the class online at the Good Decisions website.

Copper Pot Cooking Studio

Copper Pot offers two types of classes a 'cook' class and an 'eat' class. The cook class is a hands-on experience where everyone makes the recipe and takes home the finished product. The eat class is a demonstration style class where you watch the chef make the dish. This is a dining experience where you get to observe different cooking techniques. The cook class is $40. The eat class is $45. The classes have different themes as well. They also offer classes just for kids. This is called Cookie Friday. Your kids get to go to the studio and bake a dozen of two types of cookies. The Cookie Friday class is $35.

They are located at 916 W Laurel St. Springfield IL 62704. You can go the Cooking Pot website to register for the classes. 

History Cooks Demonstrations

This is a demonstration only class offered every Friday afternoon during the summer from 12-1pm. This is located at the Lincoln's Home Visitors Center picnic tables. Each week offers recipes that would have been cooked at the time that the Lincoln's lived in Springfield and some of Abraham and Mary Lincoln's favorites. Each demonstration is taught by a culinary instructor at LLCC's culinary school. You can find more information on the Lincoln's Home website. 

The Nook at Harvest Market

Located upstairs at Harvest Market behind the bar. The Nook is an instructional and educational kitchen. The classes are demonstration style with an array of cooking techniques being introduced. They use an array of different ingredients and cuisines. Currently their website does not include a list of cooking classes offered. If interested check them out on Facebook or in the store. If I find a list of classes, I will let you know. 

Culinary Classes at LLCC

LLCC offers fun, educational, non-credit culinary experiences. These include hands on, demonstrations, dinners, special nights out, team building, and youth programs. Local chefs and food experts share their knowledge on a variety of topics. Gift certificates are also available. 

Dinners at Bistro Verde are multi-course experiences (not hands on). The chef offers remarks on the menu for each course. One glass of wine, spirits, or beer are served with each course. Participants must be 21 to register. The cost of these dinners are $79. There is one dinner offered per month. 

Hands-on Baking Classes are baking and pastry classes where you can learn to bake breads, pies, pastries, etc. For ages 19 and over. These classes are $59.

Hands-on Cooking classes are classes where you can learn the basics. You will join a culinary expert for hands-on cooking classes on the skills every cook needs to know. For ages 19 and over. If interested in learning basics there is a Kitchen 101 class offered on Sept 7. All these classes are $59.

Parent and Me Classes are hands on classes where you and your child will work side by side. The fee for one adult and one child is $55. If registering a 2nd child, it is an additional fee of $25. There is a limit of 2 children per adult. There are no scheduled classes at this time but check back at the website above if interested. 

Special Night Out Classes are a great way to spend a fun night with family, friends, or that special someone. You will watch a chef demonstration, enjoy a drink (cocktail, wine, beer). This is a fun and tasty night out. There is a 2-drink limit per person. Must be 21 years old to register. The cost of this class is $69.

Youth classes are designed specifically for young chefs ages 8-18. They are a perfect opportunity for youth to explore their interests and build their skills. The only class offered upcoming is on Oct 28 from 9:30am-12:30pm and the focus is on Halloween Treats. Costumes can be worn to class as long as they can work safely in the kitchen while wearing them. The cost of this class is $59.