Hands-On Class

Expand your holiday cookie repertoire and bake along with Mary Cooney and others for our traditional kick-off to cookie baking season! We’ll break into groups and get busy making four different varieties of cookies. Mary will explain all of her secrets for cookie baking success so your cookies look and taste delicious for gift giving and your holiday table. This year’s gems include: Rugelach with Apricot and Pecans; Italian Lemon Crisps, Ricciarelli (Chewy Almond Cookie); and Coconut Thumbprints. Join in for the fun and love of baking! Charcuterie and wine will be served. Everyone will take home a box of all cookie varieties.

Our November lunch class is autumn food at its most flavorful. You’ll want to keep these recipes handy for upcoming holiday gatherings. Chef Carrie adds depth of flavor to classic Butternut Squash Soup, with a hint of saffron and a garnish of pistachios. So much flavor, so little prep—Lemon Za’atar Chicken and Potatoes is a winner, winner chicken dinner with the addicting bold, earthy, bright, and toasty flavor of za’atar spice. It’s all done on a sheet pan for an added bonus. The Sticky Date Pudding with Tahini Caramel is as decadent and warming as it sounds. Wine will be available for purchase by the bottle or glass. This class has an additional date of November 22, 2024. 

Family Night Hands-On Class

Bring a family member or friend to this class and enjoy cooking a timeless American comfort supper together. Mary Cooney’s Meatloaf combines a blend of ground meats, aromatics, and seasonings for a wonderful flavor and texture, and tops it with a savory-sweet glaze. We’ll change an ordinary baked potato into an indulgent family favorite with Twice-Baked Potatoes with a cheesy topping, garnished with bacon and chopped green onions. Fresh spinach is blended with a creamy béchamel sauce for Creamed Spinach. And for dessert, a citrusy Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze. Family night classes are designed for two people for one price.

Join us for a fun, hands-on experience creating a beautiful holiday wreath. Jamey Clemens of The Blooming House is back at the Culinary Center for this popular class with two new and exciting wreath designs. The Blooming House is a flower company in Bellbrook that focuses on drying and creating everlasting arrangements using natural elements, some grown on the farm and some sourced from Australia. Prior to class, participants will chose a wreath from one of two different color palettes, Traditional Christmas or Winter Neutral, and will be provided with a box containing all supplies needed to create a holiday treasure to be enjoyed for years to come. Bagels, orange juice, and coffee will be available for snacking.

Traditional European cookie recipes are a treasure to behold. Join Azra Kaurin for this special demonstration class where she’ll explain techniques and creative processes for making three of her favorite cookies. You’re welcome to gather around to watch closely. Nutty, rich, and tender German Linzer Cookies are filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Slavic Kolachky, with a cream cheese dough, have a melt-in-your mouth consistency and are filled with one of three ingredients—apricot jam, poppyseed, or walnuts. Kourabiedes, Greek almond cookies, are buttery and rich with the addition of subtly sweet, fruity brandy. All of these cookies have unique flavors and different shapes for a beautiful presentation. Everyone will take home the recipes and a half-dozen of each cookie. Soup, sandwiches, and wine will also be served.

Chef Carrie and Peggy are gearing up for the upcoming holiday season, and December is one of our favorite months to celebrate with our Culinary Center friends. You'll want to keep these recipes handy for hosting a lovely dinner party with an elegant touch. The sweet-tart notes and tender texture of pear is complemented with hazelnut for a beautiful Pear Salad with Hazelnut Vinaigrette. Succulent, seasoned Pork Loin is adorned with Balsamic Onions for a rich, savory note. Dessert is a color-rich, sweet and crunchy Cranberry Cookie Tart. This menu will be paired with wine for purchase by the bottle or glass. This class has an additional date of December 20.

Family Night Hands-On Class 

Everyone loves Italian cooking, rich in family tradition and always a welcome dinner theme. Gather round the Culinary Center island tonight and cook alongside Mary Cooney with another terrific menu for large or small gatherings. We’ll start with an Italian Antipasto-Type Salad with Italian Vinaigrette and follow with Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce—a great make-ahead dish for busy families. We’ll make incredible One-Hour Garlic & Herb Dinner Rolls to sop-up the sauce and enjoy Chocolate Ricotta Iced Cookies for dessert. Family Night classes are designed for two people for one price. An additional date has been added for this class (11/10).

Hands-On Class

This pure dessert bliss is well worth the effort of making from scratch. You’ll learn to make Cannoli Dough, how to roll and fry it to a crispy texture, and fill it with an irresistible Sweet Ricotta Filling. Mary Cooney will teach you how to get the perfect consistency of the cannoli filling, and (when) and how to fill the shells. We’ll also make another Italian favorite, Tiramisù, a creamy dessert of espresso-soaked ladyfingers surrounded by Italian Pastry Cream with shaved chocolate. This is a great make-ahead stunner.

Hands-On Class

Decorating a Gingerbread House during the holiday season is a traditional family pastime. What child (ages 1-92) hasn't dreamed of decorating a gingerbread house this festive time of year? You'll be welcomed with the smell of gingerbread, the Culinary Center elves, and Zebbie Borland for a fun and creative evening learning the step-by-step process for decorating your very own gingerbread house. All icings and candies for decoration will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your own to personalize your house. This is a great activity for parents and children to do together. Price includes one house. We are offering 2 classes this year.

Hands-On Class

Decorating a Gingerbread House during the holiday season is a traditional family pastime. What child (ages 1-92) hasn't dreamed of decorating a gingerbread house this festive time of year? You'll be welcomed with the smell of gingerbread, the Culinary Center elves, and Zebbie Borland for a fun and creative evening learning the step-by-step process for decorating your very own gingerbread house. All icings and candies for decoration will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your own to personalize your house. This is a great activity for parents and children to do together. Price includes one house. We are offering 2 classes this year.