A long-standing favorite of 577 students, our Culinary Arts class offerings have included cuisine from around the world, as well as classes with a focus on comfort foods, healthy options, vegetarian and vegan food, creative desserts, canning instruction, and more. Cooking classes are tailored to students who are looking to learn some kitchen basics, tips, and tricks, to those looking to broaden their culinary horizons. Class topics vary each month and are taught in the Cottage or House by local chefs and foodie enthusiasts.
Upcoming Classes
Bon Appétit: A French Brunch Experience
Saturday, July 27 ~ 9am to 12pm
This French-themed brunch cooking experience promises to transport you to the heart of France, as we spend a delightful morning preparing and enjoying iconic French breakfast foods together. We’ll learn how to make Croque-Monsieur, showcased in croissants, coated in a béchamel, and baked into a casserole. We’ll also indulge in samplings from a French cheese plate and warm breakfast puffs while sipping French-pressed coffee or lemon water.
Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labors as we relax and savor this exquisite brunch together on the enclosed porch of Virginia’s House, finishing with a dessert course of pastries featuring cream cheese with fresh seasonal berries. Participants will each receive handouts including all the featured recipes. *Optional: come in chic or Parisian-inspired dress. Please note some samples/recipes contain milk, eggs, and wheat.
Bon Appétit!
Community Instructors: Jan Szalkowski and Wendy Steusloff
Cooking for Your Health: Herbs, Spices, & More II
Wednesday, July 31 ~ 3pm to 5pm
NEW SERIES! Join local family physician and certified culinary medicine specialist, Dr. Humaira Lateef, to learn the nutrition benefits of various foods and how to use them for taste, flavor, and better health.
Everyone is welcome to join us in this session to make and sample Vegetable Biryani and learn how the herb cilantro, along with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, black peppers, and bay leaf spices can create an easy-to-make and delicious to eat meal that is healthy for our bodies. Participants will help to make one large pot and will take home recipes and any leftovers.
Community Instructor: Humaira Lateef, M.D. FAAFP, CCMS
Kombucha Home Brewing 101
Wednesday, August 7 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Kombucha is a fermented drink that has been brewed and enjoyed for centuries by families across the world. Whether you’re brand new to kombucha or you currently brew at home and want to fine-tune your ferments, our own local expert from Boochy Mama’s Kombucha will be on hand in this exciting workshop to guide you to successfully brew your own.
Each workshop participant will receive a SCOBY, 1-gallon glass jar and cover, reusable muslin tea pouch, starter tea, kombucha samples, typed instructions, and follow-up support.
Community Instructor: Stacy Jurich
Canning 101
Monday, August 19 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Monday, August 26 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Does having healthy, fresh, and economical foods (minus preservatives) on hand for easy meal prep appeal to you? Have you thought about canning but the whole process seems just too daunting? Let’s gather in Virginia’s House Kitchen while your instructors de-mystify hot water bath canning and give you the confidence to try it in your own home.
Hot water bath canning is the best entry-level method for first-time canners. Home-canned goods store easily, allow you to enjoy your garden or farm stand produce year-round, and make for wholesome and fun gift-giving. Jan and Wendy will demonstrate the process from start to finish. Participants will sample canned goods, learn about recommended supplies, and take home a half-pint jar of a canned product. Everyone will leave class with the knowledge to begin canning now and inspiration for using this method in the future.
Community Instructors: Jan Szalkowski and Wendy Steusloff
Preserve Summer: Canning Fresh Corn
Monday, September 16 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Discover how to capture sunshine in a jar by learning how to can fresh corn, so you can savor its sweet, summery flavor throughout the year. In this hands-on class, we’ll strip corn from the cob, bring it to temperature in jars using a pressure canner, and create a delicious corn-based dip to enjoy together.
We’ll cover tips, techniques, and refreshers for using your pressure canner. Plus, you’ll sample our tasty corn-queso dip (recipe provided)! Each participant will take home a handy corn-stripping tool.
Community Instructors: Jan Szalkowski and Wendy Steusloff
Cooking for Your Health: How to Age Gracefully
Wednesday, September 18 ~ 3pm to 5pm
NEW SERIES! Join local family physician and certified culinary medicine specialist, Dr. Humaira Lateef, to learn the nutrition benefits of various foods and how to use them for taste, flavor, and better health.
In this class, we will focus on the “blue zones,” a diet and lifestyle that can help us to age gracefully. Together, we’ll make and enjoy a red lentil and spinach curry with rice meal, all while learning what to eat for optimal health and how to incorporate these principles to help with healthy aging.
Participants will receive a handout with valuable information and can take home any leftover food. Please bring an apron and a hairnet or head covering to class.
Community Instructor: Humaira Lateef, M.D. FAAFP, CCMS
Intro to Pressure Cooking
Monday, September 30 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Looking to dive into the world of pressure canning? This class is for you! Designed to demystify the process, this session provides step-by-step demonstrations and clear instructions, ensuring you feel ready to start canning at home.
Learn how to safely preserve your favorite foods, and enjoy the convenience of home-canned goods year-round. Plus, experience the joy of sharing your creations as wholesome gifts. As a bonus, you’ll get to sample some delicious foods that your instructors have canned themselves. Join us and turn canning into a rewarding and enjoyable part of your culinary routine!
Community Instructors: Jan Szalkowski and Wendy Steusloff
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.