Explore the art of cooking with hands-on Culinary Arts classes at 577. A long-standing favorite, these classes invite participants to discover flavors from around the world, master comforting classics, explore healthy and plant-based options, create inventive desserts, learn canning techniques, and more.
Designed for all skill levels, our classes provide practical kitchen tips, foundational techniques, and creative inspiration. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your culinary horizons, local chefs and passionate food enthusiasts guide each session in a welcoming, interactive setting.
With new topics each month, classes take place in the Cottage or Virginia’s House, bringing people together to share the joy of cooking and learning.
Upcoming Classes
August classes open for registration on Wednesday, June 24, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Sourdough Bread Baking
Two-Part Class:
Monday, June 15 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Monday, June 22 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Demystify the sourdough bread-making process in this hands-on, two-part class and learn how to create wholesome, homemade baked goods with confidence.
On Monday, June 15, we’ll kick things off by breaking down how sourdough bread baking works, removing the uncertainty that often comes with this time-honored craft. Everyone will get hands-on to mix up their own starter while exploring the customs and folklore of sourdough—and, of course, sampling fresh homemade bread. Each participant will take home their starter in a quart-sized glass jar along with detailed instructions for its care.
Return on Monday, June 22, for Part Two, when you’ll bring your starter back to check its progress and share your starter stories. We’ll observe the “pull and fold” method for working with sourdough dough and answer all your questions. You’ll go home with a collection of favorite recipes from the instructors, including sourdough chocolate chip cookies, English muffins, crackers, and baguettes.
You’ll leave feeling confident, inspired, and ready to bake your own delicious sourdough creations at home.
Community Instructors: Wendy Steusloff and Jan Szalkowski
Cooking for Your Health: Supporting Your Gut
Saturday, June 20 ~ 11am to 1pm
Join local family physician and certified culinary medicine specialist, Dr. Humaira Lateef, to explore a flexible, evidence-based approach to eating more plants without giving up the foods you love. In this session, together we will prepare and sample a hearty bean soup, a kale & quinoa salad, and a lemon mustard dressing.
Culinary Medicine is where health and healing meet the art and science of food. It’s a vibrant field that recognizes the profound impact of what we eat on our overall well-being.
Class Notes: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring a 5- to 7-oz. food container for your leftovers. We recommend everyone bring an apron and a hairnet or head covering.
Community Instructor: Humaira Lateef, MD, FAAFP, CCMS, DipABLM
Canning 101
Monday, July 13 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Monday, July 27 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Learn the process of hot water bath canning from start to finish as your instructors demystify the steps and help build your confidence to try it at home. Participants will explore the many benefits of canning, observe a full demonstration, get tips on recommended supplies, sample canned goods, and take home a half-pint jar of a canned product.
Hot water bath canning is an ideal entry point for first-time canners. It’s a great way to preserve your garden or farm stand favorites, enjoy seasonal produce year-round, and create thoughtful, homemade gifts. You’ll leave class with the knowledge to begin canning right away and plenty of inspiration for future projects.
Class Notes: Some samples/recipes contain wheat and dairy.
Community Instructors: Wendy Steusloff and Jan Szalkowski
Summer Cookout Classics: Delicious Side Dishes
Wednesday, July 15 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Learn how to whip up delicious, classic sides and make your next cookout unforgettable! We’ll start by indulging in a fresh fruit salad appetizer before we turn our focus and get hands-on in the kitchen to make potato salad, coleslaw, homemade baked beans, and cornbread muffins.
Everyone will enjoy sampling our sides in class, and along with leftovers, will take home the techniques and recipes for making sides as memorable as your grilled burgers or dogs.
Class Notes: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring three (3) mason jar-sized or larger food containers for your leftovers.
Community Instructor: Hannah Steusloff
The Plant Powered Kitchen: Plant Proteins
Saturday, July 18 ~ 11am to 1pm
Join local family physician and certified culinary medicine specialist, Dr. Humaira Lateef, to explore a flexible, evidence-based approach to eating more plants without giving up the foods you love. In this session, together we will learn about plant proteins as we prepare and sample mixed lentils with bulgar, served with naan and pickled red onions.
Culinary Medicine is where health and healing meet the art and science of food. It’s a vibrant field that recognizes the profound impact of what we eat on our overall well-being.
Class Notes: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring a 5 to 7-oz. food container for your leftovers. We recommend everyone bring an apron and a hairnet or head covering.
Community Instructor: Humaira Lateef, MD, FAAFP, CCMS, DipABLM
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.