ISD 728 Community Education

Step into the world of Italian-inspired elegance with this hands-on culinary experience. You will learn to create ricotta gnocchi; a delicate, cloud like morsel of goodness, prized for their refined melt in your mouth texture and subtle flavor. Far from ordinary, these handcrafted bites capture the essence of rustic italian cooking while brining a touch of sophistication to your table. Once prepared, the gnocchi will be turned into a restaurant worthy meal, married with a velvety herb-kissed Tuscan cream sauce and paired with tender chicken. A beautiful soft, French-style loaf of bread will be baked to accompany this luxurious dish. Equipment Needs: A stand-mixer with dough hook attachment is recommended for the bread. A gnocchi board is optional. More information will be included in the ingredient and setup packet. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

Baklava is a traditional Greek layered dessert pastry made with filo, chopped nuts, and a few secret ingredients, then bathed in dreamy syrup. On the other hand, spanakopita is a Greek savory pastry consisting of delicate sheets of filo pastry wrapped around a filling of spinach, cheese, and other secret ingredients. Chef Tess will guide you through creating Baklava Rolls, her version of baklava, and her spanakopita triangles. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Bahn mi is Vietnam's iconic sandwich; a delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. Crisp baguettes are filled with savory meats, fresh and pickled vegetables, herbs, bold spreads, and seasonings to create a sandwich that is both vibrant and satisfying. In this cook-along adventure, you will learn to both craft banh mi from the ground up, baking bakery style baguettes, marinating and cooking char siu chicken, quick-pickling of vegetables, and mixing a zesty mayo spread before assembling everything into a flavor packed creation. Prefer to keep it simple? Bring your favorite bakery baguette and focus on filling and assembly. Either way, you will leave inspired and ready to recreate gourmet bahn at home. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

The word “Mezze” refers to what we all know as finger foods and dips. Many Mediterranean meals consist of a variety of “mezze” items that come together creating the most wonderful flavors, tastes and textures. Learn how to bring warmth, color, and the flavors of the Mediterranean to your fall and winter gatherings with this festive Mediterranean mezze cook-along class where Chef Tess (a descendant of Spartans) will guide you through creating a stunning mezze-style charcuterie board. Perfect for sharing or seasonal entertaining any time of year. The mezze-style charcuterie board will include four delicious scratch-made dips, warm-spiced bright Greek meatballs, and handmade pita bread. Mezze boards / platters will be rounded out with an array of fresh and pickled vegetables, olives, fruit and nuts for a vibrant crowd-pleasing spread! The board, platter, or table becomes the canvas upon which we create an edible work of art! Cook-Along mezze items: Silky whipped feta & tzatziki dips, Greek Meatballs, and homemade pita bread. Mezze items to be demonstrated: Muhamarra (a smoky red pepper dip), Greek hummus, and time permitting, some crispy, Greek sesame bread sticks. The demonstration will also include how to build the board, balancing colors, textures and flavors, and how to build interest and visual appeal with using height and practical items found in every kitchen. Equipment: Food processor or blender is needed for the creation of the whipped feta Stand mixer is recommended for the pita bread This experience is all about bold delicious flavors, beautiful presentations, and the joy of gathering around food—Mediterranean style. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. Once this information is sent, no refunds will be issued. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Kimbap is Korea's answer to the perfect rice roll. Similar in shape to sushi, yet uniquely its own, with a savory cooked filing that creates distinctive flavors and textures. Join Tess for this fun filled cook along adventure and explore the art of making Bulgogi Kimbap rolls from start to finish, rivaling any you would find in a restaurant. From seasoning the rice, to marinating and cooking Bulgogi, preparing colorful vegetables (including a quick pickle) and crafting a delicate omelet, you will bring everything together into beautiful hand rolled Kimbap. Along the way, you will discover the key difference between sushi and Kimbap, practice rolling and shaping techniques, and enjoy the bold, balanced flavors of your creation. Whether you are a busy home cook or a curious foodie, you will leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and the confidence to turn simple ingredients into a variety of healthy, delicious, gourmet kimbap. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

When it comes to sushi made with sushi-grade raw fish such as salmon or tuna wrapped in rice and seaweed, the sushi tolerance spectrum runs from a very strong “YES” to a very strong “NO” with little wiggle room in between. Enter these California “sushi” rolls, the friendly gateway "Sushi" that has converted countless skeptics to enthusiastic fans! Join Tess as she walks you through making marvelous California rolls that will have you wondering why you haven’t tried to make your own before. California “sushi” roll combinations are limited only by your imagination! Make them vegetarian, with or without seaweed, spicy or mild -- it is totally up to you! Learn the essentials of preparing seasoned sushi rice, whipping up flavorful spicy mayo, wrapping, rolling and seasoning your sushi with a range of tasty filings including a crab salad made will crabsticks. To top it all off, Tess will share simple yet impressive plating and presentation ideas to make your rolls look as good as they taste! Ingredients/supplies for early shopping: Sushi rice, sushi nori/seaweed sheets, toasted sesame oil, (Japanese) rice vinegar. A bamboo sushi rolling mat can be helpful, but is not necessary. Additional ingredients will be listed in the information packet that will be sent out a few days before class. Several days before class, you will receive an email with a list of additional ingredients and supplies, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

Celebrate this Valentine's Day with a sweet culinary adventure across Europe! You will learn to create two beloved classic desserts: a dreamy, velvety Italian Tiramisu (using Tess' unique signature no-raw-egg method) and authentic Dutch Stroopwafels, prepared completely by hand in this new cook-along experience. Together we will mix the dough, make the gooey stroop filling, cook them in a special waffle iron, and assemble them with an optional heart-shaped twist. Cook-along with one dessert or both - it’s totally up to you! Perfect for families, friends, couples, or solo baker of any skill level, this class is all about learning to create classic, irresistible treats to enjoy with loved ones on Valentine’s Day or throughout the year. Equipment Needs: A stand-mixer with whisk and paddle attachment. Stroopwafel iron (sometimes called Belgian Cookie iron). More information will be included in the ingredient and setup packet. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

Have some fun participating in this cook-along experience as you learn how to make your own homemade Classic Pierogi, and wonderful Sweet Berry Pierogi with 2 types of homemade dough and filling that will make your taste buds dance for joy! We will also be learning how to cook and freeze these little dumplings, so that you can make ahead and store for a rainy day. This class has been so popular; it has even been featured in the American Polish Journal! The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Homemade sweets and treats are always wonderful around the holidays and throughout the year as well. Add two wonderful treats to your holiday celebration as you learn to create freshly baked homemade Copycat Cinnabon® Cinnamon Rolls, and the VIRAL Dubai Chocolate bars with made from scratch Kadaifi (shredded phyllo)! Make them for your family for a memorable holiday breakfast or wrap them up with bows and gift them to those you hold dear. After keeping her Copycat Cinnabon® (Cinnamon Roll) recipe a secret for MANY years, Tess has decided to share it EXCLUSIVELY to those that register for this class! She has often been told that her rolls are considered BETTER than actual Cinnabon® rolls. You will love these billowy, warm, luscious, gooey, rolls topped with cream cheese frosting that is out-of-this-world-delicious. In addition, NEW to her Holiday Dessert class offerings, her version of the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar! Tess takes the experience to the next level teaching participants how to create their own Kadaifi (shredded phyllo) from SCRATCH costing PENNIES, and her from-scratch version of pistachio cream filling for the chocolate bars! Equipment needs: A 1” deep silicone Dubai Chocolate Bar mold is needed to create the chocolate bar. The bars can be made with simple melted chocolate. However if a longer lasting shiny finish is preferred, tempering the chocolate is beneficial. If participants wish to temper the chocolate, an instant read kitchen thermometer is needed. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Dim Sum is a joyful Chinese dining tradition of sharing a variety of small flavorful bites, laughter and connection with family and friends. One of the most beloved Dim Sum Dishes is Pot Stickers! Join Tess for one of her most popular classes as she guides you through the step by step process of creating the most wonderful restaurant worthy pot stickers with homemade wrappers that will take you to culinary heights you never knew you could reach. You will learn the magic of building a full-flavored filling (choose base of pork or chicken), roll out tender homemade wrappers, assemble and cook the pot stickers to perfection with a crispy bottom and tender juicy filling. A bright flavorful sauce will complete the experience. Freezing tips will also be shared. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

Dim Sum is more than a meal, it is a joyful Chinese dining tradition of sharing a variety of small, flavorful bites. One of the most popular option of any dim sum meal is wontons. During this cook along experience, you will discover the art of creating restaurant quality wontons. A full-flavored chicken based filling with fresh vegetables and aromatic Asian ingredients will be created. Then, two different filling/folding techniques, using conventional store bought wrappers will be explored. We will then cook up these lite, fluterry bites of deliciousness two different ways and explore two different serving options including a wonderful quick wonton soup. Serving, freezing and reheating tips will be shared. No fancy equipment required! Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

The word "bao" is derived from the word "baozi" which means "to wrap" in Mandarin. Bao buns are often described as steamed pillows and are becoming increasingly popular in North America. Discover how to create delicious steamed bao buns to wrap a fantastic filling of Korean bulgogi BBQ chicken. Everything from the bao buns to the filling and pickled veggies will be made from scratch in a guided step-by-step fashion, making for a fun and memorable experience. A bamboo steamer is helpful, but not required. A stand mixer is highly recommended. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Step into the soothing world of soulful soups and gourmet French bread in this elegant, cook-along experience with Chef Tess. Explore and create two comforting yet refined classic soups. Participants can choose to create one or the other or both during the class along with a wonderful gourmet French Loaf of Bread. Choose one soup for your cook-along, and watch a demonstration of the other or choose to make both! It’s up to you! Both will pair perfectly with the amazing homemade French Bread we will be making from scratch! On the Menu: Chicken and Dumplings soup and Greek Chicken Orzo Avgolemono soup. A golden loaf of gourmet French bread will complement your soups; perfect for dipping and savoring. Whether you’re looking to expand your soup repertoire or bring a touch of sophistication to your comfort food, this class blends heart and elegance in every spoonful. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. Before the class, an email with the list of ingredients and class login details will be sent to allow for shopping and preparation. After the class, you will receive an email with all class recipes presented in a professionally produced printable packet.

Bring the vibrant flavors of Jamaica to your kitchen and experience the warmth of the Caribbean! During this cook along experience, you will learn to make a classic Jamaican hand pie (known as a meat patty) from the golden flaky pastry, to the savory spiced emat filing, full of Island inspired flavor! You will learn how to customize the seasoning and heat level to your taste. Tess will guide you through the process step by step. The best tricks for freezing and reheating will also be shared so you can enjoy these hand pies anytime. Equipment Needs: A food processor is recommended for the pastry, or a pastry cutter can be used. Rolling pin. More information will be included in the ingredient and setup packet. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

What makes a focaccia a focaccia, a stromboli a stromboli, and a calzone a calzone? Discover the answer in this fun-filled cook-along class as we explore the world of unique rolled and stuffed pizzas and marvelous focaccia bread! Learn how to make homemade focaccia bread, a wonderful rolled pizza called a stromboli, and stuffed pizzas known as calzones, all with homemade pizza dough! Personalize your pizzas and focaccia bread with toppings and fillings of your choosing. On the Menu: Stromboli (rolled and filled pizza), calzones (stuffed pizza), wonderful focaccia bread, and an out-of-this-world pizza sauce. Two different types of dough will be used -- one for the pizza options, the other for the focaccia. Equipment Needs: A 9x13" non-stick baking pan or a larger sheet pan for the focaccia bread Additional sheet pans for the stromboli and the calzones A stand mixer is highly recommended to make the dough for both options during the class. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

Gather the whole family and join in the fun, baking and building your very own show-stopping gingerbread house from scratch during this festive family bake-along experience. Together, we will combine the wonderful flavors of gingerbread and use the dough to create the pieces that will be used to “build” breathtaking houses. We will also whip up the perfect batch of stiff Royal Icing—the edible “glue” that holds everything together, and use it to decorate the houses with candies and delicious treats. Participants will receive a professionally made PDF ingredient list and prep packet a week before the class to allow time for shopping and preparation. The packet will also include the Instructor’s “Gingerbread House Specific” Recipe that she has tested time and time again to ensure the cookie pieces are delicious but strong enough to hold the weight of the icing and decorations. A template that will need to be printed and cut out before class to be used as a “pattern” will also be included. Whether you are starting a new family tradition, or continuing a beloved one, this cozy, joy-filled experience will leave everyone smiling, and maybe sneaking a few gumdrops. By the end, participants will have built not just a stunning work of art, but sweet memories to last a lifetime! Equipment needs: Large sheet pan, parchment paper / non-stick baking mat, rolling pin, and mixer. Other items & ingredients will be listed on the handout that will be sent roughly a week before class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Discover the joy of making fresh, handcrafted ravioli from start to finish! Join Chef Tess in one of her newest cook-along classes where you will learn how to make delicate pasta dough from scratch, roll it and fill it with two mouthwatering fillings—spinach and three cheese for vegetarian lovers, and a savory spinach-cheese blend with Italian sausage for those who prefer a little added kick and protein. Chef Tess will guide you through the process of stuffing and shaping the ravioli step-by-step, then cooking them in your favorite sauces for an authentic experience. Regardless of your culinary background, this class will empower you with the artistry and assurance to create exquisite, homemade ravioli that delight every time. Equipment Needs: An inexpensive pasta roller is recommended but not required. A stand-mixer is recommended. If a stand mixer is not available, dough can be made by hand. More information will be provided in the ingredient list email. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. Before the class, an email with the list of ingredients and class login details will be sent to allow for shopping and preparation. After the class, you will receive an email with all class recipes presented in a professionally produced printable packet.

Bring big flavor and fun to game night, or any night, while celebrating the art of scratch baking with soft, bakery style submarine rolls and pillowy Hawaiian rolls that outshine anything found in stores. Once the doughs are perfected, shaped and baked, the sub rolls will be transformed into irresistible submarine sandwiches layered with bold spreads, zesty vinaigrette, and fresh fixings. The Hawaiian rolls will be turned into golden sliders, filled with savory, melty goodness and brushed with a buttery garlic glaze. You’ll even learn how to adjust the sweetness of your Hawaiian rolls to match your personal taste. This will be an engaging, interactive cook-along experience that blends hands-on techniques with unforgettable flavor—ideal for game-day spreads or year round crowd-pleasing family favorites. Equipment Needs: A stand-mixer and dough hook attachment is highly recommended. If a stand mixer is not available, dough can be made by hand. Several days before class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.

Get your chopsticks ready! Really good Chinese take-out food is often hard to find. In this Master Class, discover how to create a wonderful "better-than-take-out" Chinese meal in your own kitchen! Although most Chinese items are fried, this class will also provide healthier options for cooking. The recipes include fried rice, orange chicken, General Tso's Chicken, veggie or chicken egg rolls, and chicken or pork lo mein. Cook along with the first four dishes, then watch a demonstration for the lo mein. Prep work is required before the start of class for those who choose to cook along. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. Once this information is sent, no refunds will be issued. A few days after the class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class.

Many agree that the joy of eating freshly-made pizza can rarely be surpassed, but there is so much more to pizza than just toppings and cheese! There is more than one type of dough and more than one type of pizza; discovering a favorite is a neverending journey! Take the first steps in this Master Class with Tess, who is known as the "Pizzaioli" of her family. Tess will guide you through the intricacies of crafting a gourmet Neapolita-style pizza using her tested Principles of Pizza Making. In your prep packet, you'll receive the information needed to prepare the pizza starter, called a "poolish," the night before class starts. During the class, Tess will cover the do's and don'ts of pizza sauce-making, different types of flour, dough hydration, appliances and equipment, and so much more! Equipment needs: A pizza stone or pizza steal is very highly recommended for more authentic and effective baking of the pizza. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. Once this information is shared, no refunds will be issued. A few days after the class, participants will receive an all-inclusive and extensive packet with all recipes and information shared during the class.

Take a culinary trip to New Orleans this Halloween with a festive, cook-along class with Chef Tess that brings the flavors of Mardi Gras to life! Participants will be guided through the step-by-step process of making fresh Muffuletta bread and a vibrant olive and veggie giardiniera-style condiment, before assembling this iconic, flavor-packed colossal sandwich. Afterwards, you will be absorbed in the process of making a full flavored, colorful King Cake, complete with festive flair & filling, and a surprise inside! Then, making warm, powdered sugar-dusted beignets. The instructor will demonstrate making these two beloved New Orleans sweets. Perfect for families and food lovers alike, this cook-along class is all about celebration, bold flavors, and letting the good times roll... NOLA style! Cook Along: Muffuletta Bread, vibrant olive and veggie giardiniera-style condiment, and assembling the colossal sandwich with classic deli meats and cheeses. Demonstration: New Orleans King Cake & Beignets! Given limited time, the King Cake will need to be demonstrated during the class. Both require the creation of different yeasted dough, that require proofing time beyond what the class allows for. Participants, however, will receive all the recipes. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. Before the class, an email with the list of ingredients and class login details will be sent to allow for shopping and preparation. After the class, you will receive an email with all class recipes presented in a professionally produced printable packet.

Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home in this cook along class. Learn to create a full-flavored, mouthwatering taste of Greece from a descendant of the Spartans who has been cooking Mediterranean cuisine for over 45 years! Your menu includes a Greek Chicken Gyro (made indoors), Tzatziki, Greek Oven-Roasted Lemon Potatoes, refreshing Greek Barley Salad, homemade pita bread, drizzle dressing, and Greek salad dressing. The week of class, you will receive an email with an ingredient and supply list, prep packet, and Zoom video conferencing link. A few days after class, you will receive an additional email with the recipes used during the class. The registration fee covers immediate family members living in the same household only. If children are participating, adult supervision is required.