Upcoming Virtual and In-Person Events
- October 30 at 1 pm: Demonstration Cooking at the Chicago Botanic Gardens: Easy Thanksgiving Sides. The way to keep your cool when hosting Thanksgiving is to rely on make-ahead side dishes. In this demonstration cooking class, you will discover how to simplify your holiday with inventive Thanksgiving side dishes that you can make in advance. Recipes include a kale and butternut squash galette (which can double as a main course for vegetarian guests), balsamic-glazed pearl onions, and a shredded brussels sprouts salad with pecans. $70 non-members/$56 members.
- November 10 at 7 pm: Demonstration Cooking Class with The Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics: Holiday Cooking All About the Oil. A Thanksgiving and Hanukkah cooking demonstration featuring two recipes that work for either holiday: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Pumpkin Apple Cake. FREE. Register here to access the Zoom link.
- November 13 at 1 pm: Demonstration Cooking at the Chicago Botanic Gardens: Foolproof Fish. If you enjoy eating fish in restaurants, but are anxious about cooking fish at home, you will gain the confidence to shop for and prepare a variety of fish, from salmon to swordfish, in this cooking class. Different ways to cook fish —on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill—will be addressed, as well as which fish are best suited to which method. $70 non-members/$56 members.
- December 5 at 1 pm: Demonstration Cooking at the Chicago Botanic Gardens: Make-Ahead Holidays Appetizers. As the holiday season approaches, take the stress out of entertaining with these make-ahead appetizers that go beyond dips and cheese plates. In this demonstration cooking class, you will learn to make elegant hors-d’oeuvres for your holiday party, all of which can be prepared in advance. Featured recipes include French gougères, salmon gravlax, and butternut squash soup shooters. $70 non-members/$56 members
Cooking and Canning Lessons:
I am available for private and semi-private canning, fermenting, and cooking lessons in the comfort of your own kitchen. Some popular topics include Instant Pot cooking classes, canning and all forms of preserving. If needed, I will bring my equipment with me, so that you do not need to invest in any expensive gadgets. Lessons typically take two hours and at the end you will have detailed recipes and several delicious dishes to eat or share. I am happy to do family lessons as well.
My rates begin at $500 for a private lesson for up to four people total, plus the cost of supplies. (You can provide your own supplies, which include jars, and ingredients, or I can purchase them for you.) I will charge a slightly higher rate if you are far from the Oak Park-River Forest area and I have to drive more than 30 minutes to reach you.
Cooking and Canning Demonstrations:
I am also available for canning, cooking and preserving demonstrations, which are less hands-on than a lesson but still very informative, for larger groups. I have done canning demonstrations at area farmers’ markets, grocery stores, synagogues and many local libraries. My rates start at $200 for a two-hour demonstration for non-profit groups and go up from there.
If you are interested in scheduling a lesson, a demonstration for your organization or have any questions, please contact me at westoftheloop@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
