Expand your cookie collection in time for the holidays with these crowd-pleasing recipes. We'll break into groups and get busy making four different varieties. Mary will explain why correct measurement of ingredients, as well as mixing, shaping, spacing, oven temperature, and oven position, are all important factors for cookie success. You'll discover a buttery twist on a classic with Brown Butter, Chocolate Chip, and Toffee Cookies, chewy Coconut Macaroons dipped in rich dark chocolate, Fig Pinwheels rich with warm spices and orange rind (not your store-bought Fig Newton!), and citrusy Lemon Love Knots.

We're excited to welcome Harriet Argue to the Culinary Center. Harriet came from California to Dayton from a large Greek family, and has over 30 years’ experience in the Dayton restaurant business. She was the owner of Truffles Café&Catering and was involved in menu development and catering at Madison's Bistro and Mediterra Café. Join us for this class with our Greek food expert! If you loved the movie, you'll be sure to love the food!

Hands-On Class

Would you like to learn how to execute various basic knife cuts and shapes, like the julienne, dice, brunoise, and others? Mastering these knife cuts can improve the quality of the food you cook. Chef Carrie will explain the importance of how consistent cutting techniques ensure your food is cooked to a uniform degree of doneness, as well as enhance visual appeal. You will also learn how to select, wield, sharpen, and store knives.

Hands-On Class
Learn the skill of making fresh pasta for creating outstanding Italian dishes. The depth of flavor and delicate texture of homemade pasta elevates dishes from ordinary to gourmet. Mary will walk you through the process of making lasagna and ravioli sheets, and turn them into two deliciously impressive dishes your family and friends will love.

Join Chef Liz of Wheat Penny Oven & Bar for this Lidia Bastianich-inspired menu that reflects Liz's Italian heritage and love for cooking for and with family and friends. Many of the most classic Italian dishes are made from humble ingredients, utilizing local and seasonal products that have always been readily available. Nothing is discarded or wasted, and inventive ways were constantly developed to make use of all parts of the animal. It might be called "poor cooking", but this style of cuisine is unexpectedly rich and hearty.

Looking for a unique lunch idea? Join us for this hour-long lunch class with a delicious menu. You'll enjoy a three-course meal while we demonstrate the recipes. We'll do our best to get you out in an hour, and you'll take home the recipes! Coffee, hot tea, and water will be available. We'll have a perfectly paired wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Come in from the chilly air and warm yourself with our delicious lunch menu full of autumn rich flavors.

Join Chef Carrie and George for an evening of classic Brasserie-style French food and wine. Chef Carrie will demonstrate how this simply sophisticated, romantic, and unpretentious cuisine, paired with George's thoughtful wine choices, makes for a superb French dining experience.

Wine educator Teresa will share her passion for one of the leading exporters of wine, Spain, as Chef Carrie prepares a beautiful combination of Spanish-style, full-flavored specialties. Spain is known for its Mediterranean diet based on rustic simplicity, wonderful olive oil, fresh vegetables, and abundant seafood. Chef Carrie and Teresa are the perfect duo for creating this memorable dining experience.

Hands-On Class
Expand your cookie collection in time for the holidays with these crowd-pleasing recipes. We'll break into groups and get busy making four different varieties. Mary will explain why correct measurement of ingredients, as well as mixing, shaping, spacing, oven temperature, and oven position, are all important factors for cookie success. You'll discover a buttery twist on a classic with Brown Butter, Chocolate Chip, and Toffee Cookies, chewy Coconut Macaroons dipped in rich dark chocolate, Fig Pinwheels rich with warm spices and orange rind (not your store-bought Fig Newton!), and citrusy Lemon Love Knots.

Hands-On Class
With abundant variety and multiple uses in both sweet and savory dishes, apples are one of the stars of the autumn season. We couldn't let one of our seasonal favorites go by without making a traditional apple pie, and Mary's is simply the best we've ever tasted! Join us for this hands-on class where Mary will show you how to make her incredible All-Butter Crust and delicious Fresh Apple Filling. You'll learn how to choose the best combination of apples, resulting in the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavor; and why this combination results in a tender filling that holds its shape when sliced.