This article appeared in our Info Edmonton Magazine—March/April 2022.
Learning never tasted so good…
Expand your culinary horizons, learn a new skill, impress friends and family, and gain a deeper appreciation of various cultures all in one place: a cooking class! Cooking schools and restaurants all across Edmonton offer classes on everything from making the perfect pie crust to mastering Italian cuisine. Guidance from trained chefs and teachers, plus being accompanied by other eager students, can make it a far more enjoyable experience than trying to master a complicated dish or technique by yourself. Plus, cooking classes are about more than just the food. It paves the way for deeper appreciation of the cultures and histories around you, connecting to your community in brand new ways. And who knows—maybe you’ll find you have an inner chef after all!
FRENCH-INSPIRED BAKED GOODS
Can’t get enough of the delicious creations coming out of Duchess Bake Shop? Learn to make them yourself! Master Duchess’s most popular treats with the Bake Shop Favourites class, or take their Macaron Basics course to learn tips and tricks for making these mouthwatering creations at home. These classes are small and sell out quickly, so be sure to check back often for the latest class announcements and to join the waitlist. Both one-person and two-person tickets are available. 10936–119 St. duchessatelier.com
ARTISANAL BREADS
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—is there anything better than a warm loaf of fresh bread? With Breadlove Artisan Bakehouse & Bread School’s many classes, you can learn to make your own artisan bread, from focaccia to sourdough. Complete beginner to baking? Take their Artisan Breadmaking 101 class to pick up fundamental techniques. Kids aged 10 and up are welcome if attending with an adult, perfect for a unique family outing! You can also book private classes for the whole gang to learn and bake together. Plus, Breadlove offers gift cards for their classes—the perfect gift for the aspiring baker in your life. 46C St Michael St, St Albert. breadlove.ca
ITALIAN FAVOURITES
Looking for a fun date night with your partner? Enjoy Italian cooking classes for two from one of most famous Italian restaurants in Edmonton. Sorrentino’s Date Night cooking classes encompass a wide range of dishes, from charcuterie boards to a complete Italian steak dinner. Each class concludes with a sit-down meal to enjoy, including a wine tasting. Solo cooks can enjoy classes with sessions on pasta, pizza, focaccia, and more! For big crowds, private classes can be booked for groups of 12 or more. Caffè Sorrentino Head Office, 10665–109 St. sorrentinos.com/cooking-classes
COMFORT FOOD & FUNDAMENTALS
At the heart of Awn Kitchen’s food philosophy is high-quality, seasonal ingredients from local farmers, coming together to make delicious and nourishing meals. Available courses include lots of hearty comfort food and staples like croissants, pierogies, and pasta. You can also learn fundamental techniques for a wider range of recipes, like classes on fermenting or making one-pot meals. For each class, participants receive a recipe pack with bonus recipes so you can keep cooking, learning, and exploring after the class is over. 5124–122 St, #104. awnkitchen.com
CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS DISHES
Pei Pei Chei Ow, an Edmonton-based catering company, creates contemporary Indigenous cuisine with wild meats and both traditional and post-colonial ingredients. You can even learn how to make bannock or Indigenous tacos from chef Scott Iserhoff, or purchase his bannock mix with instructions from Whiskeyjack Art House. peipeicheiow.com
HOME-COOKED MEALS WITH FLAIR
Feel like staying in? Get Cooking offers live and pre-recorded classes taught by trained chefs, covering everything from Argentinian Empanadas to Shrimp & Moringa Curry. getcooking.ca
