Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Using an Air Fryer to cook vegetables is quick—and the healthy results are delicious! In this live online class Kirsten will demonstrate a variety of recipes using in-season local and/or commonly available vegetables including Lemon Pepper Broccoli, Miso Sesame Kale Chips, and Roasted Sweet Potato Sticks. Participants will receive an extensive handout along with the link to join prior to class. There will be ample time for questions during the session, and participants will receive a link to the recording afterwards so you can cook along at your convenience. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 3 days prior to the class date with the shopping list, recipes, and Zoom link to join the class. No cancellations/refunds after email is sent.

We will explore 5 different white grape varietals and talk about what makes them each unique and how to pair them with Spring foods. Wine only served to 21+ with ID.

This class is popular every year. We will explore red wine grapes from all over the world through a comparative tasting of 3 flights. This class will show just how wine represents place. Wine only served to 21+ with ID.

Discover why Indian cuisine is celebrated as one of the world’s leading ethnic foods. In this hands-on class, you’ll explore a variety of authentic dishes, each highlighting the vibrant aromas, bold spices, and rich textures that make Indian cooking so beloved. Recipes Include: Paneer Pakora – Crispy fritters filled with cubes of Indian cheese. Chicken Vindaloo – Tender chicken and potatoes in a tangy, spicy tomato sauce. Dal Makhani – Creamy, slow-cooked lentil stew. Poori – Light, puffed, deep-fried whole wheat bread. Malai Burfi – Decadent milk fudge with nuts and aromatic spices. Perfect for cooks of all skill levels, this interactive class will deepen your appreciation for the diversity, flavor, and artistry of Indian cuisine. Bring an apron!

Ashwini Walimbe, a Culinary Instructor from India, has been sharing her love for Indian cuisine for more than seven years through Community Education programs. She engages both adults and children in hands-on classes that build foundational cooking skills while exploring the rich flavors of India. In this class, participants will learn to prepare a variety of popular and creative dishes, including: Chole – a spiced, tangy chickpea curry Chicken Tikka Masala – tandoor-cooked chicken simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce Aloo Gobi – cauliflower and potatoes seasoned with ginger, cumin seeds, and aromatic spices Kanda Bhaji – crispy, deep-fried onion fritters Naan – soft, fluffy leavened flatbread Ashwini’s teaching style makes Indian cooking approachable, fun, and deliciously rewarding. Along the way, Ashwini shares practical tips, cultural context, and her love for traditional and modern Indian flavors. Bring an apron!

Join Ashwini for a hands-on culinary experience exploring the vibrant world of Indian spices—often called the “magic powders” of her mother’s kitchen. These spices can turn everyday meals into flavorful feasts, adding depth and complexity with just a teaspoon. In this immersive class, you’ll learn how to make spice blends from scratch and use ready-made spices with confidence. Engage your senses—taste, touch, and smell—as you explore turmeric, cumin, red chilies, fenugreek, Indian mustard, anise, and more. Recipes Include: Masala Bhat – Spiced rice with assorted vegetables Gulab Jamun – Vanilla-flavored pastry soaked in honey and rose water Chicken Kurma – Creamy chicken with tomatoes, raisins, cashews, and fresh herbs Palak Paneer – Homemade cheese in creamed spinach with spices Masala Papads – Crispy lentil wafers with black pepper Perfect for beginners or experienced cooks, this class offers a flavorful introduction to the essentials of Indian cuisine. Don’t forget to bring an apron!

We’ll create four unique crostini and enjoy three wines thoughtfully paired with each bite: Italian — Tomato Basil A bright and classic combination featuring fresh tomato and basil. Carrot Surprise — Carrot Miso & Cheese A sweet-savory crostini layered with carrot miso and a creamy cheese finish. Rustic Beef & Slaw — Roast Beef with Fennel Slaw Tender roast beef topped with a crisp, aromatic fennel slaw. Smoky Snap — ’Nduja with Quick-Pickled Celery A spicy, smoky spread balanced by tangy pickled celery. Wine only served to those 21+ with ID.

Spring into fresh flavors with Kirsten in this live online cooking class. We’ll start by preparing a grain base and a protein and while those are cooking we’ll make a sauce and some fresh sides, then assemble everything to enjoy now OR pack separately for meal prep. Participants will receive an extensive handout along with the link to join prior to class. There will be ample time for questions during the session, and participants will receive a link to the recording afterwards so you can cook along at your convenience. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 3 days prior to the class date with the shopping list, recipes, and Zoom link to join the class. No cancellations/refunds after email is sent.

Prep along with Kirsten & Megan in your own kitchen to stock your freezer! As we all prep and assemble different entrees together we’ll talk about Meal Planning and make ahead tips & tricks. You’ll receive an extensive shopping list & recipe handout before class (with lots of substitutions for GF, DF, and meatless options) and after class a link to the recording for future reference. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 3 days prior to the class date with the shopping list, recipes, and Zoom link to join the class. No cancellations/refunds after email is sent.

When I was growing up, chicken and noodles, or beef and noodles, served over mashed potatoes was something I looked forward to my grandma (Gommie) making. Talk about comfort in a bowl! These noodles are also perfect for soup recipes and store well in the freezer to use as needed. In this class, I will teach you how to make these scrumptious homemade noodles, and at the end of class, we will have the opportunity to taste a sample. Each participant will make their own batch of noodles to take home, as well as, the written recipe. Please bring a medium-sized mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and a rolling pin.

Indian food is one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines—rich in aroma, flavor, and tradition. This class will introduce you to the vibrant tastes and culinary techniques of Indian cooking, sure to awaken your senses and expand your recipe repertoire. Recipes Include: Malai Kofta – Paneer and vegetable dumplings in a creamy sauce Hara Bhara Kabab – Fresh and green patties flavored with mildly aromatic spices Chapatti – Whole wheat flatbread Mulligatawny Soup – Traditional chicken soup with lentils and spices Mango & Pistachio Ice Cream – A sweet and refreshing finish Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this hands-on class will guide you through authentic recipes and techniques that reflect the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine. Don’t forget to bring your apron!

Join Ashwini for a hands-on culinary adventure and discover the secrets of creating a delicious, authentic Indian meal! Together, we’ll prepare a flavorful menu from start to finish: Recipes Include: Vegetable Pakora – Crisp golden fritters made with spinach and a medley of fresh vegetables. Curried Chicken – Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant coconut-based sauce. Bhindi Masala – Baby okra sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and warming spices. Aloo Paratha – Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with lightly spiced mashed potatoes. Rasmalai – Soft cheese dumplings served in chilled, sweetened cream. Come ready to cook, taste, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine! Don’t forget to bring an apron!

During this class we will compare mass produced wines vs. small production wines by tasting them blindly. Not all wines are created equally. Find out how particular your palate is during this fun blind tasting class. Wine only served to 21+ with ID.

Food on a stick isn’t just for the Fair! Join Kirsten live online to move beyond the basic Caprese Skewers into a world of color, flavor, and possibilities. Kirsten will share the 3 Rules of Skewering and demonstrate multiple methods to pleasingly present your offerings. From vegan to omnivore there are recipes for everyone. Participants will receive an extensive handout along with the link to join prior to class. There will be ample time for questions during the session, and participants will receive a link to the recording afterwards so you can cook along at your convenience. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 3 days prior to the class date with the shopping list, recipes, and Zoom link to join the class. No cancellations/refunds after email is sent.