Cookies, muffins and cakes…oh, my! Does your New Year’s Resolution involve spending more time in the kitchen? January is National Baking Month - why not check out a local baking class? There are many places in the Houston area that offer classes for both kids and adults to learn the best baking methods. Move over Martha Stewart! In Houston…. we love to bake!
Classes for Kids
Tucked away on the second floor above the coffee bar and eating area at Central Market is a shop and teaching kitchen. Parents and their kids can wear matching aprons and learn how to make everything from macarons for Valentine’s Day to Orange-glazed Polenta Cake with Citrus Compote for a special family treat! For older kids, classes incorporate knife skills and more advanced techniques. Classes change each month, so check the schedule to see what is available. Spots fill up fast!
The word Figlia in Italian translates to “daughter” - which was the inspiration for this cooking school. The Figlia classes are hands-on, with each young chef getting personal attention. There are reoccurring weekly and monthly classes along with an option to have classes taught at your home or for home school groups. It’s also a great place to host birthday parties, workshops, Girl Scout parties or family get-togethers.
Green Roots Kitchen mainly focuses on teaching methods for healthy cooking with vegan and other special diet options. During school breaks Chef Nadia often hosts culinary camps for kids. The workshops include baking and pastry classes, recipe comprehension and basic culinary techniques and are great for kids 8 - 17 years old. You can check out Chef Nadia in action as she often does live demonstrations at the Palm Center Farmers Market.
Tiziana’s Cook2Learn Academy offers educational & cultural cooking classes for children 3 to 12 years of age. This Educational & Cultural Academy is a perfect, easy way to experience a different culture while having fun. While the children cook authentic Italian recipes, they will explore Italy by learning about the history of the dish and the region of its origin. Students will also learn to convert between the metric and the United States customary units by measuring the ingredients using both systems.
urbanCHEF Houston
Urban Chef has a variety of cooking classes offered at all different skill levels. Kids can learn to make pizza from scratch and tiramisu for dessert. Both group, private lessons and workshops are available. Besides baking, Urban Chef offers classes with tips on how to buy, store and best use fruits and vegetables bought from farmers markets in the Houston area.
Classes for Adults
The Culinary Institute LeNorte is a place for the most serious bakers and cooks. The school offers classes for adults focusing on the latest trends in global cuisine. You can learn the fundamental culinary techniques of classical and modern pastries, bread, cake and confections. The teaching restaurant features a wall of windows looking into the kitchen where students are working. The modern French restaurant is elegant and affordable with most entrees priced well under $20.
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen has been a popular stop in the Houston area for 20 plus years. The secret behind Sylvia's success is in how her authentic Mexican food dishes are created, but it's a secret she loves to share! Sylvia hosts regular classes in her cooking school where she teaches how to make her most popular dishes at home. Whip up tamales, fajitas, Mexican desserts and more with friends and family! Classes are on Saturdays and include a meal with dessert and a beverage of your choice.
Who can resist a flaky, buttery fresh-baked croissant? Not us! Sur La Table offers an intensive workshop to teach the simple techniques for making the perfect croissant. From mixing the dough just right to prepping the butter for the best results, you will learn all the tips and tricks for making the perfect French treat! Workshops include the secrets behind a classic croissant, Parisian Ham and Gruyere Croissants and the Pain au Chocolat version.
Happy Baking!