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Basic Cooking Classes Chicago

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Learn the fundamentals of cooking in the vibrant city of Chicago, with classes ranging from knife skills and basic techniques to creating delicious appetizers and desserts.

27 classes have spots left

Hands-On Vegan Summer Sides with Dustin Harder

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Join renowned vegan chef Dustin Harder for an immersive culinary experience, where you'll learn to create vibrant and flavorful summer side dishes that will elevate any gathering. From refreshing salads to indulgent desserts, unlock the secrets to impressing your guests with delicious vegan fare.

(262) All levels 18 and older

Hands-on Cooking: April Showers

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

At Hands-on Cooking: April Showers class at Chicago Botanic Garden, you'll learn how to create delicious dishes like a leek and smoked salmon tart, frisée, and watercress salad with edible flowers, and a Sicilian pistachio and chocolate ricotta cake. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your cooking skills and make your celebration truly memorable.

(126) All levels 18 and older

Hands-on Cooking: Taco Party

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Elevate your taco game with our Hands-on Cooking class, where you'll craft tantalizing twists perfect for any gathering. From savory parmesan shell guacamole and Caesar salad tacos to tantalizing tacos pastor con mole featuring slow-roasted pork and nutty, chili-infused sauce, unlock the secrets to unforgettable flavor combinations. Join us and become the ultimate taco maestro for your next party.

(126) All levels 18 and older
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Explore Cooking & Baking Private Group Events

Explore private group events and team building activities ranging from cooking to art, escape rooms, trivia, and more

Explore Cooking & Baking Private Group Events
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Hands-on Baking: Challah

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Unlock the secrets to mastering the art of crafting sweet and fluffy challah bread at home with our immersive baking experience. Dive into the fundamentals of yeast breads, from gluten activation to shaping techniques, as you create your own pillowy loaves enriched with eggs and honey. Join us for a hands-on journey towards baking perfection.

(126) All levels 21 and older

Demonstration Cooking: Kale

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Discover the versatility of kale, from garden to plate, in our insightful demonstration cooking session. Learn essential techniques for harvesting, cutting, and storing this robust brassica, while honing your knife skills and mastering the art of dressing. Delve into a spectrum of kale recipes, from vibrant salads to comforting pastas, and elevate your culinary repertoire with every savory bite.

(126) All levels 18 and older

Hands-on Cooking: Summer Entertaining

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Warm weather is an invitation for outdoor parties. Host a small or large group with these recipes that are easily scalable, no matter how many you are cooking for, and make the most of summer produce: vegetable-forward appetizers, kabobs, and a blueberry tart. 

(126) All levels 18 and older

Guest Chef Series with Chef Jason Hamel

Tutore @ 2755 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL

Experience the culinary mastery of Chef Jason Hammel as he unveils the secrets behind seasonal vegetable selection, Italian-inspired techniques, and delectable desserts in this exclusive cooking series.

All levels 18 and older
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Double Date: Hands-On Italy in the Spring (In-Person)

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

Learn how to prepare a mouth-watering, Italian seasonal feast in this hands-on class. Menu: Arugula Salad with Artichokes, Fennel and Crispy Prosciutto Orecchiette with Spring Onions, Mushrooms and Parmesan Cream Sautéed Salmon with Hazelnut Pesto Roasted Asparagus with Lemon-Parley Gremolata Skills covered in class: Getting familiar with Italian ingredients Preparing vinaigrette Balancing flavors Working with spring ingredients...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Double Date: Hands-On Street Food (In-Person)

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

Have you ever wanted to eat your way around the world? Here's your chance! Get on board and we'll take you for a wild culinary ride in this hands-on class. Menu: Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) with Homemade Pickled Vegetables Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas with Sour Cream and Cilantro Spicy Shanghai Noodles with Ground Pork and Baby Bok Choy Skills covered in class: Getting familiar with Vietnamese, Mexican...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Hands-On Trip to Miami

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

Feel the heat as you create sizzling, South Beach-style favorites in this hands-on class. Menu: Hearts of Palm, Fresh Crab and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette Achiote Grilled Mahi Mahi with Black Bean-Mango Salsa  Arroz Verde (Herb Rice) Individual Key Lime Pie with Whipped Cream Skills covered in class: Selecting and cutting avocados and mangos Selecting crab meat Preparing vinaigrette Balancing flavors Selecting...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Double Date: Hands-On Night in Spain

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

There's good reason why Spain is such a culinary hot spot. Come experience the bold and zesty flavors of this country, and discover what the buzz is all about in this hands-on class. ¡Ole! Menu: Sautéed Strip Steaks with Romesco Compound Butter Seafood Paella with Shrimp and Mussels Flan (Caramel Custard) Skills covered in class: Getting familiar with Spanish ingredients Preparing compound butter Balancing flavors Selecting...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Bloody Mary Brunch (In-Person)

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Learn how to make the perfect brunch to accompany this classic morning beverage. This cooking lesson includes a full meal, so come hungry!  One Bloody Mary per person is included in the price of class with additional for purchase.  Menu: Bloody Marys Fried Chicken and Waffles with Tabasco-Honey Butter Spinach Salad with Apples, Bacon and a Poached Egg Bananas Foster with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Skills covered in class: Selecting and...

(262) All levels 21 and older
No upcoming schedules
$187
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Hands-On Valentine's Day: New Orleans Surf and Turf

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Join us for a hands-on class this Valentine’s Day weekend while our chef teaches you how to prepare an elegant meal fit for a special occasion. Menu: Oysters Rockefeller Crostini with Spinach, Bacon and Parmesan   Sautéed Filet Mignon with Crawfish-Cajun Spiced Compound Butter Dirty Rice with Andouille Sausage  Green Beans Almondine (Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon) Dark Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$201.25
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Food and Wine of Italy

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Learn how to prepare a mouth-watering, Italian seasonal feast paired with regional wines. You will receive a generous tasting pour of each wine pairing while enjoying the meal prepared by the chef. Menu: Arugula Salad with Artichokes, Fennel and Crispy Prosciutto ​Orecchiette with Asparagus, Spring Onions, Mushrooms and Parmesan Cream Sautéed Salmon with Hazelnut Pesto Roasted Asparagus with Lemon-Parley Gremolata Strawberry Tiramisu...

(262) All levels 21 and older
No upcoming schedules
$110
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Hands-On Spring Break: Trip to the Keys

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Enjoying a staycation this spring break? No worries! Let your palate lead you to the culturally diverse and mouth-watering cuisine of the Florida Keys.   Menu: Hearts of Palm, Fresh Crab and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing  Grilled Mahi Mahi with Black Bean-Tomato Salsa and Chipotle Mayo   Arroz Verde (Fresh Herb and Scallion Rice)  Individual Key Lime Pies with Graham Cracker Crust  Skills covered in class: Selecting...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$149.50
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Hands-On Gluten-Free Comfort Food

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Learn how to recreate your favorite southern-inspired comfort foods using gluten substitutes in this engaging hands-on cooking class at The Chopping Block Lincoln Square. Master Nashville hot fried chicken sandwiches, skillet mac-n-cheese, oven-roasted green beans with toasted pecans, and dark chocolate-toffee brownies while developing essential culinary skills.

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$149.50
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Date Night: Spring Feast Demo

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

As we shed our heavy coats, it’s time to shed winter’s heavy roasts and sauces for lighter meals. Join us as we embrace the season’s harvest in this demonstration class celebrating the vibrant and delicious flavors of Spring. Generous tasting portions of each dish will be served. Menu: Arugula Salad with Shaved Fennel and Goat Cheese Almond and Herb-Crusted Halibut with Sautéed Mushrooms and Leeks Sweet Pea Risotto...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Wine Country Dinner Party Demo

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

Get that breezy West Coast vibe, and spend an evening savoring the delectable food inspired by Nappa Valley cuisine in this demonstration class. Generous tasting portions of each dish will be served.  Menu: Crab Cakes with Fresh Herb Salad and Avocado "Aioli"  Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Bacon-Corn Relish and Arugula Pesto Parmesan Polenta Lemon Cake with Whipped Cream and Blueberry Sauce Skills covered...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Tiki Time Demonstration

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Cool island breezes are calling your name in this demonstration class... All you need is some enchanting Polynesian fare for an evening in paradise.  Generous tasting portions of each dish will be served.  Menu: Ahi Tuna Poke with Cucumbers, Avocado and Spicy Tobiko Mayo BBQ Pork Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps with Daikon-Carrot Slaw Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews and Scallions Guava-Lemon Bars with...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$264
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Dinner Party Classics Demo

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square @ 4747 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Learn how to make an incredible feast with lots of make-ahead shortcuts! With a little advance prep you'll be able to create an impressive spread fit for a dinner party, and have plenty of time to enjoy your guests. Students and chefs alike love this menu so much that we have been teaching it for over 18 years! Generous tasting portions of each dish will be served. Menu: Roast Prime Rib Au Jus with Horseradish Sauce Twice Baked Potatoes Buttery...

(262) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$110
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