Fall Community Culinary and Nutrition Classes

The Community and Continuing Education Department non-credit classes at Kalamazoo Valley emphasize personal enrichment, professional development and community outreach. See the full course list and register at www.kvcc.edu/community and go to the CampusCE Registration site link.

All classes taught at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary Allied Health Building on the Bronson Healthy Living Campus in downtown Kalamazoo.

KNIFE SKILLS 101
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | $25
Sharpen your knife skills in this introductory hands-on class. Join Chefs Lizzie Luchsinger and Leena Mergen to learn fundamental knife knowledge, safe knife handing and classic knife cuts. Get ready to practice your skills and increase your confidence and efficiency in the kitchen. At the end of this class, you will be able to dice, slice, brunoise, julienne and chiffonade like a pro.

GALETTE WORKSHOP: FALL FLAVORS
Saturday, Oct. 8 |10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | $55
Fall in love with sweet and savory seasonal galettes in this hands-on experiential workshop. Rustic, round and impressive freeform tarts - you'll learn how to transform simple ingredients into seasonal stunners. Join us to prepare classic doughs as well as savory (butternut squash) and sweet (apple) galettes.

CULINARY EXPLORATIONS: MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Thursday, Oct. 13 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | $65
Join Chef Andrew Eggert on a captivating culinary journey of Mediterranean cuisine. Taste delicious dishes in this demonstration session while learning key culinary components of Mediterranean cooking. Chef Andrew will prepare dishes highlighting whole grains, vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices, providing you the opportunity to taste your way through these traditional foodways bordering the sea. Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of healthy food and culinary conversation.

KNIFE SKILLS 102: VEGETABLES
Thursday, Oct. 27 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | $25
Take your knife skills (and vegetable consumption) to the next level in this engaging hands-on class. Join Chefs Lizzie Luchsinger and Leena Mergen to cut into a variety of produce including butternut squash, onion, swiss chard, kale, garlic, leeks and brussel sprouts. Practice your skills in a safe and supportive environment, increase your kitchen confidence and master fundamentals that support healthy eating and delicious at-home cooking.

CULINARY EXPLORATIONS: BLUE ZONES
Thursday, Nov. 3 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | $65
Join Chef Andrew Eggert on a culinary journey of Blue Zones - where people live the longest and are the healthiest. Learn the key foodway findings (of what all Blue Zones share), dive into "top longevity foods" and learn how to prepare dishes that distinguish these longest-lived communities. This demonstration class will serve up delicious, nutritious dishes - and, increase your awareness of these inspiring communities, the research that discovered them and the culinary take-aways associated with their vitality. Learn more about Blue Zones at www.bluezones.com.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP: APPETIZERS
Saturday, Nov. 12 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | $65
The holidays are coming, and it's time to prepare for gatherings and festivities. Join us for an appetizer workshop, where you will batch cook (and freeze) three different appetizers to have on hand during this busy season. Spend three hours in our kitchen and leave with holiday bites oven-ready to stun your crowd: spinach and ricotta empandillas, asparagus filo cigars and mini okonomiyaki. Spend time now, to save time later - and wow your family and friends with your culinary creations.

KNIFE SKILLS 102: FRUIT
Thursday, Nov. 17 | 5:30 - 630 p.m. $25
Master your knife skills (and increase your fruit familiarity) in this engaging hands-on class. Join chefs Lizzie Luchsinger and Leena Mergen to safely slice into a variety of fruit, including pineapple, pomegranate and mango. Learn how to segment citrus and process avocados with confidence. Practice your skills in a safe and supportive environment, increase your kitchen confidence and master fundamentals that support healthy eating and delicious at-home cooking.

KOMBUCHA 101
Thursday, Dec. 1 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Class: $15/Brewing Kit add-on: $39.95
Interested in brewing your own 'bucha? Join this class and kick-start your at-home brewing journey. Discover the history and myth associated with this ancient brew. Taste fresh fruit and herbal infusions. Discover the fundamental techniques to safely prepare, bottle and store it - and explore ways to customize batches that represent you.
This demonstration class will take you through the basic process from start to finish. BONUS
OPTION: Add-on purchase of brewing starter kit for $39.95 (in addition to class registration fee). Add-on purchase will include everything needed to get started - Kombucha starter culture (SCOBY), 1-Gallon Brew Jar, Organic Can Sugar, Tea Blend, Re-usable Cotton Tea Bag, Adhesive Thermometer, pH strips, pipette, Cotton Cloth cover, rubber band, instructions and flavoring guide. Kit will be available for pickup at class. Kit order deadline: Nov. 17+ ONLY.