Upcoming Whole Foods Market Cooking Classes
Pre-registration for classes and select events is required. Registration required no later than 48hours prior to the class date. Call 612.927.8141 or visit our customer service desk in person topre-register. Classes and events are subject to change or cancellation. If you cannot attend your class,you must call Whole Foods Market Lake Calhoun and cancel at least 48 hours in advance. You willreceive classroom credit for the amount of the class to be used no later than three months from the date of the class that you registered for. Please email Culinary Director Ani Loizzo at , or call the main store number (612.927.8141) if you have any questions. Thank you!
Monday, November 23rd | 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Knife Skills: Thanksgiving Edition
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy. In this Thanksgiving Edition of our popular series of Knife Skills classes, knife in hand, you will learn how to confidently tackle preparing some of your favorite Thanksgiving items as well as learning the cooking methods the pros use for tender vegetables, crispy skin and silky gravy. Chef Jeremy will guide the class through beginner, intermediate and advanced cutting techniques, as we will make some classic Turkey Day favorites using knife skills like slicing, chopping, mincing and more. We will concentrate on utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients as we work on improving your knife skills and making you more comfortable at the stove. The knowledge and skills learned in this class will provide you a solid foundation that you will use in the kitchen for the rest of your life. Please note that this class is very hands-on and you can expect to both cut and prepare foods during class under supervision of the chef. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
· Chef Jeremy’s Favorite Bok Choy Salad
· Homemade Cranberry Sauce
· Roasted Sweet Potatoes
· Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Cherries and Seasonal Vegetables
· Whole Roasted Chicken “Thanksgiving Turkey Style”
Cost: $30 per person
Tuesday, November 24th | 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Turkey Training
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy. It’s not too late to learn everything you need to roast your first (or 20th, but best) Thanksgiving turkey! With turkey, naturally comes choices. To brine or not to brine? Is deep-fried turkey really that good? How do we get light and dark meat both perfectly cooked? Should we fill the turkey with stuffing or anything? Here at Whole Foods Market, we have some of the best birds around, including locally raised and organic turkeys in many sizes, and we’re prepared to answer all of your questions and more. You will truly be the definitive turkey expert in your family after this class, ensuring a beautiful bird and stress-free Thanksgiving. While the turkey is in the oven, we’ll show you all the tricks to perfect sides. Come hungry, you’ll be stuffed by the end of this class! This class has hands-on opportunities as desired. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
· The Perfect Brine for Roast Turkey
· My Grandmother’s Secret Stuffing
· Homemade Cranberry Sauce
· From Scratch Pan Gravy
· Turkey Bone Broth or Turkey Soup
Cost: $30 per person
Tuesday, December 1st | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
A Tasty Tribute: Julia Child
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy.Lauded as one of the most influential women ever to grace the stovetop, Julia Child is as interesting as she is inspirational. We will make some of Julia’s favorite and most famous dishes as we look back at her footprint on our culinary heritage as well as her love for French cuisine as we celebrate the spirit of one of the most acclaimed Chef Instructors of the past century, Julia Child. Come and learn what it was that made her so respected and appreciated in the kitchen as you enjoy a beautifully prepared meal. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
·Nicoise Salad with Traditional French Accompaniments
· French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese
· Brussels Sprout Gratinee with Olive Oil and Fontina Cheese
· Julia’s Famous BouefBourgignon
· A Special Surprise Dessert!!!
Cost: $30 per person
Thursday, December 3rd|6:00-9:00 p.m.
Essential Techniques: Roasting, Braising and Stewing
This class will be taught by Chef Kevin. In this class, we will focus on the cooking methods that take a little bit longer in the oven or on the stovetop, but lend delicious results- the slower cooking methods of roasting, braising and stewing. Chef Kevin will discuss how to select the right temperature to bring out the best in your dish, how to perform compound cooking methods, like the searing and stewing associated with braising, and how to get tougher cuts of meat and vegetables to break down into soft, silky goodness. You’ll discuss how to build flavor and create sauces from braising and cooking liquids, and how to select the right vegetables and meats for these slower cooking methods. Using this knowledge and skill set, you’ll learn how to craft an awesome whole roasted chicken, smashed potatoes and more.This class can be gluten free upon requestand has hands on opportunities as desired. Pre-registration is required.On the menu:
- Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Loin with Rosemary Potatoes
- Whole Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables
- Braised Beef Short Ribs with Smashed Potatoes and Horseradish Gremolata
- Pan-Roasted Seasonal Seafood with Lemon
- Kale Salad with Toasted Pecans, Butternut Squash and Green Goddess Dressing
Cost: $40 per person
Friday, December 4th | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Date Night: Spain
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy. The foods of Spain are almost a paradox: refined yet rustic, at the peak of culinary innovation yet steeped in decades of tradition. Mysterious and always delicious, the culinary heritage of Spain is powerful and robust. Considered by many to be one of the culinary powerhouses in the world, with offerings like Ferran Adria’s El Bulli, the impact of Spain on the world of food is undeniable. If you’ve ever thought about skipping the trek to a restaurant and instead doing something just as impactful, but more appealing to the senses, look no further. This class is chock full of cooking tips, demos and of course, delicious food. Chef Jeremy will turn the routine of dinner into a fun and meaningful evening during which you can enjoy your company as well as a fantastic four-course meal without having to stress about the cooking. This class has hands on opportunities as desired. Pre-registration is required.
On the menu:
· Sparkling Basil Lemonade
·Pinchitos – Marinated Spanish Shish Kebabs
· Seafood Ceviche with Tomato, Avocado and Cilantro
·RopaVieja – Shredded Marinated Flank Steak in a Tomato Sauce
· Aromatic Saffron Rice Pilaf with Green Peas and Onions
· Homemade Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Cost: $30 per person
Saturday, December 5th | 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
The Whole Kids Club Presents...Around the World on a Dumpling
This class will be taught by Chef Ani. Almost every country in the world makes some kind of dumpling. There are filled dumplings, rolled dumplings, dropped dumplings and more! In this class, we’ll take a world tour of dumplings and whip up German spaetzle, Japanese gyoza (potstickers) and chocolate ravioli. This class can be vegetarian upon request, and is open to kids ages 5-12. Our kids’ classes are drop off classes- kids only, please! Pre-registration is required.
Cost: $5 for Whole Kids Club Members, $8 for Non-Members
Sunday, December 6th | 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
The Whole Kids Club Presents...Channukah Classics
This class will be taught by Chef Ani. It’s Channukah time- the festival of lights! During this time, Jewish families make all sorts of yummy dishes to celebrate, and Chef Ani will teach you some of her favorites. You’ll make potato latkes with applesauce and sour cream, noodle kugel (pudding) and rugelach (rolled sweet cookies). Please note that the Whole Foods Market cooking classroom is not kosher, but all efforts will be made to use kosher products when available. This class is good for vegetarian kids, and is open to kids ages 5-12. Our kids’ classes are drop off classes- kids only, please! Pre-registration is required.
Cost: $5 for Whole Kids Club Members, $8 for Non-Members
Sunday, December 6th|4:00-7:00 p.m.
Anti-Inflammatory- A Delicious Detox!
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy. Take control of how you feel by changing what you eat! We can live better, stronger lives by learning more about what fuels us: our food. If you’re getting ready to get a fresh healthy start in the new year, get a little head start with this informative class. Limiting certain ingredients in your diet can a great way to reduce or control inflammation. Why? Many food ingredients contain allergens that may have a cumulatively toxic effect on your body and may hurt your digestive health over time. We will uncover the ten most common culprits and discuss how to do a self-analysis to determine if or how they affect you. This class is gluten free and can be vegetarian or vegan upon request, and has hands on opportunities as desired. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
· Spiced Apple Quinoa Porridge
· Strawberry & Pineapple Smoothie
· Salad of Kale and Carrots with Adzuki Beans
· Sweet & Sour Pineapple with Shredded Chicken and Rice
· Whole Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables
· Old Fashioned Chicken Broth From Scratch
Cost: $30 per person
Monday, December 7th | 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Make the Best Baby Food
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy. We all want the best for our children, and in this class we will learn how to provide the best nutrition for our kids by making them delicious baby food. It’s easier than you might think! Chef Jeremy will also give you tips for teaching your children lifetime adventurous eating practices to help them make healthy choices once they’re ready to feed themselves. We will talk about the progression of milk to solid foods and learn all about which foods are most appropriate for children and at every age. This class is appropriate for parents of children between the ages of 0-4. Babies and very young children are welcome to attend with the parent. This class is gluten free and is a demonstration style class. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
- The Perfect Puree (Blender Method) with Seasonal Vegetables
- Ground Goodness (Food Mill Method) with Seasonal Vegetables
- A Fresh Fruit and Cheese Plate, perfect for time-pressed parents (for us to eat!)
Cost: $15
Tuesday, December 8th | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Secrets of the Market: Free Tour and Meal Planning Workshop
This workshop will be taught by Chef Ani. There are so many great things to discover at Whole Foods Market-new healthy ingredients, great treats and thousands of items in between. Our quality standards for the items we produce and sell in our store are second to none, constantly evolving and changing to provide our community with great options and the stories behind how they got here, as well as the diverse knowledge of our most valuable in store asset-our team members! On the first Tuesday of each month, you can join Chef Ani for an in-depth market tour to discover the wide array of ingredients and products we sell, how to navigate our store to find the best values, and learn how to plan your meals to get in the habit of cooking delicious meals at home without stress or fuss. This workshop is free and includes a place on the market tour, a question and answer session with Chef Ani and a free weekly meal plan of unique recipes from Chef Ani and Whole Foods Market. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Tours will be capped at 10 people per tour. For more information, please contact Chef Ani at
Cost: Free!
Tuesday, December 8th | 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Easy Entertaining: Holiday Edition
This class will be taught by Chef Jeremy. Being a great host or hostess can be hard. You never want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the fruits of your labors, but you’re juggling cooking, serving, mixing cocktails, answering questions, answering the door, etc. We will teach you how to set yourself up for success so that it seems as if you have been slaving away over a hot stove all day, but can enjoy the company of your guests as they enjoy a delicious spread! Success lies in knowing what recipes are best used when, and we will provide you with all the recipes you need to make your holiday party a success. Special lessons include how to work with puff pastry, how to caramelize onions, and how to make a delicious dipping sauce for shrimp. This class has hands on opportunities as desired. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
· Braised Beef Shortribs Stuffed in Puff Pastry
· Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Goat Cheese and Chives
· Asparagus and Chevre wrapped in Prosciutto with Balsamic Vinegar Glaze
· Classic Shrimp Cocktail with homemade Horseradish Sauce
· Bananas Foster Flambé with Vanilla Ice Cream and Cinnamon
Cost: $30 per person
Wednesday, December 9th | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Taste Bud Travels: Tantalizing Thailand
This class will be taught by Chef Ani. Thai cuisine is like nothing else on Earth. Complex, aromatic, well balanced and endlessly flavorful, Thai dishes are many culinary adventurers favorite destination. The flavors in Thai cuisine may be complex, but the ingredients needed to recreate those flavors and aromas, sights and sounds at home are simple and easily obtained here at Whole Foods Market. Join us to investigate the Thai pantry, learn how to balance sweet, salty, spicy, bitter and sour flavors to create flavorful salads, entrees and desserts, and how to create the common Thai condiment of fish sauce, garlic and lime known as phriknampla. Additional lessons will include how to create a Thai-style deep fried omelet with herbs, how to stir-fry and how to work with rice noodles and sticky rice. This class is gluten free and has hands on opportunities as desired. Pre-registration is required. On the menu:
- Thai Style Spring Rolls with Ginger Tamarind Dipping Sacue
- Green Mango Salad
- Thai Style Omelet
- Laab (Stir Fried Pork and Herb Salad)
- Drunken Noodles
- Thai Sticky Rice with Mango
Cost: $30 per person
Thursday, December 10th|6:00-9:00 p.m.
Italian Christmas Eve: Feast of the Seven Fishes
This class will be taught by Chef Kevin. Chef Kevin is a descendent of a family of fisherman, native to Sorrento, Italy. Throughout the years, his grandparents instilled the idea of a “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” on Christmas Eve, when Italian families abstain from eating meat and focus on a feast of seafood. This is a delicious tradition that becomes even more special when you can base your feast on the certified sustainable fresh seafood from your local Whole Foods Market. Chef Kevin will teach you several different techniques for preparing seafood that you can use on Christmas Eve or any night of the year, complimenting the highest quality seafood with fresh herbs, vegetables and luxurious pasta. This class can be gluten free upon request and has hands on opportunities as desired.Pre-registration is required.On the menu:
- Cod Cakes with Herb Remoulade
- “Seven Fishes” Seafood Salad
- Crispy Calamari with Roasted Pepper Sauce
- Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Cocktail Sauce
- Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
- Whole Wheat Pasta with Pan-Seared Scallops
Cost: $40 per person
Friday, December 11th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Rock and Roll Sushi
This class will be taught by Chef Ani. Sushi has a rich, deep history. The concept is hundreds of years old, taking advantage of natural resources from its home region of Japan and providing a fix for those who wanted to preserve their supper without refrigeration. To Americans, however, sushi is a new, mysterious thing- becoming popular on the West Coast in the early 1950s, and going from the shores of the Pacific to the shores of the Great Lakes as few as thirty years ago. With any new cuisine comes mystery, and we’re here to delve into the mysteries of sushi- its terminology, the differences between Japanese and American style sushi, how to make great sushi rice, select and prepare ingredients for sushi, and how to form maki, or rolls, in the comfort of your very own home. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn the maki method, then dive in and choose their own fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood to create three maki rolls. After enjoying your delicious homemade sushi, you go home with the bonus of your very own sushi mat for future rolling ventures. This class is hands on, is suitable for gluten free customers and has options for vegetarian and vegan customers. Come hungry! Pre-registration is required.