Sushi Sensation

Welcome to the Art of Cookery: Sushi Sensation Class!

Embark on a culinary journey and dive into the enchanting world of sushi. This hands-on experience promises to be a feast for your senses, combining the delicate artistry of sushi-making with the exploration of diverse flavors and textures that define this beloved Japanese cuisine.

Class Overview:

In Sushi Sensation, we invite you to unlock the secrets behind the perfect roll, explore unique fillings, and discover the various styles that make sushi a true culinary art form. Chef Valerie Hanson will guide you through the techniques of rolling, shaping, and presenting sushi, ensuring you leave with the confidence to recreate these beautiful dishes in your own kitchen.

Variety and Artistry:

Sushi is more than just a meal; it’s an expression of creativity and precision. Discover the kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and flavors that characterize this global sensation. From the simplicity of Masubi to the elegance of Hosomaki and Futomaki and the avant-garde flair of Temaki, our class will immerse you in a diverse spectrum of sushi styles. Learn the about balancing textures, contrasting flavors, and creating visually stunning presentations that will leave your guests in awe.

Ingredient Exploration:

At the heart of sushi lies a world of unique ingredients, each contributing to the symphony of tastes that define this cuisine.  Delve into the nuances of sushi-grade raw fish, discussing the importance of quality and freshness. While we won’t be preparing raw fish in class, Chef Valerie will provide essential insights on sourcing, handling, and pairing to ensure you’re well-equipped to select the safest ingredients for your sashimi creations.

Hands-On Experience:

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the culinary magic of sushi-making. Our class offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to practice the art of rolling and shaping. Whether you’re a sushi novice or a seasoned home cook, our class is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Join Us:

Don’t miss the opportunity to become a sushi sensation in your own kitchen! Immerse yourself in the world of sushi at the Art of Cookery, where creativity, flavor, and artistry come together in perfect harmony. Reserve your spot in our Sushi Sensation class now, and let the adventure begin!

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with the skills and knowledge gained from this culinary experience. The Art of Cookery awaits you on this sushi journey!

Adult $45

Young chefs (under 16) $45 …must have had prior experience at Art of Cookery and be preapproved by Chef Valerie for this class.  

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Junior Chefs

Kids:  Junior Chef Cooking Class

Designed for young people, aged 10 to 15.
This series of classes is designed for the young chefs who are interested in expanding on their culinary skills.  These are 2 hour classes that requires the junior chefs to have some beginner cooking skills.  They should understand kitchen safety, know how to boil water, stir food, and flip hot food.

Note: The young chefs do not have to take all of the classes.  They can pick and choose.

A different class each time.

The topics of this class will change each time it is held.  Chef Valerie determines the topic but does also like to hear suggestions from the junior chefs.  One time might be making real food versions of kid faves Chicken nuggets and pizza from scratch. Perhaps the topics will cover incorporating super foods and more nutrition into a young chef’s repertoire. 

Maybe there’ll be a culture shift and Vietnamese banh mi or Pad thai is the topic.  Another could be making spaghetti pasta by hand while simmering a great marinara, crafting hand pies, or creating a charcuterie board. 

The summer 2026 series of 3 classes will cover:

  • To be determined.  Make requests!
  •  

The young chefs should eat lunch before attending the 2 pm series.  They will be dining on their classwork at the end of the class or taking it home to share.

Student aged 10-15:  $45 per date.

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Classes and Changes

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I Know...It's Been a While

Never in our cooking school history have I (Chef Valerie) been so busy!  The classes are usually well occupied and numerous.  This summer’s kid’s classes are packed and I am adding three more.

What I am leading up to is….I’m sorry there have been so few blog posts this year.

But here one is!

Upcoming Adult Classes

This isn’t a comprehesive list of upcoming classes, but it is a list of the ones with availability.  To see the entire schedule, click here.

Classes with availability are:

How to Series: Great Gravy – July 21st @ 5:15 pm – $29 (Make and take White Gravy & Brown Gravy)

How to Series: Create a Charcuterie Board – July 23rd @ 1:00 pm – $29

How To Series:  The Art of Pasta – July 25 @ 2:00 pm – $25  (a great intro to making all pasta)

Pasta:  Lasagna – July 29 @ 10:00 am – $45 (make the actual pasta noodles and an entire lasagna – take an 8×8 lasagna home too!)  BTW:  July 29 is National Lasagna Day!

How to Series: Convection Cooking – August 3 @ 5:15 pm – $25 (A great way to get comfortable with convection ovens and air frying)

Kid's Classes

Never before has the demand for summer kid’s courses been this huge.  I just added 4 more of the Yound Chef’s Series.  I had to skip session 1 in the interest of time, but am accepting kid’s to start the series with session 2.  They can take a class as a standalone if they have completed the class before it.  For example, I have kids complete the current series through session 3 but had family camping plans making them miss session 4, so I encourage them to pick up at session 4.  

The kid’s classes (all for ages 11 and up) with availabilty are:

Young Chef Session 2- Baking and Pan Frying – July 31 @ 11:00 am – $45

Young Chef Session 3 – Food Safety and Pastry – August 21 @ 11:00 am – $45

Young Chef Session 4 – Knife Skills and Fruits/Vegetables – August 22 @ 11:00 am – $45

Young Chef Session 5 – Skills Demonstration – September 10 @ 1:00 pm – $60

Embracing Freshness and Minimizing Food Waste: Exciting Changes to Our Offerings!

Greetings, food lovers!  As a passionate culinary enthusiast, I have always strived to provide you with the most delicious food options. To further enhance your dining experience and address the challenges I’ve faced recently (such as increased class load and decrease grab n go demand), I am changing our offerings.

Chef Valerie Hanson Welcomes you!

In a commitment to reducing food waste, I have made the decision to discontinue our grab and go options. Unfortunately, due to the limited demand and the short shelf life of these items, I have experienced an increased amount of food going to waste. I believe that it’s crucial to prioritize freshness, ensuring that every dish we serve meets our high standards of quality and taste.

Fear not! I am not abandoning the idea of offering extra dishes entirely. Instead, just shifting my focus to the creative dishes born from our cooking classes.  For example, whenever I have an upcoming class, such as the Quiche class on July 17th, we will announce in advance the availability of a limited number of dishes inspired by that class.

For example, on July 18th, we will have five mouthwatering quiches available for purchase.

These dishes will be prepared with care, showcasing the skills and techniques used in classes.

One more interesting offering. I offer my services as a personal chef to a limited number of households. If you’re looking for weekly meal(s) tailored to your specific requirements,  I’ve got you covered! Simply reach out me so we can discuss foods that satisfy your cravings and dietary needs.

In addition to our personalized household meals, we are delighted to continue to accept orders. Whether you’re craving a delectable pie, a gourmet pizza, charcuterie board, a loaf of our famous sourdough bread, or even something you simply crave (my goulash or pot pie for example!) I can craft the perfect dish just for you. Simply let me know what you’re in the mood for, and we’ll bring your food desires to life.  DO give advanced notice! At least 24 hours please.  You can also order items from our online shop.

I appreciate your understanding and support in this change.

Condiment Series: Mayonnaise

Discover the art of creating velvety-smooth mayo through simple techniques. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect consistency using whole eggs and egg whites, resulting in a homemade mayo that surpasses store-bought versions in both taste and quality.

What sets homemade mayonnaise apart is the boundless potential for customization. Let your taste buds be your guide as you explore a world of flavors. From tangy and zesty to herb-infused or spiced, you’ll learn how to infuse your mayo with personalized nuances that elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

Crafting your own mayonnaise isn’t just a culinary delight—it also opens the door to a healthier alternative. Gain control over the ingredients and choose high-quality oils, adjust the level of seasoning to suit your preferences, and tailor your mayo to meet specific dietary needs. Embrace the freedom of creating a mayo that aligns with your wellness goals.

Master the techniques for achieving consistent results and troubleshoot common pitfalls. 

Take pride in creating a condiment that is as unique as your culinary style. Reserve your spot today and embark on a flavorful journey that will forever transform the way you enjoy this beloved classic.

$30

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Mustard Mastery

Join us as we delve into the world of mustard-making, where you’ll discover the ancient alchemy of transforming humble mustard seeds into a sensational condiment that will tantalize your taste buds. Led by expert chef and preserving aficionado Valerie Hanson, this immersive culinary experience will guide you through the art of crafting homemade mustard from scratch.

Discover the nuances of mustard flavors, from mellow and classic to bold and spicy, and learn how to strike the perfect balance that suits your palate.

But the adventure doesn’t end there! Expand your culinary repertoire as we explore the realm of flavored mustards. Unleash the fiery kick of jalapeno or embrace the pungent allure of horseradish. Discover how to infuse your mustard creations with a symphony of flavors, unlocking endless possibilities to elevate your favorite dishes.

To ensure the safe preservation of your culinary creations, you’ll also master the art of water bath canning—a time-honored technique that seals in the freshness, allowing your homemade mustards to be enjoyed long after the class is over. Gain confidence in this essential skill as you learn the step-by-step process, including proper jar sterilization, filling, sealing, and processing.

Throughout this immersive class, you’ll be guided by Chef Valerie’s expertise and passion for homemade condiments. Uncover the secrets to achieving a perfect mustard consistency, experimenting with flavors, and preserving your creations for long-lasting enjoyment.

Whether you’re a curious culinary enthusiast or a seasoned home cook, this mustard-making and water bath canning class will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create mustard masterpieces that will impress family and friends. Join us on this flavorful journey and add a dash of homemade magic to your culinary repertoire.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and get ready to embrace the art of mustard-making!

Check out other condiment classes HERE.

$30

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Culinary Crash Course

Are you a young adult just getting out on your own and need some kitchen skills?  Have you recently lost your spouse or partner and that person was the cook in the relationship?  This is the class for you!  Is your family on a budget and you need to to dine in/not out?

This class is for YOU.

Over the course of this 6 hour culinary bootcamp, participants learn a variety of foundation kitchen skills from basic to more in-depth.

Experience:

  • Sourdough bread making
  • Knife skills
  • Proper kitchen measuring technique
  • Electric pressure cooking
  • How to cook from your pantry

You will come away with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience (as well as recipes and notes provided for you.

You will be eating your way through the day.  Imagine that, eating your homework.

$200

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Date Night: Scallops and Wine

Enjoy a fabulous meal of scallops, risotto, and chocolate truffles that YOU made!

Enjoy a romantic evening discovering wine’s many culinary uses. Experience using wine in different ways while preparing a 3-course romantic dinner by searing scallops and creating a creamy wine sauce for them. Next, pair dry white wine and pecorino for a wine-infused risotto. For dessert, make dark chocolate truffles with wine, of course!

Finally sit down as a group and enjoy your delicious meal, complete with a complimentary glass of wine. You can bring your own to enjoy while cooking.

Tickets are limited to 6.  

$69 per person

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Youngest Chef Series Session 5 Ages 6-10

Designed for young people, aged 6 to 10.

This series of classes is designed for the youngest chefs who are interested in entering the world of cooking food.  This is a five-session series with each lasting 1 1/2 hours.  The classes must be taken in order, but do not need to be week to week.  Your young chef can experience session 1 this summer, session 2 the next time the series is offered, etc.

Session 5:  More Stove Top and Knife Skills: 

The final Youngest Chef session is a type of reminder course, advancing their skills.  Students will be using stove top, handling meat, prepping vegetables with knives, and understanding the term “mise en place” when it comes to planning a cooking session.

Using these skills, they will be making a Taco bar for lunch.

Students aged 6-10: $55

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Youngest Chef Series Session 4 Ages 6-10

Designed for young people, aged 6 to 10.

This series of classes is designed for the youngest chefs who are interested in entering the world of cooking food.  This is a five-session series with each lasting 1 1/2 hours.  The classes must be taken in order, but do not need to be week to week.  Your young chef can experience session 1 this summer, session 2 the next time the series is offered, etc.

Session 4:  Ovens – Baking (Sweet & Savory)

This session provides an experience in foundation skills for baking (ingredient identification, measuring, folding, oven use, food safety regarding meat handling). Foods made in this session are mini-meatballs and cookies.

Students aged 6-10: $55

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Youngest Chef Series Session 3 Ages 6-10

Designed for young people, aged 6 to 10.
This series of classes is designed for the youngest chefs who are interested in entering the world of cooking food.  This is a five-session series with each lasting 1 1/2 hours.  The classes must be taken in order, but do not need to be week to week.  Your young chef can experience session 1 this summer, session 2 the next time the series is offered, etc.

Session 3:  Slicing, Dicing, Paring, and Boiling: 

In this 3rd session the youngest chefs will be learning about boiling water, an easy way to dice an onion, shredding cheese, and sauteeing.  Together with Chef Valerie they will be preparing a lunch of Spaghetti and Pie (the real thing, no boxed stuff!).

Students aged 6-10: $55

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