[Chef Dionisio Esperas leading a class at Soil Born Farm]

Have you been meaning to brush up on your cooking skills (or learn some maybe)? Or, perhaps you have a teenager out of school for the summer and she or he needs something to keep them busy? Good cooks aren't just born knowing how to dice and sauté, they have to learn it just like any other skill. If you know how to cook, your life is much easier and more interesting: Meals are less expensive and probably healthier; you can entertain with less stress; you can learn about new cultures through making their food; you can plan ahead and know what's for dinner every night rather than going through the dinner dilemma every day. Plus, it's fun when you know how easy it can be! But my favorite thing about knowing how to cook is finding new ingredients and trying new dishes. It's much more fun than eating the same things all the time!

Upcoming Cooking Classes in the Area

El Dorado Hills Community Center, 916-333-6624
Learn Healthy Indian Cooking: Simply Dosas (June 9), Indian Lunch (July 14), Simple Snacks (Aug. 11)
more info. here

Whole Foods Market, Sacramento, 916-488-2800
A variety of demonstration and hands-on classes, including Hawaiian Style—Local Grinds, You Know Da Kine (June 7), Thai Dinner Party and Organic Wine Tasting (June 14), Indian Grilling and Chutney! (June 21)
Complete class listing here.

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, 916-455-2667
Basic and international cuisines classes, including Seafood Basics (June 19), Gnocchi Basics (June 11); also classes specifically for kids and teens, such as Kids and Teens Summer Cooking Camp (suggested ages 9-15). Session 1: July 23-27, 9 am-12 pm; Session 2: August 6-10, 9 am-12 pm Class schedule here.

Napoli Culinary Academy, Sacramento, 916-921-9999
You can enroll as a culinary student or just sign up for individual classes. Discounts as you sign up for multiple classes. Classes include a variety of International Cuisine and Indian Cooking choices. Look for the p.m. class schedules here.

An Occasional Chocolate, Roseville, 916-390-2576
Schedule a candy-making class for a family or group at your convenience. Choose from a hand-dipped chocolates class or decorating chocolates class.
Fill out a scheduling form and get more info. here.

Masque Ristorante, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-8555
Pastry chef Ginger Elizabeth leads hands-on classes including Breakfast Pastries (June 9), Plated Desserts (July 21), Cake Decorating (August 11)
Click on "events" at the Masque Web site for more detail.

Jr. Chef Cooking Camp, South Sacramento, 916-691-4323
Weeklong cooking camp during June and August for kids 10 to 15. They learn about shopping, menu planning, nutrition, and cooking.

Davis Food Co-op, Davis, 530-758-2667
Sign up for single, 3-class, or 5-class passes. Jam On It (June 7), Sesational Salsas (June 19), Quick & Spicy Grilling with Wine (June 30)
Spring class schedule here.

A Healthy Kitchen, Sacramento area, 916-739-0659
Chefs Dionisio Esperas and Terese Hollander are well-known in the area for their classes at the Co-op and Learning Exchange. They're also available for private classes and group demos. Class titles like Thrill of the Grill and Flavorful Low-Fat are just two of many choices. Visit their Web site for their currently scheduled classes and info. on how to book a group class.

If you know of others in the area, please let us know! Sometimes the best cooking instruction is in someone's house or restaurant during the off-hours.