Kiss Z Cook Groupon

In case you missed it (which I almost did), the secondary Groupon offer today is for $35 classes at Kiss Z Cook -- a $40 discount! These classes are informative, fun and hands-on, so snatch up your coupon today and start cooking.

September Cooking Classes

Whew! After whirlwind trips to England and Canada, I'm back at home and ready to take some classes. The first priority, of course, is food, so here's a look at cooking classes on the September schedule.

• Kiss Z Cook is launching another round of its Foundation Series I, an eight-week class covering knife skills, garde manger, sauces/stocks, soups, starches and proteins. The class is held on consecutive Thursday evenings starting Sept. 2. At $480, it's pricey but worthwhile. Also on the September schedule: pasta, Italian bread, prep cooking, creative vegetarian and more.
• Chef JJ's is offering hearty grilling classes focused on pizza, steak, desserts and breads, and fish. Has anyone been to one of Chef JJ's classes? I really need to get over there!
• Clark's Appliance has classes on tailgating (including a recipe for "the ultimate cheese ball") and the cuisine of Northern Italy.

I usually include Frasier's Gourmet Foods on this list, but all of its September classes are already sold out, including Cooking 101 and a class on rolled fondant. Sign up now for October classes on vegan cooking and party desserts.

While we're talking about food, keep in mind that it all starts with the farmers. Kelly Funk, owner of Seldom Seen Farm, was struck by lightening in July while working in her fields, and her recovery is expected to be long and slow. Slow Food Indy is collecting donations to help the family cover her many expenses. If you'd like to contribute, donate here.

May Cooking Classes

Are you ready for a serious culinary education? Kiss Z Cook has several long-term classes starting this month, including the scrumptious "Let's Bake" series, an outdoor grilling series, and level two of its foundation series for basic skills. Each series meets once per week for six or eight weeks.

The Carmel venue also has some great one-shot classes scheduled this month, such as "Cooking with Cheese" and "Outstanding Soups."

I'd sign up for "Let's Bake" in a heartbeat if it didn't conflict with several short trips I have planned ... and if my husband wouldn't kill me for spending $360 at once.

On the less expensive side, R Bistro chef Erin Kem continues her culinary wandering with a class on Middle Eastern cuisine at Frasier's Gourmet Foods ($35). Also on the schedule: a spring farm-market cooking class with chef Brad Kline.

At Chef JJ's in Broad Ripple, you'll find classes on sausages, pizza and ribs ... apparently they're working from a list of my husband's favorite foods.

Finally, if you took April's Sushi 101 at the Chef's Academy, continue your education with Sushi 102, taking place May 8.

December Cooking Classes

Soups, roasts, holiday cookies: This month's cooking classes are all about comfort foods and holiday fun. Here's a quick look at the highlights:

• Clark's Appliance is offering a Culinary Foundations class on soups and stews. In the two-hour class, you'll make a basic stock from scratch, then transition to French onion soup, New England clam chowder, and beef and Guinness stew.

• As always, Kiss Z Cook has a huge variety of classes on offer, from "Updated Traditions" to "Holiday Brunch" to "Party Planning for the New Year." For a fun family activity, try the bake-and-take cookie class Dec. 12; for a decidedly non-family activity, try the "Girls' Night Out - Holiday Style" class Dec. 9.

• Oddly, the only December class at the Chef's Academy is knife skills. Doesn't that seem kind of Grinchy? Well, maybe you'll be able to make cocktail-party canapes more quickly.

• At Chef JJ's in Broad Ripple, classes include holiday appetizers and side dishes, soups, ribs, and special holiday proteins.
  

• To The Last Drop is offering classes on soups, dips and (oddly) sushi. I have an unfortunate history with this venue, as many of you know, so enroll at your own risk.
  

Before you ask, I didn't forget Frasier's Gourmet Foods. The shop does a metric ton of holiday gift-basket business in December, so the classroom space gets co-opted. Don't worry: Good things are coming next year!

November Cooking Classes

It's lunchtime, and -- as Pooh would say -- I have a rumbly in my tumbly. Of course, I'd rather drool over cooking classes than actually make myself lunch, so here's a look at what's coming up in November.

Frasier's Gourmet Foods has several great classes scheduled, including another round of the celebrated Cooking 101 series. You'll also find classes on knife skills, make-ahead entrees and party desserts. And, chef Erin Kem of R Bistro will teach you how to cook with great Hoosier microbrews, from breweries such as Three Floyds and Barley Island.

Kiss Z Cook is continuing its popular Friday-evening date-night series, with classes on kicked-up Thanksgiving, couples' entertaining and bistro tasting menus. November's Girls' Night Out theme is sushi, and the Chef Study is Wolfgang Puck. Other random options: vegetarian cooking; roasting and braising; poaching and steaming; party favorites; and healthy food for kids.

The Chef's Academy has two Saturday classes (Nov. 7 and 21) focused on Thanksgiving meals. Likewise, Chef JJ's is offering a class on grilled turkey and unusual side dishes (plus classes on vegetarian grilling and steak and chili).

Finally, To the Last Drop in Zionsville is offering several classes focused on Thanksgiving prep, but enroll at your own risk.

Well, that's that, but I'm still hungry. Off to Rabbit's for a pot of honey ...

Kiss Z Cook: New Foundations 2 Series

Are you looking to put your culinary skills to the test? If so, Kiss Z Cook has a class for you. Starting Sept. 5, the Carmel cooking school will offer Foundations 2, a continuation of its popular Foundations 1 course. The school promises longer classes, tougher recipes, and a stronger focus on plating and presentation.

Now, at $480, the Foundations 2 series is a pretty big investment in your culinary skills. So, I checked in with manager Jay Rivett to get more information about the series.

How many people have been through the Foundations 1 program? Do most people do the whole series, or do they tend to pick and choose the sessions they want?

Over the last year and a half, we have had 30+ people complete our Foundations 1 series! We typically have more people signed up for the first class (knife skills).

You say that Foundations 2 will "put your skills to the test." What types of techniques will people be learning?

Foundations Series 2 will focus more on presentation and plating, as well as more in-depth recipes. The classes will be two hours longer than the Foundations 1 classes to ensure plenty of time for the students to hone their skills on the techniques our chef will be showing them. Some of the techniques will include how to butcher your own meats and seafoods, pastry and bread making, and tourines and pates.

Can you give us a hint about what some of the recipes might be?

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea what the recipes will be. Our chef likes to wait until the last minute to include me in that information!

Aside from the Foundations series, which of your recent classes have been the most popular?

Our most popular classes have been our Date Night classes. We travel all over the world for those, so there is a different style of cuisine each time. That makes it fun for people to keep coming back to learn more about fun foods, as well as enjoy a great night out.

Upcoming: Cooking Classes in August

Whenever I check my blog statistics, I notice that the most popular posts are the ones dealing with cooking classes. So, let's whet your appetite for learning with a quick look at cooking classes scheduled for August.

• Frasier's Gourmet Foods is offering a "Wine Staycation" class with Brad Sullivan on Aug. 19 ($20). On Aug. 13, catch Brad Kline for a class on Indiana tomatoes; recipes will include gazpacho, sandwiches and soups ($35). And, on Aug. 25, chef Erin Kem of R Bistro will repeat her July class on Thai food ($35).

• To the Last Drop in Zionsville also has a class on Thai food, this one scheduled for Aug. 20 ($50). Or, drop in for the sushi-making class on Aug. 27 ($60).

• Kiss Z Cook has a full schedule in August. The eight-week Foundation Series begins Aug. 5 with a class on knife skills and continues through September ($480). If you're looking for a good date idea, try one of the Friday-evening couples' classes; themes include the foods of Paris (Aug. 14) and a rustic Montana picnic (Aug. 28) ($125/couple). On Aug. 17, Kiss Z Cook is launching an eight-week series of classes for stay-at-home parents, with classes offered at 10 a.m. Mondays ($480). And then there are the random one-off classes, like an Aug. 4 class on cooking with berries and an Aug. 20 class on 30-minute entrees ($75).

I'm still waiting on August schedules for Clark Appliances and the Chef's Academy. More info to come!

This Week's Classes

We've talked about education vacations, but what about education staycations? Here are a few class options if you're staying close to home this week:

• Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. -- Visit Boca Loca Beads in Fountain Square for a two-night course on precious metal clay. This material has the consistency of clay but turns into pure silver when fired in a kiln. It's a perfect medium for jewelry making. ($110)
  
• Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. -- Stop by Frasier's Gourmet Foods to explore two varietals of wine: pinot and chardonnay. The instructor is Brad Sullivan, from the Carroll Company. ($20)
• Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. -- Learn the art of sandwich making at Kiss Z Cook. The class, taught by Dwight Simmons, will take you beyond deli meat and sliced cheese. ($75)
  
• Friday, 6-8 p.m. -- Learn the techniques for buying, handling and grilling seafood at the Barbecue Maestro course at Clark's Appliances. ($55/person or $100/couple)
• Friday, 7-8 p.m. -- Attend the Indianapolis Art Center's glass-making workshop and make your own glass flower. There are only a few spots left, so register soon. If you can't make it Friday, the class repeats 4-5 p.m., Aug. 1. ($26)
  

Summer Schedule: Kiss Z Cook

Most educational venues are winding down for a quiet summer schedule. Not Kiss Z Cook. It's May/June calendar is jam-packed with interesting classes, including a new heart-healthy cooking series and a summer grilling series.

Kiss Z Cook is also continuing its popular series of Friday night cooking classes for couples, with topics such as China (May 15), Jamaica (June 5) and Cancun (June 19).

And, it's offering a new Girls' Night Out series, with topics such as Hawaii (June 4) and "Fixing Your Man's Favorites" (May 20).

Here are a few other classes of note:

• May 4 -- "All About Crusting and Searing"
• May 6 -- "Delectable Vegetarian"
• May 27 -- "Now, That's a Wrap!"
  
• May 28 -- "Menu Planning: Setting Up a Four-Course Meal"
• June 3 -- "Dazed and Infused"
• June 6 -- "Pies and Tarts"
• June 9 -- "Summer Desserts"
  
• June 10 -- "Picnic Pleasures"

Bon appetit!

Tuesday Tidbits

On Thursday evening, I'm finally making my way to Boca Loca for a beading class. I'll give you a full report soon! In the meantime, here are a few tidbits to tide you over.

• Kiss Z Cook in Carmel has posted its March class calendar. I gave my mom a gift certificate for Christmas, so I'll probably be at one of these classes. Maybe "Breakfast Goodies" or "St. Patty's Irish Food and Beer"?
• The Knit Stop in Keystone has redesigned its Web site, making the class listings much easier to access. Sign up now for classes on specific patterns, or enroll in "rookie," intermediate or advanced classes to improve your knitting or crochet technique.
• Conner Prairie is offering an adult pottery class on Tuesday evenings in March. The focus is on wheel-throwing and glazing techniques.
• Another upcoming Conner Prairie event: An Evening Dinner with Freetown Village (March 21). Enjoy an evening of traditional African-American cuisine and 1870s period entertainment, including parlor games, story-telling and songs. (Reservations required.)

Cooking Classes: Winter Comfort Foods

When the weather gets this nasty, I crave soup, hot chocolate and other winter comfort foods. But I also need some culinary inspiration, or I end up eating yet another batch of my fabulous Mr. Noodles raman noodles (bought by the case every time I go to Stratford).

A mid-winter grocery run to Canada is something I'd like to avoid, so here are a few culinary classes I'm considering:

• Frasier's Gourmet Foods has a "Soup & Bread" class series coming up. Taught by chef Joseph Allford, the classes meet on Monday evenings in January and are likely to sell out.


• Clark Appliance is offering a class called "Culinary Foundations: Soups and Stews." The class takes place Friday, Dec. 5, and costs $35. Recipes include basic stocks, wonton soup and Guinness stew.


• The Chef's Academy is offering "Winter Comfort Foods" this coming Saturday, Nov. 22. Cost is $75.


• Looking for something less traditional? Warm up despite the cold weather with a Brazilian cuisine "date night" at Kiss Z Cook this Friday. Cost is $125 per couple.


• Do your comfort foods usually involve chocolate? Sign up for the "Chocolate Centerpieces" class through Lawrence Township Community Education. It meets the evening of Dec. 11 and costs $85.

Of course, if you need some serious cooking instruction -- like how to tell a parsnip from a rutabaga -- you have a few options. One is the "Have Fun Cooking" class, offered by the IUPUI Community Learning Network. Another is the Foundations series at Kiss Z Cook, which focuses on knife skills, soups, starches, meats and other food types. Frasier's also has a great Cooking 101 class series, but no dates are scheduled at the moment.

Cooking Classes for Couples

Need to spend more quality time with your sweetie? Mark your calendars for a couples' cooking classes at Kiss Z Cook, where you can learn something new, cook a meal together and then enjoy eating it. What a great date!

Classes are held at 6:30 on Friday evenings and cost $125 per couple (pricey, yes, but not any more costly than a nice meal at R Bistro or L'Ex). Here's the schedule:

• Oct. 3: Oktoberfest.
• Oct. 24: Dracula's Feast.
• Nov. 7: Take a Bite of the Big Apple.
• Nov. 21: Hot Salsa Nights in Brazil.

Bon appetit!

Welcome new readers!

Welcome to readers of Carmel Magazine! This month's issue includes my article about adult continuing education opportunities in Carmel. I profiled five Carmel women who took classes at the following venues:

• Artisan Masterpiece (painting classes).
• Kiss Z Cook (cooking classes).
• Carmel Community Players (acting classes).
• Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (fitness classes).
• IUPUI Community Learning Network (misc. classes).

Need some inspiration to sign up for a fall class? Check out the article to see how adult continuing education can enrich your life.

Killing Time in the Summer Doldrums

Oh, how I long for those fall class schedules to be released. They're like the school supply aisle at Target -- so full of possibility! I had a momentary thrill today when I visited the Indianapolis Art Center's site and accidentally read "full class schedule" as "fall class schedule." But, no, it is not even July. We will have to be patient.

In the meantime, it's not too late to sign up for late-summer classes at spots around town. The IUPUI Community Learning Network offers a number of classes that start in July, including fitness, art, and home and garden classes.

Upcoming workshops at the Indianapolis Art Center include silk painting, photography, goblet making, papermaking, jewelry design, painting, event planning, furniture refinishing and botanical illustration.

Kiss Z Cook has some mouth-watering cooking classes coming up in July, such as "Pies, Pies, Pies," "Cooking with Beer," "Belize Cuisine" and "Grindhouse Favorites."

And, of course, summer is a great time to take that historic ghost tour, visit the Holcomb Observatory or explore a museum you haven't seen since elementary school.

Meanwhile, I'll keep looking nostalgically at yellow pencils and gazing mournfully at outdated class schedules.

Foundation Series at Kiss Z Cook

Need to learn some cooking basics? Kiss Z Cook is offering its foundation series, which meets on eight Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30, starting May 14. Kiss Z Cook bills itself as a cooking school for the home cook, so the classes should be easy to understand. The full series is $480, or pick and choose for $75 apiece.

Here's the schedule:

• May 14 - Knife skills


• May 21 - Garde manger (prepping fruits and vegetables)


• May 28 - Sauces


• June 4 - Soups


• June 11 - Starches


• June 18 - Meats


• June 25 - Poultry


• July 2 - Seafood

The school also has "date night" cooking classes at 7 p.m. Fridays, mostly with ethnic cooking themes. Some other interesting one-shot classes coming up include:

• Breakfast in Bed for Mom (2-4 p.m., May 3, $75)


• Stuffed Pasta and Gnocchi (6:30-8:30 p.m., May 5, $75)


• Veggie and Vegan Cooking (6:30-8:30 p.m., May 12, $75)


• Tailgating Tastes (6:30-8:30 p.m., May 19, $75)

Kiss Z Cook is relatively new, so I haven't taken a class there yet. If you have, please tell us about your experience!