CLASS DESCRIPTIONS –

Class descriptions with full menu and additional information coming soon!

3/18 (Wed) 4:45-6:45pm – Youth Knife Skills    (V)

Empower your child to help with the cooking by learning real knife skills/techniques that will stay with them for as long as they cook (as well as impress their friends)! Children/youth are great at chopping, dicing and mincing when they learn the proper techniques and safety guidelines. Participants will practice cutting a variety of fruits, vegetables, and bread. They will learn special techniques for cutting onions, carrots, peppers and other vegetables, as well as learning how to paste garlic, mince parsley, and make chiffonade of lettuce. Sign them up now for this intense hands-on life skills lesson with Chef Joel! A light meal will be served during class but Chef Joel recommends participants have a snack before class.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $50.

4/4 (Sat) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Spring Treats    (V) 

Participants will spend a fun afternoon learning to make delicious treats for Spring/Easter and will come home with a basket full of delicious handmade treats to share (or not)!  They will make:  Golden Cheddar Twists; Mini-Caramelized Pear Tarts; Chocolate Raspberry Crème Brûlée; and Little Egg Pastel Cream Cheese Mints.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

4/12 (Sun) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Summer Rolls (And Some Are Not)    (V) 

Spring and summer rolls are fun to make and delicious to eat! Come ready to prepare then enjoy fresh handmade Spring/Summer Rolls featuring both traditional flavors and fun twists, as well as delicious crispy-cooked potstickers. Participants will also learn how to prepare delicious accompanying sauces. On the menu: Rainbow Vegetable Springrolls; Sweet Soy-Glazed Tofu & Crispy Cabbage Potstickers; Strawberry, Kiwi & Mango Summer Rolls; plus Sesame Ginger Dipping Sauce; and Honey Lime Dipping Sauce.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

Class descriptions with full menu and additional information coming soon!

To Register, Email Hemmachef@gmail.com

Please email to register and/or with any questions: Hemmachef@gmail.com

FOR VEGETARIANS: Classes have been designated according to their appropriateness for vegetarians:

• the class is vegetarian (V)
• meat is optional; can easily be left out of menu item(s) (VO)
• a vegetarian option can be substituted for the meat in recipe(s) (VS)

GF – Indicates that the class menu is Gluten-free.

NOTE: Class dates/times and menus may be subject to change. Registered participants will be notified ahead of time if any changes do occur.

GIRL SCOUT WORKSHOPS

Schedule a Girl Scout badge workshops for your troop now!

Please email us with any questions: Hemmachef@gmail.com

More Information on all Girl Scout Workshops HERE

SUMMER CAMPS

Chef Joel will be offering more awesome culinary summer camps for youth (with new menus) this summer (2026).  2026 camp dates are set!  You can find more Information HERE.

PRIVATE LESSONS

For private lessons or other questions, please email: Hemmachef@gmail.com

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Gift Certificates for cooking classes make great gifts!

Give the gift of a great experience for holidays, birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES –

Email hemmachef@gmail.com to register.

Chef Joel encourages children to develop their love of food and fellowship by taking cooking classes. Children of all levels of ability, interest, and experience are welcome in Chef Joel’s classes.

Children’s classes are generally designed for youth ages 8-12. However, youth from 8-16 are welcome in “kids” classes. If you have any questions about whether classes are appropriate for your child, please contact Chef Joel.

Chef Joel has considerable experience working with individuals with special needs, including physical and developmental disabilities. He feels strongly that all individuals can successfully participate in culinary classes and works hard with all students to ensure that they fully participate in each class.

If your child has special needs, please let us know ahead of time so that Chef Joel can make sure to accommodate them.

Class sizes are limited.

Email now to reserve a spot: hemmachef@gmail.com

SPECIAL CULINARY EVENTS FOR CHILDREN –

For information on special culinary events for children, such as birthday parties, scouting events, and more, click here.

CLASSES FOR TEENS –

Chef Joel offers some classes specifically for Teens or Tweens/Teens. These cooking classes are appropriate for youth ages 13 – 17 years old (Teen classes) or youth ages 11-16 (Tween/Teen classes). If you have any questions about whether classes are appropriate for you/your child, please contact Chef Joel at hemmachef@gmail.com.

Chef Joel enjoys working with teens and young adults and would be happy to offer more classes for older youth. If you would like to arrange a class or private event for a group of teens, please contact Chef Joel: hemmachef@gmail.com.

LOCATION –

Children’s cooking classes are generally held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St., Madison, 53715.

Class are held in the kitchen, which is in the basement. Please enter the building from the north side entrance (from Spruce Street), by the playground. There will be a sign on the door for the cooking classes.

PARKING –

There should plenty of street parking available. There is also a small parking lot behind the building, accessible from Hickory Street.

DRESS CODE –

• Long Hair should be pulled back or put in a ponytail.
• Participants must wear close-toed shoes.
• Participants are encouraged to wear a facial mask while preparing food for food safety and disease prevention.
• Short-sleeved shirts are recommended.
• Hemmachef will provide aprons and towels to use during the class.

EQUIPMENT –

All equipment, foods, and materials necessary to complete the recipes are provided by Chef Joel.

CONSIDERATIONS –

Please inform Chef Joel of any of the following:

• Food allergies or restrictions, such as lactose-intolerance or celiac disease
• Special Physical Needs
• Special Educational Needs

CLASS PHILOSOPHY –

Participants are expected to behave with civility and respect for the Chef, the other participants, the equipment, and the food.

PARENTS IN CLASS –

Parents and/or guardians are not encouraged to stay during children’s cooking classes. Please contact Chef Joel if you are a parent who feels your child has special needs.

PHOTOGRAPHS –

Chef Joel or other Hemmachef representatives may take photographs during class for use in marketing and promotional materials, with parental consent. No names or other personal information will be included in these photographs.

CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY –

Please inform Chef Joel as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend. Your full class payment will be refunded up to 5 business days prior to the date of the class. If you cancel after this time you will not receive a refund. You may have someone attend in your/your child’s place, however.

If Chef Joel must cancel for any reason, every effort will be made to reschedule the class, and if you cannot attend at the new time, you will receive a full refund.

INCLEMENT WEATHER –

Class will conducted unless City of Madison buses are not running due to inclement weather.