CLASS DESCRIPTIONS –

12/1 (Mon) 10am-12pm – Youth Sushi and Soba (VO)

Sushi is fun to make (and eat!), and it’s not just raw fish; it’s a way of preparing food.  In this hands-on cooking class, youth will learn techniques and ingredients for rolling sushi and will also learn how to make fresh silky Soba (buckwheat) noodles from scratch.  Participants will first learn to make the traditional Japanese shari rice used for rolling sushi, then use it to make traditional and not-so-traditional rolls, as well as a delicious soba noodle dish. O n the menu: Shari Rice; California Roll, Inside-out Roll, and Wisconsin Roll with Bratwurst, Cheddar & Mustard, along with customary sushi accompaniments of pickled ginger (gari), wasabi, and soy sauce; as well as Soba Noodle Cakes with Mirin Soy Sauce. (Note: No raw fish will be used in class.)  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/6 ( Sat) – 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen (V)

In this fun, hands-on class, participants will learn about a variety of great recipes and ideas for fun, easy and delicious homemade gifts that they will be able to prepare at home to give to friends and family for the holidays.  Participants will learn how to make many different types of homemade gifts, and will prepare several specific recipes to take with.  Topics covered will include: Fruit Butters; Jams and Jellies; Quick Breads; Yeast Breads; and more!  Specific recipes to be prepared are: Homemade Movie House Popcorn Oil; Parmesan Popcorn Sprinkle; Focaccia Tiles with Pizza Oil Dipping Sauce; Chocolate Caramel Corn; White Grape Jelly with Buttermilk Biscuits.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/8 (Mon) – 4-6pm – Youth Tastes of Hanukkah (V)

In this class, participants will explore some of the traditional flavors of Hanukkah (including of course, oil-based latkes).  On the menu: Sweet Potato Latkes with Apple and Pear Sauce and Sour Cream; Sweet Noodle Kugel; “Figs in a Blanket” with Cream Cheese; and homemade Hanukkah Gelt (chocolate coins).  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/13 (Sat) – 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Holiday Chocolate Desserts (V)

Youth will learn to make delicious chocolate desserts for the holidays in this fun, hands-on class.  Participants will prepare the following recipes and will be able to take some home to gift or share (or not!).  On the menu: Chocolate and Candied Orange Tart featuring Chef Joel’s Favorite Tart Dough; Holiday Chocolate Candy Cane Loaf; Chocolate Gingersnap Cookies.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/14 (Sun) – 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Holiday Baking (V)

Youth will have fun learning to make tasty baked goods that are good enough to grace any Holiday table or to give as gifts!  Participants will prepare the following recipes and will be able to take some home to gift or share (or not!).  On the menu: Cinnamon Brown Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Icing; Cranberry and Orange Pull-Apart Rolls; Peppermint and Chocolate Cupcakes; Holiday Chocolate Fudge Bites.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/15 (Mon) – 4-6pm – Youth Holiday Party (VO)

In this fun, hands-on cooking class participants will learn to make awesome party food for a holiday party, or for any time!  On the menu: Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dressing; Cheeseburger Wontons with Honey Mustard Sauce; Stuffed-Crust Cheese Pizza; and S’mores Nachos.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/21 (Sun) – 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Holiday Treats (V)

Youth will spend a fun Sunday afternoon learning to make delicious holiday treats in this hands-on cooking class.  Participants will learn how to prepare the following recipes and will have plenty to take home to share (or not!).  On the menu: Gingerbread Truffles with Fresh-Baked Gingerbread, White Chocolate & Holiday Sprinkles; Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars; Whipped Chocolate & Orange Shortbread Cookies; and scrumptious Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/22 (Mon) 10am-12pm – Youth Holiday Scones (V)

Fun hands-on class for kids who love to bake. This class will add to participants’ baking repertoire with delicious recipes and techniques for making sweet as well as savory scones.  Youth participants will choose which savory or sweet add-ins they wish to use to make and bake batches of scones that they will get to take home to enjoy with friends and family.  (Scones make great holiday gifts!)  On the menu: Basic Buttermilk Scones with a array of sweet and savory flavoring options, including: grated cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, fresh cranberries, chopped apples, chocolate chips, rolled oats, holiday sprinkles, cinnamon, herbs & spices, and more!  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

12/22 (Mon) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth International Holiday Bakes (V)

Youth will spend a fun winter afternoon off school learning to make tasty baked goods from around the world.  These yummy bakes are good enough to grace any Holiday table or to give as gifts!  Participants will prepare the following festive recipes and will be able to take some home to gift or share (or not!).  On the menu: Baby Bûche de Noëls with Buttercream Frosting; Gingerbread Empanadas with Cream Cheese Cinnamon Pumpkin Filling; and delicious Polish Kolaczk Fruit-Filled Cookies.  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

More awesome cooking classes for Winter 2026 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

Summer camps for 2025 are almost over, but Chef Joel will be offering more awesome culinary summer camps for youth (with new menus) next summer. 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.