UPCOMING CHILDREN’S COOKING CLASSES IN MADISON WITH CHEF JOEL
CLASS LIST:
See CLASS DESCRIPTIONS for full menus and additional information about our cooking classes for youth. (On smartphones, please scroll down for full descriptions.)
5/30 (Sat) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Korean BBQ (VS)
6/17 (Wed) 5-7pm – Youth Savory Summer Bakes (V)
6/22 (Mon) 5-7pm – Youth Knife Skills (VG)
7/28 (Tue) 5-7pm – Youth French Bistro (VS)
8/4 (Tue) 5-7pm – Youth Breads (V)
Class Cost: The cost for 2-hour Hemmachef youth classes is $60 per participant (except for Knife Skills, which is $50).
Location: All Hemmachef Youth (Kids/Tween/Teen) classes will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church– 605 Spruce St., Madison, 53715,unless noted otherwise.
To Register: Please Email Hemmachef@gmail
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FOR VEGETARIANS: Classes have been designated according to their appropriateness for vegetarians, vegans, and others:
- the class is vegetarian (V)
- the class is vegan (VG)
- 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)
- the class menu is Gluten-Free (GF)
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Chef Joel also teaches youth classes at other venues:
CLASSES IN WAUNAKEE:
Location: Classes will be taught at the Village Center of Waunakee, 333 S. Madison Street, Waunakee, WI 53597.
To Register: Please See Class Listings on their website for class information and to register. Chef Joel’s Spring Classes at VCW are now finished, but he will be teaching at VCW again in Fall (2026).
SUMMER CAMPS
Chef Joel is offering more awesome culinary summer camps for youth (with all-new menus) this summer (2026). Camp dates and menus are set! You can find more Information HERE.
NOTE: Class dates/times and menus may be subject to change. Registered participants will be notified ahead of time if any changes do occur.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS –
Email Hemmachef@gmail.com to Register.
5/30 (Sat) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Korean BBQ (VS)
Learn how to hold your own Korean BBQ feast in this fun, hands-on class. Participants will make some classic grilled meat dishes, as well as vegetables, bread, and traditional sides/condiments. On the menu: Gyeran Ppang (Korean egg bread); Dak Kalbi (pan-grilled Korean BBQ chicken seasoned with gochugang, classic Korean red chili paste); Jeyuk Bokkeum (savory Pork Bulgogi); Gamja jorim (braised potatoes, carrots & bell peppers); Quick-Pickled Daikon Radish; Sesame Oil Dipping Sauce; Korean BBQ Sauce; and Yum Yum Dipping Sauce. Location: St. Mark’s. Class Cost: $60.
6/17 (Wed) 5-7pm – Youth Savory Summer Bakes (V)
Youth who love to bake will love this fun, hands-on class! Participants will learn some delicious new recipes and techniques for scrumptious savory bakes. They will be able to enjoy them in class as well as take some home to share with friends and family. On the menu: German Käsegefüllten Brezelkranz (cheese-filled pretzel wreaths); Rustici Leccehesi (savory Italian pastries with tomato and mozzarella); and Bedfordshire Clangers (part savory–part sweet handmade pastries). Location: St. Mark’s. Class Cost: $60.
6/22 (Mon) 5-7pm – Youth Knife Skills (VG)
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.
7/28 (Tue) 5-7pm – Youth French Bistro (VS)
These wonderful recipes are easy to prepare, much like the home-style cooking served in French bistros. In this hands-on cooking class, participants will learn to prepare (and get to enjoy) the following French favorites: Torsades au Fromage (Gruyère cheese twists); Poulet à la Bretonne (sautéed chicken Brittany-style, with leeks, crème fraîche & Dijon); Caramelized Onion Buttered Noodles; Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots & Garlic; and Chocolate & Raspberry Crème Brûlée. Location: St. Mark’s. Class Cost: $60.
8/4 (Tue) 5-7pm – Youth Breads (V)
If your child loves baking and especially bread-making, this class is for them! Participants will practice basic bread-baking techniques–measuring, stirring, kneading, proofing and working with yeast. Then they will prepare a variety of tasty breads of different types to enjoy in class, and they’ll get to take some home with them, too. On the menu: Antiguan Butter Bread; Dosa (fried Indian crepe/bread); Chilean Marraqueta (crusty yeast bread); Takakau (simple Māori quick bread ); and Canadian Butter Tarts. Location: St. Mark’s. Class Cost: $60.
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, vegans, and others:
- the class is vegetarian (V)
- the class is vegan (VG)
- 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)
- the class is Gluten-Free (GF)
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 is offering more awesome culinary summer camps for youth (with new menus) this summer (2026). 2026 camp dates are set and camp sessions are filling up! 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.