UPCOMING TEEN 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.)

11/8 (Sat) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Fall Baking    (V)

11/10 (Mon) 4-6pm – Youth Knife Skills    (V)

12/1 (Mon) 10am-12pm – Youth Sushi and Soba   [MMSD – No School]   (VO)

12/1 (Mon) 12:30-2:30pm – Teen Sushi and Soba   [MMSD – No School]   (VO)   *Teen-Only

12/5 (Fri) 5:30-7:30pm – Teen Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen   (V)   *Teen-Only

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/22 (Mon) 10am-12pm – Youth Holiday Scones   [MMSD Winter Break]    (V)

12/22 (Mon) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth International Holiday Bakes   [MMSD Winter Break]    (V)

More classes for Winter 2026 coming soon!

Class Cost:  The cost for 2-hour Hemmachef Youth/Teen classes is $60 per participant.

Location:  All Hemmachef Youth/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.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.

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Chef Joel also teaches Youth cooking 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 fall classes at VCW are open for registration.

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SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps for 2025 are over, but Chef Joel will be offering more awesome culinary summer camps for (with new menus) for youth next summer.  Dates will be announced in late 2025/early 2026.  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 –

11/8 (Sat) 12:30-2:30pm – Youth Fall Baking    (V)

In this wonderful, completely hands-on class, participants will have fun baking yummy fall treats.  This class will add to participants’ baking repertoire with delicious new recipes and techniques for sweet as well as savory bakes.  Participants will make and bake the following recipes (and they will get to take some home to share with friends and family—or not!).  On the menu:  Buttery Cinnamon Honey Buns with Vanilla Glaze; Salted Cranberry and Pumpkin Seed Flatbread; Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Breakfast Muffins; and yummy, plush Pampushky (Ukrainian garlic rolls).  Location: St. Mark’s.  Class Cost: $60.

11/10 (Mon) 4-6pm – 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.

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.  On 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.

12/1 (Mon) 12:30-2:30pm – Teen Sushi and Soba   [MMSD – No School]   (VO)   *Teen-Only

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, teens 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. On 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.

12/5 (Fri) 5:30-7:30pm – Teen Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen   (V)   *Teen-Only

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

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.

Full class descriptions with complete menus for all classes coming soon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

More awesome cooking classes for Winter 2025-26 coming soon!

To Register, Email  Hemmachef@gmail.com.

Please email to register or if you have any questions:  Hemmachef@gmail.com

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

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

GENERAL

Youth classes are appropriate for youth of all ages: children, tweens and teens.  Chef Joel may offer some classes specifically for Teens or Tweens/Teens.  Teen classes are appropriate for youth ages 13-17 years old Tween/Teen classes for youth ages 11-16.  Some mature older teens may be welcome in Hemmachef adult classes, as well.  If you have any questions about whether classes are appropriate for you/your child, please contact Chef Joel at hemmachef@gmail.com.

Chef Joel keeps class sizes small and has students work together in small groups.  He generally groups youth by ability level and makes sure that everyone is challenged and kept busy in class.  All of our classes are hands-on and involve lots of cooking.  Kids/Tweens/Teens do the cooking!

NOTE TO 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)

Email Hemmachef@gmail to register for classes.

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.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Gift Certificates for cooking classes make great gifts!

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

PRIVATE CLASSES / EVENTS:

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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES –

Email Hemmachef@gmail to register.

Chef Joel encourages teens to develop their love of food and fellowship by taking cooking classes.  Youth of all levels of ability, interest, and experience from 8-16 years old are welcome in Chef Joel’s “Kids” cooking classes.  If you have any questions about whether classes are appropriate for your son or daughter, 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 teen 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 TEENS –

For information on special culinary events for teens, such as birthday parties, graduation events, and more, please email Chef Joel at Hemmachef@gmail.com.

LOCATION –

Teen 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 for food safety and Covid-19 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 celiac disease, lactose-intolerance, etc.
  •         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 teen cooking classes.  Please contact Chef Joel if you are a parent who feels your teen has special needs.

PHOTOGRAPHS –

Chef Joel or other Hemmachef representatives may take photographs during class for use in marketing and promotional materials.  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.