The holiday season is in full swing, and that means family, friends, festivities and food. There are several hands-on holiday cooking classes across the Phoenix area to help create memorable meals, delectable sweets and delicious homemade gifts.
The Farm at South Mountain is one of several locations across the Valley offering holiday cooking classes.
Back to School
Fresh Attractions Cooking School, located inside Fry’s Marketplace at Tatum and Shea, offers classes for adults, teens and kids, ranging in price from $25 to $50 per class. During the month of December, the school offers a variety of classes on making holiday treats including macaroons, cookies and pies. On December 14 you can learn to make potato latkes and roast lamb during the Chanukah cooking class. The December 28 Kwanzaa class features spiced chicken and sweet potato black bean croquettes. The school offers a free knife skills class on the first Wednesday of every month. View the schedule here.
Cookware store Sur La Table offers cooking classes at its Fashion Square and Kierland Commons locations. Throughout the month of December, Sur La Table offers classes on cookie decorating, holiday tapas and holiday chocolates. Most classes cost $69 per person. Sur La Table also offers two- and three-day cooking workshops for kids and teens. View the schedule here.
Hands-on with Local Chefs
Acclaimed chef Alex Stratta of Match Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Phoenix is hosting a cookie decorating class for kids for $20 on December 9. On December 16 Chef Stratta will share tips on how to make a holiday spice mix, roasted butternut squash puree and the perfect prime rib for $35 per person. To sign up for these classes, call 602.875.8080.
The Farm at South Mountain is hosting a winter harvest cooking class on December 3 for $45 per person with local cookbook author Melanie Albert where guests can create vegetarian dishes with local organic produce. On December 9, join culinary expert Candy Lesher at the Farm for a light lunch and class on green corn tamales with salsa verde that are festive for holiday meals or unique holiday gifts. The class is $40 per person. Learn more about events and classes at the Farm.
The City of Scottsdale’s Scottsdazzle holiday celebration includes culinary classes in Old Town Scottsdale that can help you prepare for the holidays.
- December 2: Hands-on holiday tamale class will be hosted at Barrio Queen for $10 per person with proceeds donated to a children’s charity. Call 480.656.4197 for more information.
- December 9: At Super Chunk Sweets & Treats, local pastry chef Country Velador will teach guests to create and decorate marshmallows in festive flavors, perfect for holiday gifts, for $35 per person. Call 602.736.2383 for more information.
- December 16: Chef Marcellino Verzino is hosting a holiday cooking class called “Christmas Eve in Italy” at Marcellino Ristorante for $35 per person. For more information, call 480.990.9500.
Many of these locations, including Fresh Attractions, Sur La Table and the Farm at South Mountain, offer cooking classes year round so check their schedules often.