Culinary Offerings

At a Glance

��ñ�� Community Education offers fun, educational, non-credit culinary experiences! These include hands-on enrichment classes, demonstrations, dinners, special nights out, team building and youth programs.

Local chefs and food experts share their knowledge on a variety of topics and experiences. As the community’s state-of-the-art learning center for culinary education, ��ñ�� invites people of all ages and skills to join us and explore the offerings in each category below.

You are encouraged to register early (at least one week in advance of class start date) as many classes fill quickly. For more information, call 217-786-2432 or email Community.Education@llcc.edu.

To register for culinary classes, call 217-786-2292.

More Registration Info

Dinners at Bistro Verde

These dinners are multi-course dining experiences (not hands-on classes). The chef offers remarks on the menu selection for each course. One glass of wine, spirits or beer will be served with each course. Participants must be 21 to register. Please note that registrations will be processed in the order received.

Waiting List

If you would liked to be placed on a waiting list for dinners that are currently full, please email Jennifer Lewis or call 217-786-2433.

Fall 2024 Dinners

All fall 2024 dinners are currently full. If you would liked to be placed on a waiting list, please email Jennifer Lewis or call 217-786-2433.

Fusion Cuisine Dinner - FULL

Chef Howard is known for his popular dinners featuring the flavors of New Orleans. In retirement, he’s traveling and experiencing cuisine from around the world. Chef Howard will prepare some of his favorite dishes from his travels composed of flavors and cuisines from around the world.

Chef: Howard Seidel
Date: Fri., Sept. 13
Time: 5:3-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
Fee: $89

All Pork Dinner - FULL

Chef Kevin Sullivan, chef owner of Providers Supper Club, hosts multi-course pop-up dinners all over the Midwest. His dinners feature local farm raised meats and produce. In celebration of National Pork Month with the Illinois Pork Producers and local farms, Chef Kevin Sullivan will showcase all the ways to utilize a whole hog.

Chef: Kevin Sullivan
Date: Fri. Oct. 18
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
Fee: $89

Corkscrew Wine Dinner - FULL

The Corkscrew Wine Emporium of Springfield is partnering with us for this wine focused dinner. An evening of wine education gives you the opportunity to learn why a wine variety like chardonnay tastes different depending on the region it comes from. You’ll taste the differences in the pairings they have selected to accompany each prepared course. Chef and menu to be determined.

Instructor: ��ñ�� Staff
Date: Fri. Nov. 8
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
Fee: $89

Smoked Dinner - FULL

Did you know you can add excitement to dishes by incorporating smoked oil or smoked salt to add another layer of flavor? We will start the evening with a smoked cocktail then Lincoln Land Alum Chef Marcus Holmes will intrigue your pallet with a menu featuring a smoked element in each of courses, even dessert!

Chef: Marcus Holmes
Date: Fri. Dec. 13
Times: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
Fee: $89

Hands-on Baking Classes

Our baking and pastry classes provide the perfect opportunity to learn to bake breads, pies, pastries and more — just like a professional baker! For ages 19 and over.

Fall 2024

Pretzels

Learn the technique for making dough, rolling, shaping, boiling and baking pretzels at home. Prepare accompanying dips.

Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
Date: Sat. Sept. 14
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-001

Gluten Free Desserts

Quick breads, cookies, and coconut macaroons are easily transformed into delicious tasting desserts with a great texture, so smooth and chewy that you won’t even be able to tell they are gluten free!

Instructor: Stephanie Warren
Date: Sat., Sept. 21
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Workforce Careers Center, room 1121
Ages: 19 and over.
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 500-002

Macarons

We are excited to introduce Caitlyn Weiss, owner of Mad Macs, as our new instructor for one of our most popular classes. Caitlyn will show you all the professional tips and tricks to baking the perfect macaron.

Instructor: Caitlyn Weiss
Date: Sat. Sept. 28
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Cost: $69
Course Code: CEW 500-003

Instructor: Caitlyn Weiss
Date: Sat. Nov. 2
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Cost: $69
Course Code: CEW 500-007

Autumn Spice

Nothing beats the smell of warm spiced baked goods on a crisp fall day. We will bake a variety of sweets with the seasonal flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin and more.

Instructor: Jolene Lamb
Date: Sat. Oct. 5
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Cost: $69
Course Code: CEW 500-004

Sourdough Breads

In this class you will bake a loaf of sourdough bread, make your own starter to take home and explore a baked goods recipe that uses discarded started to add flavor.

Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware
Date: Sat, Oct 12
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Cost: $69
Course Code: CEW 500-005

Palmiers

Simple yet complex, this French classic is also known as an Elephant Ear, Butterfly cookie or Palm leaf. These pastries have all the crispy, flakey, buttery and sugary goodness that everyone desires.

Instructor: Stephanie Warren
Date: Sat, Oct 19
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Course Code: CEW 500-006

Crème Brulee

Five simple ingredients: cream, vanilla, salt, eggs and sugar come together to make a rich and elegant dessert. With its signature caramelized top, this dessert can be flavored with classic vanilla, or non-traditional flavors such as blood orange.

Instructor: Stephanie Warren
Date: Sat, Nov 9
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Course Code: CEW 500-008

Chocolate Techniques

Learn the techniques of a chocolatier to make ganache and learn how to temper chocolate.

Instructor: Ty Bergman
Date: Thu, Nov 14
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Course Code: CEW 500-009

Thanksgiving Pie

It’s tradition to serve pie at your Thanksgiving feast. Learn to make the perfect decorated crust and wow your guests with the perfect pie.

Instructor: Teela Markley
Date: Sat, Nov 23
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-010

Dinner Rolls

Serve your own homemade rolls this Thanksgiving. Learn what it takes to mix, knead, proof, portion and bake up the perfect yeast dinner roll.

Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
Date: Sat, Nov 23
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Course Code: CEW 500-011

Buche de Noel

Bûche de Noël or yule log cake is a Christmas tradition. We will show you step by step how to make, bake, fill, roll and decorate your very own.

Instructor: Stephanie Warren
Date: Sat, Dec 7
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
Course Code: CEW 500-012

Holiday Candy

Spend the day transforming sugar and chocolate into your own handmade candy creations.

Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
Date: Sat, Dec 7
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-013

Holiday Cookies

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to bake, and that’s just what we will do in the class featuring a variety of cookies that will become your new holiday favorites.

Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
Date: Thu, Dec 12
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-014

Hands-on Cooking Classes

To be a great cook, you must first learn the basics! Join our culinary instructor for hands-on cooking classes on the skills every cook needs in their repertoire. For ages 19 and over.

Fall 2024

Pasta From Scratch

Explore the art of pasta making. Prepare and use your fresh pasta dough to create amazing dishes in class.

Instructor: Kim Carter
Date: Thu, Sep 26
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-019

Squash It

Cooking new foods can be intimidating, but you are going to squash this class! We will highlight unique ways to prepare fall and winter squashes. Join us to learn how to make squash the star of the plate.

Instructor: Channing Fullaway-Johnson
Date: Thu, Oct 3
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-020

Cast Iron Cooking

Learn how to make a variety of amazing dishes with this versatile pan. You will also learn the important care, maintenance and how to season your pans. Bring in your own cast iron skillet or use one of ours during the class.

Instructor: Kim Carter
Date: Thu, Oct 10
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-021

Hearty Whole Grains

Crisp autumn weather calls for hearty soups and stews. Learn how to bulk them up with whole grains. Even salad can get a seasonal makeover with the addition of hearty whole grains.

Instructor: Jan Dowell
Date: Thu, Oct 24
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-022

Soups On

Chef “Mama” Kim is known for her hearty and heartwarming soups. Join her for another popular class preparing a variety of soups.

Instructor: Kim Carter
Date: Thu, Nov 7
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-023

Holiday Appetizers

Learn the art of making party appetizers for all your holiday gatherings.

Instructor: Channing Fullaway-Johnson
Date: Thu, Nov 21
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-024

Parent & Me

Special Night Out

Want to spend a fun night out with your friends or significant other? Then join us in the kitchen for a Special Night Out watching chef demonstrations, enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine or craft beer and preparing some of the dishes on the menu for a fun and tasty night out. Spirits, wine or beer is served; must be 21 to register. Alcohol is limited to two drinks per person.

Fall 2024

Harry Potter

One thing is for sure, there are many fun and flavorful recipes to be found in Harry Potter inspired cookbooks. Sip on a cold “Butterbeer” while you make everything from dinner to dessert. Join Chef Dustin Coons in our kitchen, located at platform 9 ¾.

Instructor: Dustin Coons
Date: Thu, Sep 19
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-027

Show Me The Honey

Join Chef Kevin Sullivan for a sweet night of savory dishes featuring honey. Learn what the buzz is about local honey while enjoying a sampling of mead.

Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
Date: Fri, Sep 27
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-029

Chef on a Budget

Chef Kevin Sullivan will show you how to make budget friendly, chef inspired meals from economical cuts of meat like chuck roast and pork loin. Explore delicious wines under $15.

Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
Date: Fri, Oct 11
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-030

Mediterranean

The lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea have distinct regional cuisines. David Radwine will show you the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine with an inspired menu featuring a variety of regional influences and wines.

Instructor: David Radwine
Date: Thu, Oct 17
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-031

Bourbon Smash

Bourbon, bacon and brown sugar are the shining stars of this menu. Salad with a bourbon vinaigrette and candied bacon, bourbon and orange glazed bacon wrapped pork, caramelized onion and bacon jam, chocolate bourbon pecan tarts, and bourbon cocktails.

Instructor: Dustin Coons
Date: Fri, Oct 25
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-032

Farm Fresh Meats

Have you tried locally raised meats? Join Chef Kevin Sullivan in preparing dishes featuring meats from central Illinois farmers and learn how to source their products at local stores and straight from the farm. Cocktails made from Illinois produced spirits will be enjoyed.

Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
Date: Fri, Nov 22
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 and over
Cost: $79
Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
Course Code: CEW 500-033

Youth

Gift certificates

Gift certificates for Culinary Offerings have become popular to give as gifts! Please call the ��ñ�� Community Education office at 217-786-2432 if you are interested in this option.

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