Demo + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Get ready for Easter with the perfect homemade pies! In this demonstration-style class, expert baker Lana Shope of Pies and Pastries will teach us how to make two classic favorites: Lemon Meringue Pie with its bright, tangy filling and fluffy meringue topping, and Chocolate Coconut Pie, a rich and creamy delight.

Lana will walk us through her tried-and-true techniques for achieving the perfect pie crust, balancing flavors, and mastering the art of meringue. Whether you're an experienced baker or just getting started, you'll leave with the confidence to recreate these show-stopping desserts at home.

Come for the pies, stay for the fun—just in time to impress your Easter guests!

Demo + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage

Join us for a special demonstration-style cooking class with Chef Nela Blanco as she teaches us how to make classic Mexican gorditas filled with homemade refried beans. Gorditas, thick and pillowy corn masa pockets, are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for stuffing with flavorful fillings.

Chef Nela will guide you through the process of making fresh masa dough, shaping and cooking the gorditas, and preparing rich and creamy homemade refried beans from scratch. Along the way, she’ll share expert tips on technique, seasoning, and how to enjoy gorditas with a variety of toppings and salsas.

This class is perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of traditional Mexican cooking. Come hungry and ready to be inspired!

Class taught by Chef Nela Blanco.

Demonstration + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Join Chef Nela for a delicious deep dive into Taquitos Dorados Ahogados—crispy, golden-fried taquitos “drowned” in a rich, flavorful sauce. In this demonstration-style class, Nela will guide us through the process of making the perfect taquitos, from preparing the filling and rolling them tightly to frying them to crispy perfection. Then, she’ll show us how to smother them in a savory, homemade sauce and top them with fresh garnishes for an irresistible dish.

Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned home cook, you’ll learn tips and techniques to recreate this comforting and authentic dish at home. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, taste and enjoy!

Demonstration + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 east Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Celebrate the flavors of spring with Chef Katie Porter as she showcases the versatility of fresh, seasonal asparagus in this demonstration-style cooking class. Chef Katie will guide us through three unique and delicious preparations, highlighting the bright, earthy flavors of this springtime favorite.

Menu:
🌿 Citrus Roasted Asparagus – A simple yet elegant dish with a zesty citrus twist.
🌿 Asparagus Radish Tapenade – A vibrant, fresh spread perfect for pairing with crusty bread or crackers.
🌿 Sauce Gribiche with Sautéed Asparagus – A classic French-inspired sauce that elevates asparagus with its rich, tangy flavors.

Whether you're an asparagus lover or looking for new ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite, you’ll leave inspired to bring these fresh and flavorful dishes to your own kitchen.

Demonstration + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Chiles Rellenos with Chef Nela

Join Chef Nela for a flavorful journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine as she teaches us how to make Chiles Rellenos from scratch. In this demonstration-style class, Nela will guide us through the process of roasting and peeling poblano peppers, stuffing them with a delicious filling, and coating them in a light, airy batter before frying them to golden perfection.

She’ll also share tips for making a rich, savory tomato sauce to complement the dish and how to balance flavors for an authentic and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this class will give you the confidence to recreate this beloved Mexican classic at home.

Come hungry to learn and leave inspired to cook!

Hands on + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Sharpen your knife skills with Clark Stone, our knife expert. He will teach classic cuts, fundamentals, mechanics, maintenance, and knife safety. If you want to take your cooking to the next level, we highly recommend this class. Don’t wait, it will sell out fast! Class participants will receive a paring knife that's valued at $30 .