Socialize

Cooking Classes

The new Zest Cooking School is now open at 1180 Erbs Quarry Road, Lititz.

Want to learn new cooking skills to
impress your friends or throw the best
dinner party ever? Join our culinary
experts for fabulous cooking classes in
our new state-of-the-art cooking school,
just three miles from our retail store.

Our Cooking Class Schedule

Kids Cooking – It’s Spring!

April 20, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Gwen Eberly

Kids ages 8-12 will enjoy creating this tastes-like-spring menu with Gwen Eberly. A Hands-on Class.

Salmon Cubes with Orange-Miso Sauce
Sesame Noodles with Peas and Asparagus
Marbled Chocolate and Fresh Strawberry Galette

Cooking with Fresh Herbs (Daytime Class) SOLD OUT

April 24, 2018 12:00 pm | $55. | Chef Kay Weaver

Taste how using flavorful fresh herbs can change your cooking! Kay Weaver will show you a variety of fresh herbs and which foods they go with best. Make your own spring roll! A Partial Hands-on Class.

Leek, Asparagus and Herb Soup
Fresh Vegetable Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce
Roasted Mediterranean Fish in Parchment Paper with Chimichurri Sauce
Lemon Rosemary Cupcakes w/Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Herb/Mint Lemonade

Cooking with Fresh Herbs (Evening Class) SOLD OUT

April 24, 2018 6:00 pm | $55 | Chef Kay Weaver

Leek, Asparagus and Herb Soup
Fresh Vegetable Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce
Roasted Mediterranean Fish in Parchment Paper with Chimichurri Sauce
Lemon Rosemary Cupcakes w/Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Herb/Mint Lemonade

Bite Sized Party Foods – Vegan

April 25, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Chef Gili Kieffer

Whether you are having a party, luncheon or snack, you are going to enjoy these delicious recipes from plant based Chef GIli Kieffer. A Partial Hands-on Class.

Polenta Bites with Olive Tapanade & Roasted Tomatoes
Endive boats with Macademia Pate
Chia Flatbread with Avocado Pesto Spread
Lemon tartlets (gluten free)

Pizza Passion

April 26, 2018 10:00 am | $60. | Valerie Baer

Valerie Baer, author of Baking with Whole Grains, knows great pizza begins and ends with great crust. Val will show you how to use one easy dough recipe to make many favorite foods. Roll out your own mini pizza, finish with your favorite toppings, bake and enjoy! A Partial Hands-on Class.

Traditional Pizza Crust
“In a Hurry” Pizza Crust
Pita Bread
Stromboli
Seasoned Breadsticks

Artisan Bread Made Easy – Make & Take it SOLD OUT

April 27, 2018 6:00 pm | $60. | Chef Paul Anater

Paul Anater will teach you two different methods to produce a round, boule-style artisan loaf. You will learn the no-knead method, as well as the traditional boule method. You choose which dough to prepare and then take home to bake. Taste fresh baked bread and learn how to add a variety of grains, seeds and different kinds of flour to customize your bread. A Hands-on class.

Decorating with Russian Cake Tips 101 on Champagne Cupcakes

April 30, 2018 6:00 pm | $70. | Stephanie Samuel

Learn the latest rage in cake and cupcake decorating – Russian Cake Tips! Stephanie Samuel, owner of Sugar Whipped Bakery in Lititz, will start the class by demonstrating how to make spectacular champagne cupcakes and decorator buttercream frosting. Then she will guide you step by step in the techniques used for Russian Cake tip decorating. You will have much opportunity to practice and decorate a delicious cupcake. Price includes a set of 6 Russian Cake Tips, a flower nail and disposable icing bags. A Hands-on Class.

Travel the World

May 1, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Linda Leeking

Linda Leeking will take you around the world on May Day to explore traditional recipes from France, Germany, Finland and Spain. A Hands-on Class

Asparagus Gruyere Tart (France)
Springtime Greek Chicken
Raspberry Lemon Hearts (German)
Zeppole with Chocolate Sauce (Mini Finnish Donuts)
Strawberry Sangria (Spain)

White Sauce 101

May 2, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Marci Rittenhouse, RD, LDN

The white sauce or béchamel as it is known in classical cuisine is an easy sauce to master. This will be a hands on class where you will make a sauce that goes from au gratin to cream soup. Marci Rittenhouse, RD, LDN, will help increase your confidence in cooking as you learn how this recipe can be adapted to be more heart healthy or used in a gourmet special occasion dish. A Hands-on Class.

Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Creamed Chicken Crepes
Cream of Asparagus Soup

Skillet Skills Dinner

April 26, 2018 6:00 pm | $65. | Chef Jason Hampton

Jason Hampton, freelance chef and owner of In a Pinch Catering, brings his expertise in preparing food in a skillet, sauté pan or fry pan. He will discuss timing, holding and serving from a skillet. A Partial Hands-on Class.

Steak Au Poivre
Lobster Newburg
Saffron Risotto
Chef’s Choice of Vegetable
Banana Flambe

May Date Night with Nino! SOLD OUT

May 4, 2018 6:00 pm | $75. | Chef Antonino Elia

Chef Antonino Elia shops the day of class to obtain the freshest in season ingredients; so he can create a spectacular Date Night menu, perfectly paired with wine! You won’t want to miss this culinary adventure! Just leave it to Nino! A Hands-on Class. $75/person

Mother & Daughter/Son Tea Time

May 5, 2018 11:00 am | $60. | Chef Kay Waver

Sip tea while relaxing with your Mom, as Kay Weaver demonstrates how to create a lovely menu of sweet and savories that accompany high tea. Enjoy tasting each recipe as Kay prepares it. A Demonstration class. $60/person

Ham-Pineapple Cucumber Sandwich
Curried Chicken Salad on Endive Leaves
Prosciutto Fig Finger Sandwich
Cheese Palmiers
Lemon, Chocolate, Shortbread and Fruit Pastries

Tea Party Indulgences (daytime class)

May 8, 2018 12:00 pm | $60. | Tina Bare

Come enjoy Afternoon Tea while creating sweet and savory treats that pair great with tea at any time of the day. Tina Bare will teach this gluten free, hands-on class.

Cucumber Boursin Rollups
Curried Chicken & Apple Tea Sandwiches
Creamy Potato & Leek Soup
Lemon Ginger Scones with Homemade Lemon Curd
Individual Almond Raspberry Cakes
Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Tea Party Indulgences (evening class)

May 8, 2018 6:00 pm | $60. | Tina Bare

Come enjoy Afternoon Tea while creating sweet and savory treats that pair great with tea at any time of the day. Tina Bare will teach this gluten free, hands-on class.

Cucumber Boursin Rollups
Curried Chicken & Apple Tea Sandwiches
Creamy Potato & Leek Soup
Lemon Ginger Scones with Homemade Lemon Curd
Individual Almond Raspberry Cakes
Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Flavors of the Mediterranean – Nutrition by the Season

May 10, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Kilene Knitter RD, LDN

Join Giant Food Store’s Nutritionist, Kilene Knitter, RD, LDN, for a fun and interactive culinary nutrition experience. Allow your taste buds to be transported to the Mediterranean as you relax and enjoy a night dedicated to simple, flavorful ingredients! A Hands-on Class.

Cucumber Hummus Bites
Eggplant Greek Yogurt and Almonds
Mediterranean Cauliflower
Grapefruit Ginger Turmeric Mocktail

Kids Cooking – Mom & Me Mother’s Day Brunch SOLD OUT

May 12, 2018 10:00 am | $70. | Gwen Eberly

Mom’s, drop off your 8-12 year old child for 2 hours. While you are gone, Gwen Eberly will help them prepare a yummy brunch. When you return at 12:00, sit down with your child and enjoy what they have prepared specially for you! Happy Mother’s Day! A Hands-on Class. ($70/1 child and Mom)

Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Chives and Goat Cheese
Homemade Waffles with Maple Syrup and Whipped Topping
Blueberry Sauce & Lemon Curd
Scrumptious Smoothies & Fresh Fruit

Taste of Italy

May 14, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Chef Maria Quaranta

Chef Maria Quaranta, owner of Pepe’s Pizza in Ephrata, has a wealth of experience when it comes to Italian Cuisine. Maria was born in Sicily and has always worked in family owned restaurants. She loves sharing her favorite recipes with you!

Crostini with Green Apples and Prosciutto
Pasta Shells with Peas and Mushrooms
Baked Haddock in Tomatoes
Espresso Brownies with Espresso to sip

Southern Italian

May 16, 2018 6:00 pm | $75. | Chef Antonino Elia

As always, Chef Antonino Elia has created a delightful Sicilian menu. After growing up in Sicily and later studying cuisine there, Nino will walk you through how to prepare this authentic Sicilian menu. BYOB. A Hands-on Class.

Arrosto di Peperoni con Mollica (Roasted Red Peppers with Bread Crumbs)
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca (Spaghetti Puttanesca)
Involtini di Vitello Piccante (Spicy Veal Involtini)
Torta D’ Arancio (Orange Cake)

Sweet & Savory Waffles

May 18, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Paul Anater

You will make two kinds of waffles in this class taught by Paul Anater. The first is the typical waffle made from a sweet batter. The second is the authentic Liege, or Belgian, waffle and is made from a yeast-raised dough with pearl sugar. You will enjoy waffles with a variety of toppings. Come and discover why waffles aren’t just for breakfast! A hands-on class.

Kids Cooking – Breakfast (Vegan)

May 19, 2018 10:00 am | $55. | Gili Kieffer

Plant Based Chef, Gili Kieffer, will teach this fun and delicious class for kids ages 8-12. They will leave ready to prepare their own healthy and delicious breakfast at home! A hands-on class.

Banana Nice Cream Smoothie Bowl
Blueberry Pancakes
Layered Chia Pudding
Orange Muffins

Vegan In Israel ~ Middle Eastern Staples

May 23, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Gili Kieffer

Plant based Chef Gili Kieffer, a native to Israel, shares her expertise from personal experience, in this vegan partial hands-on class.

Eggless Shakshouka Breakfast
Middle Eastern Chopped Salad
Falafel Balls
Israeli Malabi Rosewater Pudding
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Dressing

Soft Pretzels – Make, Bake & Take!

May 24, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Paul Anater

It’s not hard to have that great aroma and taste of homemade soft pretzels in your own home. Learn the secrets to soft pretzel making, shaping and baking from expert Paul Anater. Taste yummy pretzel dips. A Hands-on Class.

Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade Soft Pretzel Dinner Rolls
Homemade Soft Pretzel Nuggets
Homemade Soft Pretzel Basket

June Date Night with Nino!

June 1, 2018 6:00 pm | $75 | Chef Antonino Elia

Chef Antonino Elia shops the day of class to obtain the freshest in season ingredients; so he can create a spectacular Date Night menu! You won’t want to miss this culinary adventure! BYOB. Just leave it to Nino! A Hands-on Class.

Father & Son/Daughter Chocolate Challenge ~ Make & Take

June 2, 2018 10:00 am | $55 | Joe Sofia

Learn how to work with chocolate by tempering. Customize your own bark and make a giant pecan caramel cluster to take home! Joe Sofia is in his 33rd year in the confectionery industry and is currently the Chocolate Specialist for Cargill & Wilbur Chocolate. In his spare time he loves to make confections in his home candy kitchen. A hands-on class for all ages! $55/person

Cookies & Cream Bark made with white coating
Cherry Almond Bark made with dark chocolate
Crispy Peanut Butter Cup Bark made with milk chocolate
Oh My Goodness Bark made with peanut butter coating

Strawberry Season

June 5, 2018 6:00 pm | $60. | Tina Bare

Strawberries come and go so quickly, yet they are so delicious in so many ways! Showcase your fresh strawberries with these new recipes. Tina Bare teaches this hands-on class. Take home a jar of fresh strawberry jam.

Homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam
Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Fresh Strawberry Salsa
Strawberry Basil Quinoa

Puff Pastry with Paul ~ Make & Take

June 6, 2018 6:00 pm | $60 | Chef Paul Anater

Understanding and getting comfortable with laminated dough is the first step toward tackling puff pastry. Making puff pastry is relatively simple to make and tastes a million times better than the frozen stuff. You will spend the first half of class putting together puff pastry dough. For the second half, you will get finished puff pastry dough and make Nutella and raspberry turnovers. You will leave with not only the confidence to make your own puff pastry, but a batch of puff pastry dough to finish at home. A hands-on class taught by Paul Anater.

Easy as Pie ~ Make & Take

June 7, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Valerie Baer

Intimidated by the thought of making pie crusts? Come join us for this hands-on class. You will be shown several variations for making pie crusts, as well as some delicious ways to fill them. Valerie Baer is a self-taught practical home cook who makes seemingly difficult baking projects doable for all ages. Plenty of tasting too! Bring your own 9″ standard depth glass or pottery pie plate to take home your own crust.

Basic Pie Crust
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Real Whipped Cream (That won’t fall!)
Savory Crust (for a quiche or vegetable pie)
Caramelized Onion Pie
Chocolate Pudding Pie

Vegan Desserts ~ How to Veganize Your Desserts!

June 12, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Chef Gili Kieffer

Join plant based chef, Gili Kieffer, as she teaches you how to make your desserts healthier by using plant based ingredients. A hands-on, cholesterol free class.

Chilled Chocolate Espresso Tort with Toasted Hazelnut Crust (gluten free)
Vegan Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Lover Cocoa Truffles
2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse (gluten free)

Summertime Treats ~ Nutrition by Season

June 14, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Kilene Knitter RD, LDN

Join Giant Food Stores’ Nutritionist, Kilene Knitter, RD, LDN, for a fun and interactive culinary nutrition experience. Beat the heat this summer with cool, refreshing treats! This hands-on learning experience will leave you with fun, healthy ideas your kids are sure to love this summer!

Citrus Fruit Infused Waters
Sweet Summertime Chia Pudding
Waffle Cone Parfait
Berry Banana “Ice Cream” Sundaes

Welcome to the World of Sous Vide Cooking

June 15, 2018 6:00 pm | $40. | Jim & Sharon Landis

Perhaps you’ve heard the term sous vide (pronounced Sue Veed) and wondered what all the fuss is about. This class features Zest owners, Jim & Sharon Landis, sharing their experience with this remarkable cooking method. This is a demonstration class, but there will be plenty of food to eat. A great way to spend time with your dad for Father’s Day! Sous vide appliances will be available the night of the class at 15% off.

The best steak …you’ll ever eat
Pork Chops ….you can cut with a fork
Crisp-Tender Vegetables…. held all day
And much, much more!

Seasonal Summer Sides

June 19, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Marci Rittenhouse, RD, LDN

Learn to prepare fast and simple side dishes. In this hands-on class, Marci Rittenhouse, RD, LDN, will add to your family recipe repertoire. Great for a lazy summer weeknight, a bounty of fresh produce or as an accompaniment to grilled entrées.

Stuffed Baked Summer Squash
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
Steamed Spiralized Zucchini and Carrots
Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Olive Oil

Southern Italian

June 20, 2018 6:00 pm | $75. | Chef Antonino Elia

Caposanti Gratinate (Sea Scallops au Gratin)
Farfalle alla Mediterranea (Farfalle Pasta Mediterranean)
Pollo alla Marco Polo (Chicken Marco Polo)
Tiramisu di Bacchi (Berry Tiramisu)

Authentic French Croissants ~ Make & Take it

June 21, 2018 6:00 pm | $60. | Chef Paul Anater

Traditional baker’s croissants are a many-layered, buttery treat that any home baker can master. Though they appear to be difficult to make, following some simple steps will yield something truly wonderful that’s really not so difficult after all. In this class, Paul Anater will cover the basic technique of laminating yeast-risen dough. Laminating is the process of alternating layers of dough with layers of butter to make an intensely flaky pastry. Once you make the dough you will learn to shape, roll, fill and bake both sweet and savory croissants. Each participant will take home fresh baked croissants and croissant dough to finish at home. A Hands-on class.

Summer Seafood

June 25, 2018 6:00 pm | $60. | Chef Kay Weaver

Join Chef Kay Weaver as she shares her family’s favorite summertime menu! We are sure it will be your favorite as well! A demonstration class.

Grilled Ceaser Salad with Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Dressing and Shrimp
Clam Sweet Corn Chowder
Seared Salmon with Balsamic Butter Sauce and Summer Salsa
Summer Berry Mascarpone Cream Tart

French Regional Specialties

June 27, 2018 6:00 pm | $55. | Linda Leeking

Travel to France with Linda Leeking as she walks you through these authentic French recipes! Tres Bon! A hands-on class.

Quiche Lorraine
Pissaladiere (Caramelized Onion Pizza)
Beef Bourguignon
Gateau Breton with Blueberry Sauce

Kids Cooking Camp (ages 7-12) – Trip Around the World

June 18, 2018 12:30 pm | $300. | Gwen Eberly

This hands-on mini cooking camp, taught by Gwen Eberly, will give kids the opportunity to learn kitchen skills and experience food from across the globe. Each session runs 2 1/2 hours and ends with a delicious spread of the days creations. 12:30PM-3:00PM each day

June 18 Middle Eastern  ~ Chicken Tikka Masala, Red Lentil Dahl, Toasted Naan, and Mango Lassi
June 19 Italy ~  Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Fresh Herb and Lemon Pasta, Capri Salad and Panna Cotta
June 20 Mexico  ~ Beef Enchiladas, Black Bean and Rice Salad with lime Dressing, Cheese Quesadillas, Guacamole and Mexican Wedding Cookies
June 21 Thailand  ~ Thai Shrimp and Halibut Curry, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, Cucumber Salad, Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream
June 22 France  ~ Croque Monsieur, Vichyssoise, Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette, Palmiers and Creme Brûlee

Teens Cooking Camp (ages 13-16) – Trip Around the World

June 25, 2018 12:30 pm | $300. | Gwen Eberly

June 25 Middle Eastern  ~ Chicken Tikka Masala, Red Lentil Dahl, Toasted Naan, and Mango Lassi
June 26 Italy ~  Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Fresh Herb and Lemon Pasta, Capri Salad and Panna Cotta
June 27 Mexico ~  Beef Enchiladas, Black Bean and Rice Salad with lime Dressing, Cheese Quesadillas, Guacamole and Mexican Wedding Cookies
June 28 Thailand ~  Thai Shrimp and Halibut Curry, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, Cucumber Salad, Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream
June 29 France  ~ Croque Monsieur, Vichyssoise, Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette, Palmiers and Creme Brûlée

Kids Cooking Camp (ages 7-12) Baking & Snacks

July 9, 2018 12:30 pm | $300. | Gwen Eberly

This hands-on mini cooking camp , taught by Gwen Eberly, will give kids the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baking and create fun and delicious snacks to serve friends and family at their next party. Each class will end with an opportunity to taste all of their delicious goodies. 12:30-3:00 each day

July 9 Pies and Tarts  ~ Fresh Blueberry Pie, Frozen Key Lime Pie, Miniature Tarts with Cream Filling and Topped with Fresh Berries
July 10 Hors D’oeuvres ~  Shrimp Sticks with Apricot Dipping Sauce, Crudites with White Bean Dip and Toasted Pita, Fennel Marinated Feta and Olive Skewers, Mozzarella Wrapped with Prosciutto on Rosemary Skewers
July 11 Cookies and Bars  ~ Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies, Pecan Bars, Linzer Cookies, Healthy Buckeyes
July 12 Breakfast All Day  ~ Homemade Granola, Build Your Own Omelettes, Smoothies, Muffins
July 13 Cupcakes  ~ Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream, Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Teens Cooking Camp (ages 13-16) Baking & Snacks

July 16, 2018 12:30 pm | $300. | Gwen Eberly

July 16 Pies and Tarts  ~ Fresh Blueberry Pie, Frozen Key Lime Pie, Miniature Tarts with Cream Filling and Topped with Fresh Berries
July 17 Hors D’oeuvres  ~ Shrimp Sticks with Apricot Dipping Sauce, Crudites with White Bean Dip and Toasted Pita, Fennel Marinated Feta and Olive Skewers, Mozzarella Wrapped with Prosciutto on Rosemary Skewers
July 18 Cookies and Bars  ~ Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies, Pecan Bars, Linzer Cookies, Healthy Buckeyes
July 19 Breakfast All Day  ~ Homemade Granola, Build Your Own Omelettes, Smoothies, Muffins
July 20 Cupcakes  ~ Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream, Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Delicious Recipes

Delicious recipes curated just for you!

LEARN MORE Interested?

Our Featured Recipe:

Spicy Thai Coconut Soup

Get The recipe

Kids Cooking – It’s Spring!:

Learn More

Cooking Classes

Our Cooking Class Schedule

Kids Cooking – It’s Spring!

Cooking with Fresh Herbs (Daytime Class) SOLD OUT

Cooking with Fresh Herbs (Evening Class) SOLD OUT

Bite Sized Party Foods – Vegan

Pizza Passion

Artisan Bread Made Easy – Make & Take it SOLD OUT

Decorating with Russian Cake Tips 101 on Champagne Cupcakes

Travel the World

White Sauce 101

Skillet Skills Dinner

May Date Night with Nino! SOLD OUT

Mother & Daughter/Son Tea Time

Tea Party Indulgences (daytime class)

Tea Party Indulgences (evening class)

Flavors of the Mediterranean – Nutrition by the Season

Kids Cooking – Mom & Me Mother’s Day Brunch SOLD OUT

Taste of Italy

Southern Italian

Sweet & Savory Waffles

Kids Cooking – Breakfast (Vegan)

Vegan In Israel ~ Middle Eastern Staples

Soft Pretzels – Make, Bake & Take!

June Date Night with Nino!

Father & Son/Daughter Chocolate Challenge ~ Make & Take

Strawberry Season

Puff Pastry with Paul ~ Make & Take

Easy as Pie ~ Make & Take

Vegan Desserts ~ How to Veganize Your Desserts!

Summertime Treats ~ Nutrition by Season

Welcome to the World of Sous Vide Cooking

Seasonal Summer Sides

Southern Italian

Authentic French Croissants ~ Make & Take it

Summer Seafood

French Regional Specialties

Kids Cooking Camp (ages 7-12) – Trip Around the World

Teens Cooking Camp (ages 13-16) – Trip Around the World

Kids Cooking Camp (ages 7-12) Baking & Snacks

Teens Cooking Camp (ages 13-16) Baking & Snacks

E-Newsletter - Sidebar

Our Featured Recipe:

Kids Cooking – It’s Spring!: