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Best Cooking Classes In Sacramento

By Valerie Heimerich

These Sacramento professional cooking classes have plenty to offer participants of all ages, whether they wish to learn the basics of cooking, to develop more advanced techniques or acquire the skills to cook specific, special cuisines. With Sacramento's status as the county's Farm-to-Fork capital, there are many opportunities to learn about cooking with nature's bounty.

Good Eats, A Cooking Class With Paulette
East Bay Restaurant Supply
522 N. 12th St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 498-3804
www.goodeatscookingclasses.com

For those whose cooking experience is limited to zapping packaged food in the microwave, Good Eats chef Paulette Bruce offers classes which help the student become both proficient and safe in the kitchen. Beginners can learn knife skills and the basics of marinades, brining, sautéing, making sauces, roasting and baking; one specific class is geared towards teaching college-bound students how to cook. Beyond the basics, Bruce has lead fun classes including how to make Mexican, Italian, Valencian or Cajun foods, and how to pull together a great meal from your pantry. Students learn to prepare dishes for holidays, tailgate parties, healthy meals, picnics, brunches, healthy cooking, elegant dinners and more. Custom classes can be arranged for groups of 12 or more.

Sierra College
316 Vernon St.
Roseville, CA  95661
(916) 660-7300
www.sierra.augusoft.net

Sierra's community education program offers an ever-changing list of classes related to cooking and to entertaining; the latter has included experiences with wine tasting, teas and even a hike through the Sierra Foothills to forage for edible mushrooms. Several other courses offered recently through the college's Food & Drink Enrichment program have focused on the art of making sauces, creating beloved dishes from New Orleans and other parts of the deep South, and cooking meals that help fuel the body and brain in addition to tickling the taste buds.

Related: Best Unique Soup Spots In Sacramento

Buonarroti Ristorante
460 Lincoln Blvd.
Lincoln, CA 95648
(916) 645-7951
www.facebook.com/buonarrotis

Chef Daniel Alcantaro leads unique, engaging cooking classes once a month, typically on Saturday afternoons. Alcantaro teaches students how to create some of the restaurant's famed Italian dishes and the class fee includes lunch, a salad and bottomless wine and beverages. Classes are limited to 25 students so that attendees can get a more hands-on, intimate experience. Check the restaurant's Facebook page or email buonarroticookingclass@yahoo.com for a schedule of upcoming classes.

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op's Cooking School & Community Learning Center
2820 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 868-6399
www.sacfood.coop/cookingschool

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op offers classes that could entice any foodie, including international cuisines, seasonal favorites and team-building cooking courses which are perfect for special events or corporate meetings. Everything is hands-on and interactive, so students of all ages get genuine experience as well as an enjoyable time. Classes have involved making homemade ravioli and other pasta, Spanish tapas, vegan and gluten-free dishes, Thai food, festive entrees, tamales and other Mexican foods, and holiday baking. Among the more unique and tantalizing offerings, the Co-Op has held classes on the art and science of making chévre cheese and a workshop to create delicate French macarons.

Mikuni
1565 Eureka Road
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 797-2112
www.mikunisushi.com

The famed sushi bar and Japanese restaurant is willing to share with students a few secrets to their excellent cuisine, offering lively classes on a variety of Mikuni-specific "sushiology" topics. Students learn special techniques which are needed to create temaki, hosomaki, basic and advanced uramaki, nigiri and more. Mikuni classes are held at the restaurant's Roseville location, are open to adults aged 18 and up and include sushi, appetizers, sake tasting and a kit to make sushi at home.

Related: Ask A Chef: Best Breakfast Casserole Recipes

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