MenuIn-Person Classes
Class size: 8 students
Instructor: Helen Rennie
Location: Helen’s Kitchen at 3 Ingleside Rd, Natick, MA
Cancellation Policy and other FAQ
Orgasmic Vegetables
Vegetables are a culinary wonder with their variety of textures and flavors, and a gift to us cooks. If they occupy the lowly place of repentance food on your table, it's time to rethink your cooking techniques. In this class, you'll learn to buy, wash, store, and cook everything from roots to leafy greens. Dishes will vary with the season and availability of ingredients, but are likely to include a kale apple salad, smokey cauliflower almond salad, roasted beets, roasted Brussels sprouts, braised cabbage, and seared asparagus. This class is vegetarian and Paleo friendly.
One 3h session / $120 per person
Tue, Jul 15, 2025 6pm-9pm Register
1 spot left. For 2+ spots, please get on the Waiting list
Knife Skills
Do you get excited about a trip to the farmer's market, but dread chopping all those veggies and herbs? If the onions make you break into tears and you can't remember the last time you sharpened your knife, come to this hands-on class and learn to slice, dice, and mince in a casual and supportive environment. We'll go over which knives are used for which cuts, how to buy a good knife in any price range, as well as sharpening and caring for your knives. You are welcome to bring an 8" chef's knife, but that's optional. We have knives for everyone. We don't recommend buying anything before class since you'll have a chance to try out different knives to help you decide which one works for you. We'll make a lunch out of our chopping practice and serve it in the end of class. This class is vegetarian.
One 3h session / $120 per person
Wed, Jul 30, 2025 10:30am-1:30pm Register
1 spot left. For 2+ spots, please get on the Waiting list
French Pastry 101: Pate a Choux
Do you want to learn to make eclairs, cream puffs, Paris-Brest, and fancy hors d'oeuvres? Then you need to master pâte à choux -- the most versatile, gloriously puffy, make-ahead-friendly dough in the French pastry repertoire. Pâte à choux might require more finesse than banana muffins, but the process is not complicated. After we discuss the science behind this technique and give you a chance for hands-on practice, you'll be able to wow your family and friends with magnificent desserts and savory bites. You'll learn to make pastry cream, ganache, and other fillings; avoid the pitfalls of collapsed or soggy puffs; and use a pastry bag like a pro. A light lunch will be provided followed by pastries.
One 3h30 session / $120 per person
Wed, Aug 13, 2025 10:30am-2pm Register
Pizza on the Grill
What can be better than pizza with delicious local produce on a summer day! No need to heat your house by using the oven; pizza is outstanding cooked on the grill. It's one of the simplest dishes to make, and one of the simplest to mess up. Does your dough refuse to stretch into a thin circle? Does it get soggy under the sauce and toppings? Are you at a loss as to how to produce a perfectly crisp thin crust? Does your grilled pizza turn charcoal black on the bottom while remaining raw on top? This class will answer all your pizza questions. You'll make a 5 minute home-made crust that will teach you many baking fundamentals. You'll also make 4 versatile sauces while learning to use heat and seasoning to your advantage. We'll make pizza Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, and basil); pizza with caramelized onions, pears, walnuts, and blue cheese; pizza with pesto, zucchini, and tomatoes; and Middle Eastern flat bread with cucumber yogurt dip. Note: dishes may vary based on the season and availability of ingredients. This class is vegetarian. Rainy day policy.
One 3h session / $120 per person
Tue, Jul 15, 2025 10:30am-1:30pm Waiting List
Ravishingly Raw (Poke Bowls, Crudo, Ceviche)
Who doesn't love pristine fish served raw? Most people don't think twice about ordering raw fish in a restaurant, but don't know where to begin when it comes to serving it at home. Where do you buy it? How do you store it? What species are safe to eat raw? How do you slice it? What do you pair it with? How do you deal with the risks of food-borne illness? This class will answer all these questions and give you plenty of hands-on practice slicing fish for crudo, poke bowls, and ceviche dishes. Come hungry for salmon miso poke bowl, spicy tuna tartar, branzino ceviche, and hamachi crudo. Note: the dishes vary based on the season and availability of ingredients. This class is Paleo friendly.
One 3h session / $120 per person
Wed, Jul 30, 2025 6pm-9pm Waiting List
Ukrainian Varenyky
Varenyky (plural) are Ukrainian dumplings. They can be savory. They can be sweet. They can be addictive. My Varenyky apprenticeship started at 5 years old when I helped roll the circles for my Mom and Grandma to fill with potatoes, cabbage, blueberries, and cherries. But when the time came to make the dish start to finish, I ran into a problem. My Grandma's recipe went something like this, "Mix the flour with water, eggs, and a little salt. Knead until it feels right." If you require a tad more precision and instruction, this class is for you. I've struggled with varenyky for years, so you don't have to. I'll give you accurate measurements and plenty of hands-on practice with the dough and shaping. We’ll make potato varenyky and seasonal fruit varenyky. This class is vegetarian.
One 3h session / $120 per person
Wed, Aug 13, 2025 6pm-9pm Waiting List
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can kids attend?
- Kids with a passion for cooking are allowed if they are at least 12 years old. However, a parent must be present at the beginning of class to sign a waiver.
- Will we eat in class?
- Yes, we eat what we make in class.
- What materials should we bring to class?
- Wear comfortable shoes. We’ll provide everything else.
- What happens if I have to cancel?
- Please see our cancellation policy for details.
- How do I get a spot? Whenever I check the website, the class I want has a waiting list.
- Read our tips on getting spots.
- The class I want to take is full. Will you offer it again?
- Yes. Most of these classes are offered on monthly basis and are announced 2 months in advance.
- Can you send me e-mail when you announce more classes?
- Yes. Just send us an e-mail to get on our mailing list.
- Do we just watch or do we get to cook too?
- All classes are hands-on, so everyone gets to participate.
- Are gift certificates available?
- We sell a limited number of gift certificates each year. Please check the gift certificate page.
