Culinary Offerings

At a Glance

LLCC 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, LLCC 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

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.

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.


Spring 2024 Dinners

Register for Spring Dinners

A Night at Commanders Palace 

Nested in the tree lined Garden District, Commanders Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1873. Now owned by the Brennan Family, the restaurant has won seven James Beard awards. Chef Howard Seidel worked in New Orleans and returns on a regular basis. Howard promises us a grand evening of New Haute Creole Cuisine starting with their famous turtle soup. No jackets required!

  • Chef: Howard Seidel
  • Date: Fri., Feb. 23
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $89      

Spoon River Junction Winery

“For Adventurous People and Palates” is how Brad Beam describes the wines produced at Spoon River Junction in Canton, Illinois. Prior to becoming owner, Brad was the enology specialist for the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association and continues to serve as a consultant for several Illinois vineyards. Join Brad and learn about his wines that will be paired with a rustic Italian dinner.

  • Enologist: Brad Beam
  • Date: Fri., March 22
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $89       

Turkish Dinner

Turkey is home to a rich and diverse cuisine that has evolved over centuries, influenced by its history and cultural heritage. The country’s unique location, bridging Europe and Asia, has made it a melting pot of flavors and cooking techniques. Ersen Yildirim, owner of Ugli restaurant in Springfield, will introduce us to Turkish cuisine and culture.

  • Chef: Ersen Yildirim
  • Date: Fri., April 12
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $89       

A Journey Through Early 20th Century Midwest Cookbooks

Chef Adam Maas is the owner of Good Decisions located at Danenberger’s Family Vineyards in New Berlin. He has traveled and worked around the world and his specialty brunches and theme dinners at the vineyard are currently receiving great reviews. He describes this dinner as an “unique evening of elevated dishes inspired by his grandmother’s cookbooks.”     

  • Chef: Adam Maas
  • Date: Fri., May 10
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $89

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.


Spring 2024

Macarons

Our most popular baking class. Come bake a batch of these delicate French pastries that will be filled with assorted fillings.

The January Macarons class has been filled. View the February class offering below.

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., Jan. 27, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-02

 

  • Instructor: Stephanie Warren
  • Date: Sat., Feb. 10, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over 
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-28
     

Coffee & Beignets

New Orleans’ famous Café Du Monde is the inspiration behind this class.  Prepare traditional beignets and sip on chicory coffee just like they do in the Big Easy.  

  • Instructor: Jolene Lamb
  • Date: Sat., Feb. 3, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-05

Bagels

Learn how to make this doughnut-shaped, yeast-leavened roll that is characterized by a crisp, shiny crust and a dense interior and is commonly eaten as a breakfast food or snack, often with toppings such as cream cheese.

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., Feb. 24, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-09

Churros

Learn how to make this fritter of Spanish origin made of flour-based batter that is piped into extremely hot fat and fried, then rolled in cinnamon-laced sugar, resulting in a treat that is sweet and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. 

  • Instructor: Stephanie Warren
  • Date: Sat., March 2, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-12

Cream Puffs & Eclairs

It all starts with pate a choux dough that is piped and baked until golden.  Then the light and airy buns are filled with cream. Learn the techniques to make these popular pastries. 

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., March 23, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over 
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-16

Cheesecake

Cream cheese, sour cream and even ricotta can all be used to make a variety of sweet, savory, rich and creamy cheesecakes. Discover the methods to make the perfect cheesecake.

  • Instructor: Stephanie Warren
  • Date: Sat., April 6, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over 
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-19

Pop Tarts

You’re never too old to enjoy a pop tart. Check out these grown-up versions of the toaster pastry. With both sweet and savory fillings wrapped in golden flakey pastry, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these handheld breakfast treats all along.

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., April 20, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-24

Tarts and Galettes

Tarts are a close cousin to the classic American pie, and galettes are similar to a tart. However, the crusts, the fillings and the baking methods between tarts and galettes create two distinct desserts. Explore the variety with us.

  • Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware
  • Date: Sat., May 4, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-26

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.


Spring 2024

Souper Bowl

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., Feb. 1, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-03

Vegetarian

Expand your international cuisine experience and embrace vegetarian dishes from around the world including recipes such as French ratatouille, Indian paneer makhani and others from around the globe.

  • Instructor: Arin & Danny Lee
  • Date: Thu., Feb. 8, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over 
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-29

Risotto

A classic risotto is a rich, creamy dish with nearly a porridge-like consistency, yet each grain of rice retains a distinct bite. Prepare a variety of risotto in class.

  • Instructor: Marcus Holmes
  • Date: Thu., Feb. 15, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over 
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-30

East Coast Favorites

From Maine to Florida, these East Coast foods reign supreme. Hearty crabcakes, seafood roll, clam chowder, shrimp and grits with Cajun cream "gravy" and fish Rueben are on the menu.

  • Instructor: Channing Johnson
  • Date: Thu., Feb. 22, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-08

Grains for Every Season

Explore ancient grains such as farro, teff, barley and quinoa. Learn how they have been used for hundreds of years in everything from breads to salads. Prepare a mix of hearty and lighter dishes such as a farro salad with cucumbers, lemon and feta.

  • Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware
  • Date: Fri., March 1, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, W1107
  • Ages: 19 and over 
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-11

Sheet Pan Meals

Make meals full of flavor and variety, yet light on the clean-up.  When you prepare meals on a single sheet pan, the flavor spreads to all ingredients and the clean-up is a snap.

  • Instructor: Kim Carter
  • Date: Thu., Mar. 7, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, W1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • •Course code: CEW 500-14

Plant Based

Plant-based meals are on-trend right now.  Skip the processed packaged food and opt to make plant-based from scratch.  This class menu features lentil burgers, cauliflower "wings", "tuna" salad tea party sandwiches and more.

  • Instructor: Channing Johnson 
  • Date: Thu., Mar. 21, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, W1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-15

Korean Cuisine

Banchan is a collection of Korean side dishes that dinner guests enjoy in Korea and around the world as a prelude to the main meal. Examples of banchan dishes include pickled radishes, scallion pancakes, and fermented cabbage, to name just a few. Prepare a variety of banchan in class.

  • Instructor: Kimsimone Manning
  • Date: Thu., Mar. 28, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-17

Spring Flavors

Shake off the hearty winter flavors and lean into the bright refreshing dishes of spring. Use seasonal flavors to wake up the palate from its long winters nap.

  • Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
  • Date: Thu., April 11, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-20

Smoothies and Energy Bars

Learn to make a variety of tasty smoothies and energy bars that are perfect for a healthy meal or snack on the go.

  • Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware
  • Date: Sat., April 13, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-21

Mushroom Cultivation

Owner of Natural Artistry, Chef Jim has been growing and cultivating mushrooms locally. Learn the process of growing edible mushrooms at home and then prepare savory mushroom dishes to enjoy in class.

  • Instructor: Jim Boosinger
  • Date: Thu., April 18, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 19 and over
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: CEW 500-23

Work side-by-side with your child in these hands-on classes!

When registering, the fee for an adult with one child is $55. If registering a second child, there is an additional fee of $25. Register all participants at the same time (limit  of two children per adult). 

Check back for upcoming classes!

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.


Spring 2024

Guys Night Out

Grab your friends and spend the evening cooking up bar and grill favorites while sampling local beers.  

  • Instructor: Kimsimone Manning
  • Date: Fri., Jan. 26, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-01

Mardi Gras

Carnival is a time to eat, drink and be merry before the rigorous fasting and sacrifice during Lent. It is filled with parades and celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Celebrate the flavors and cocktails of New Orleans.

  • Instructor: Dustin Coons
  • Date: Fri., Feb. 2, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-04

Couples in the Kitchen

Looking for a great date night? Join us in the kitchen! Spend the evening preparing your own meal for two while sipping wine.

  • Instructor: Kevin Sullivan
  • Date: Fri., Feb. 16, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-07

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: Jolene Lamb
  • Date: Thurs., Feb. 29, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-10

Tequilla

No longer just for spring breakers doing shots, agave spirits like mezcal and tequila are now recognized and appreciated by cocktail enthusiasts for their complexity and versatility. But did you also know that tequila is also a surprisingly versatile ingredient for use in sweet and savory cooking? With sweet, spicy, floral, smoky and citrus notes, tequila can add flavor and richness to a wide variety of recipes. Learn to cook with tequila and mix up the perfect cocktail.

  • Instructor: Lauren Schuester
  • Date: Thu., April 4, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-18

Fabulous French

Chef David Radwine knows the art of French Cooking. He once met Julia Child herself. Join David in the kitchen to prepare a fabulous French foods while you sip on a glass of old world wine.

  • Instructor: David Radwine
  • Date: Fri., April 19, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-06

Rum Runner

Caramel, fruity, woody, sugar, vanilla, molasses and smooth are just a few words to describe the taste of rum. Explore the world of rums by crafting cocktails and preparing fruit forward dishes, including the classic pairing of fresh pineapple and rum.

  • Instructor: Lauren Schuester
  • Date: Thu., May 9, 2024
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500-27

Our newest series combines two American favorites: food and television! The influence of food on pop culture is always at hand, and it certainly has made some memorable television moments. Iconic food scenes are our inspiration for the following classes. For ages 19 and over.

Check back for upcoming classes!

Expand your wine knowledge from grape to glass with Dr. Geoff Bland.  Geoff started the Corkscrew Wine Emporium in 1994.  He has extensive knowledge and expertise in wine.   He sold the Corkscrew in 2016 to long term store sales manager Danielle Anderson.  Geoff continues to organize dinners and special tastings for the store.    Join Geoff in this informative series.   Each session will include tastings of multiple wines and delicious appetizers.


Spring 2024

Bordeaux

  • Instructor: Geoff Bland
  • Date: Tue., Mar. 5, 2024
  • Time: 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, W1103
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500 13 

Pinot Noir Around the World

  • Instructor: Geoff Bland
  • Date: Tue., April 16, 2024
  • Time: 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, W1103
  • Ages: 21 and over
  • Cost: $79
  • Course code: CEW 500 22 

Designed specifically for budding young chefs ages 8-18, these classes are the perfect opportunity for youth to explore their interests and build their culinary skills.

Also, check out the summer College for Kids culinary offerings for students entering into grades 5-8.


Spring 2024

Doughnut Dunkers

Doughnuts are a special treat with endless flavors and sprinkles. Learn how to make yeast doughnuts and decorate with icing, glaze and sprinkles.

  • Instructor: Lakesha Jackson
  • Date: Sat., Feb. 17, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 8-17
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: YES 500-01

Colorful Pasta

Making pasta from scratch is easy and with a little color and creativity, you can make a tasty and colorful dish, perfect for spring.

  • Instructor: Lakesha Jackson
  • Date: Sat., March 30, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 8-17
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: YES 500-02

Cupcakes for Mom

Bake a batch of delicious cupcakes then decorate and package them to look like a beautiful bouquet of flowers to give to mom on her special day.

  • Instructor: Jolene Lamb
  • Date: Sat., May 11, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121
  • Ages: 8-17
  • Cost: $69
  • Course code: YES 500-03

Gift certificates

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