Culinary Offerings

Cookies
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.

Fall 2023 Dinners

Register for Fall Dinners

A Night in Bolivia With Chef Nicolas Paz

FULL

Bolivian cuisine has been influenced by the Incas and Spain. Traditional staples are corn, potatoes, quinoa and beans. Spain introduced rice, wheat, beef and pork. Nicols Paz, born in Bolivia, is the executive chef and owner of Az-t-ca Restaurant in Springfield. Join us for an authentic dinner of traditional and contemporary Bolivian dishes.

  • Chef: Nicolas Paz
  • Date: Fri., Sept. 8
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $79           

A Night in India With Chefs Jordan and Aurora Coffey

FULL

Impassioned Chefs Jordan and Aurora Coffey refer to Luminary Kitchen and Provisions as their “third love child.” They’ve spent years conceptualizing novel food concepts, first working with Augie Mrozowski, then American Harvest and now their current restaurant, Luminary. Indian cuisine consists of a variety of dishes, from staples, like rice and breads, to curries, stews and sweets that are made with fresh ingredients and spices. Aurora promises us an assortment of flavors that will “assault our taste buds.”

  • Chefs: Jordan and Aurora Coffey
  • Date: Fri., Oct. 27
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $79

Fine Wine Dinner With Chef Michael Higgins

FULL

Sip, Savoir and experience a memorable evening of great food and great California wines with Chef Michael Higgins. Established in 1884, Maldaner’s Restaurant, now under the guidance of Chef-Owner Michael Higgins, respects tradition while offering the best of contemporary American fine dining. Michael is originally from San Francisco, a graduate of City College culinary program and has supported local farmers and suppliers even before farmers markets existed. 

  • Chef: Michael Higgins
  • Date: Fri., Nov. 10
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103 
  • Fee: $79

A Culinary Journey With Chef Kimsimone Manning

FULL

Chef Kimsimone takes us around the world with cuisine from the regions of her family ancestors. Her menu will feature flavors from the Pacific Northwest, Europe, the Ivory Coast, Korea and Japan.  

  • Chef: Kimsimone Manning
  • Date: Fri., Dec. 8 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Bistro Verde, Workforce Careers Center, Room 1103
  • Fee: $79

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.

Fall 2023

Sticky Fingers

Yes, your fingers will get sticky in this class as you bake a batch of cinnamon rolls and sticky buns.

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., Sept. 23, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1121
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-30  

Peach Cobbler and Sweet Potato Pie

Two southern classics are featured in this class. Learn to make the perfect crust and fillings.

  • Instructor: Lakesha Jackson
  • Date: Sat., Oct. 14, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1121
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-31  

Macarons

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

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., Oct. 28, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1121
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-32  

Cream Puffs and 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., Nov. 11, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1121
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-33  

Thanksgiving Pie

It’s tradition to serve pie at your Thanksgiving feast. Learn to make the perfect decorated crust and wow your guests with the perfect pie. 

  • Instructor: Teela Markley
  • Date: Sat., Nov. 18, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1121
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-34  

Holiday Candy

Spend the day transforming sugar and chocolate into your own handmade candy creations.

  • Instructor: Lindee Hall-Pratt
  • Date: Sat., Dec. 2, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1121
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-35 

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.

Fall 2023

Kitchen 101: Cooking Techniques

Learn what the professional chefs know — how to sauté, braise and roast, and which cooking methods are best used for desired results.  

  • Instructor: Ty Bergman
  • Date: Thu., Sept. 28, 2023
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-41  

Fermentation: Kombucha

Kombucha is a fizzy sweet-and-sour drink made with tea and is produced by fermentation using a culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) commonly called a "mother." Taste kombucha prepared in advance then make your own starter to take home and ferment. 

  • Instructor: James Boosinger 
  • Date: Sat., Oct. 7, 2023
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-43

Kitchen 101: Home Chef

Learn to prepare and cook restaurant style dishes at home.  

  • Instructor: Ty Bergman
  • Date: Thu., Oct. 12, 2023
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-44  

Cast Iron

Learn how to make a variety of amazing dishes with this versatile pan. You will also learn the important care, maintenance and how to season your pans. Bring in your own cast iron skillet or use one of ours during the class. 

  • Instructor: Kim Carter
  • Date: Thu., Oct. 19, 2023
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-45

Holiday Appetizers

Join chef Channing from Cured Catering to learn the art of making party appetizers for all your holiday gatherings. 

  • Instructor: Channing Johnson
  • Date: Thu., Nov. 9, 2023
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-46

Holiday Side Dishes

Move over ham and turkey, the sides are the tasty show stoppers in this class! 

  • Instructor: Kim Carter
  • Date: Thu., Nov. 16, 2023
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-47

Pasta from Scratch

Explore the art of pasta making. Prepare and use your fresh pasta dough to create amazing dishes in class. 

  • Instructor: Kim Carter
  • Date: Thu., Nov. 30, 2023
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Career Center, Room 1107
  • Ages 19 and over
  • Cost: $59
  • Course code: CEW-500-48

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.

Fall 2023  

Spanish Tapas

Chef David Radwine is back and ready to show you how to prepare popular Spanish tapas. Spanish wines are featured in class. Register early as this tasty class will sell out quick!

  • Instructor: David Radwine 
  • Date: Fri., Sept. 22, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-53, $69      

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, an annual festival in Munich, Germany, is attended by millions each year. Join Chef Kevin Sullivan in celebrating the flavors of German food and beer. Feel free to wear your lederhosen and dirndls.

  • Instructor: Kevin Sullivan 
  • Date: Fri., Sept. 29, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-54, $69      

Cook the Book: Harry Potter 

One thing is for sure, there are many fun and flavorful recipes to be found in Harry Potter inspired cookbooks. Sip on a cold “Butterbeer” while you make everything from dinner to dessert. Join Chef Dustin Coons in our kitchen, located at platform 9 ¾. 

  • Instructor: Dustin Coons  
  • Date: Thur., Oct. 5, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-59, $69

Fork n’ Cork

Have fun preparing a variety of dishes and tasting wines paired to compliment the flavors of the dishes. Join Chef Kevin for a fun and educational evening in the kitchen. 

  • Instructor: Kevin Sullivan 
  • Date: Fri., Oct. 13, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-55, $69      

Korean Cuisine

Join Chef Kimsimone Manning for an evening in the kitchen preparing Korean cuisine and soju cocktails.

  • Instructor: Kimsimone Manning  
  • Date: Thu., Oct. 26, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-56, $69      

French: Magret de Canard (Breast of Duck)

Translated from French, Magret de Canard  means breast of duck. Chef David Radwine will show you how to prepare the most exquisite duck dish. Enjoy your creations with French wine. 

  • Instructor: David Radwine 
  • Date: Fri., Nov. 17, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-57, $69      

Cook the Book: Christmas Movie Classics

Chef Charlyn will take you on a holiday journey recreating endearing dishes inspired by the classic Christmas movies we love. Sip on a spiked nog to get the festivities started. 

  • Instructor: Charlyn Fargo-Ware  
  • Date: Fri., Dec. 1, 2023 
  • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1107 
  • Course codes and fees: CEW 500-58, $69   

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.

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.

Fall 2023

Halloween Treats

Calling all ghouls, ghosts and goblins for a fun and festive day baking spooky Halloween treats. Costumes can be worn to class if children are able to work safely in kitchen while wearing them.

  • Instructor: Lakesha Jackson 
  • Date: Sat., Oct. 28 
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Workforce Careers Center, Room 1121 
  • Course Codes and Fees: YES 500-06, $59

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.