Taking private, hands-on Russian cooking classes is a great way to work towards becoming a Russian culinary expert while receiving personalized attention from your instructor. Learning in the comfort of your own kitchen will help you relax and feel confident. Classes are available for groups of four to eight people, so team up with friends or get your partner and kids involved. Cooking together is a great bonding activity!
Each class takes two to three hours and involves creating several dishes that the entire group can then enjoy together. The descriptions below should give you a glimpse of some of the dishes that you can learn to make. Lesson plans can be customized to reflect your food preferences and to accommodate any potential dietary restrictions. If there is a specific Russian dish that you want to learn to prepare, please ask!
The following classes are currently available:
Zakuski: Russian “Small Plates”
Russian cuisine is famous for its hors d’oeuvres, which are an essential part of any festive meal, be it a holiday, a birthday, or simply a dinner party with friends. In this class, you will learn how to make four Russian dishes that can serve as delicious starters for a dinner party or as part of a tapas-style meal.
Blini: Russian pancakes
Take this class to learn how to make two kinds of blini – an almost paper-thin kind that is stuffed like a crepe with all sorts of delicious savory or sweet fillings, and a thicker kind that’s made with yeast and has a satisfying chewiness with a crispy edge.
The Misunderstood Duo: Cabbage and Beets
Cabbage and beets are staples of Russian cooking and can be made into all sorts of tasty dishes, from soups to stews to salads, yet, sadly, they enjoy an undeservedly bad reputation in the US. If you are not a fan of these two vegetables, I promise this class will get you to change your mind! You will learn how to make two cabbage dishes and two beet dishes that are both nutritious and delicious!
Russian AND Vegan: Yes, It CAN Be Done!
There are very few vegetarians in Russia, and even fewer vegans; yet Russian cuisine includes many dishes that are prepared without meat or fish, and often without dairy or eggs. In this class, you will learn how to create a delicious Russian meal, consisting of an appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert, all of which will be 100% vegan.
Piroshky
Piroshky – small hand pies filled with pretty much any kind of sweet or savory filling - are perfect as a snack or as an accompaniment to soup or salad. They are frequently baked for holidays and for special guests – in fact, the word “piroshky” probably comes from the word “pir,” which means feast. Learn to make a quick yeast dough and several different fillings, which we will use to stuff piroshky and a larger pie called “pirog” (not to be confused with the Polish “pierogi”!). Students will also make a fresh vegetable salad to balance out all that dough!
Borscht, Two Ways
Learn to make two kinds of borscht – a hot and hearty version that is so belly-warming-good on cold days and a lighter version that is served cold and is perfect for warm weather. As a bonus, we will also make an appetizer or salad to round out the meal.
Homestyle Russian Desserts
Learn how to bake two kinds of apple cake and rugelach-style pastries made with farmer’s cheese. These desserts are quick and simple enough to make on a weeknight. When our class is over, curl up on your couch with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and enjoy the freshly-baked goodies!
Festive Russian Desserts
Want to impress your guests with a towering layer cake or an exotic-sounding (and delicious-tasting) anthill cake? This class is for you!
The course lineup changes periodically, so bookmark this page and check back often!
Pricing, Terms and Conditions:
Rates vary depending on whether you opt for conventionally-grown or organic ingredients. Regardless of which scenario you choose, I always use cage-free eggs, free-range meat, and cheese made with vegetable rennet.
- $40 per adult if mostly conventional ingredients are used.
- $50 per adult for mostly organic produce, meat, dairy, eggs, and other ingredients as available.
Please contact me for kids’ rates.
There is currently a four-person minimum and an eight-person maximum for all classes. Please ensure that your kitchen can accommodate the number of people that will participate in the class that you are hosting.
The price includes all the ingredients. Beverages are not included. Cash and checks are currently accepted and gift certificates are available.
A $100 deposit is required at the time your class is scheduled. If you cancel your cooking class less than 48 hours in advance, the deposit is not refundable. If you need to reschedule, I really appreciate as much advance notice as possible.