Hudson Community Services: Community Education, School Age Care, Summer Programs

Baklava is a traditional Greek layered dessert pastry made with phyllo, chopped nuts, other secret ingredients, and bathed in dreamy syrup. Spanakopita, on the other hand, is a Greek savory pastry, consisting of a filling made of spinach, cheese, and other secret ingredients, which is then wrapped in delicate sheets of phyllo pastry. Tess grew up in a Greek home where Baklava and Spanakopita were made and enjoyed throughout the year, but especially for any and every holiday. She too joined in the tradition of creating these delicate pastries ever since she was roughly 6 years old. Now, MANY years later, she has decided to share this tradition and her secrets with participants of this online cook-along class. During this class, Tess will guide you through the process of creating one of her versions of Baklava she calls ‘Baklava Rolls.’ Tess will also guide you through the process of creating her spanakopita triangles. Each step of the way, participants may involuntarily begin to dance The ZORBA as these crispy, delicious Greek Phyllo wonders awaken taste buds and the ‘inner Greek’ with just one bite! Talk about mouthwatering goodness! Remember, Tess is only making her SECRET recipes available to those who REGISTER for this class. They will be asked to keep these secrets SECRET as Tess has done so for almost 50 years! Participants will receive a list of ingredients in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and prep. Participants will also receive a professionally created PDF packet of the instructor’s personal recipes This class will take place on Zoom, free online software. Participants will receive instructions on how to access the class prior to it starting. Have your questions answered by the instructor, and interact with other participants as you cook-along. While cooking-along is loads of fun, it is optional. If friends are participating together, each friend must register separately. Note: One registration fee for this on-line virtual interactive class can include immediate family members living full-time in the same home ONLY. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register SEPARATELY even if participating together.

Bundt Cakes have become very popular. Learn tips and tricks as we prepare, bake and glaze several types of bundt cakes in class. Students will take home four boxed 5" bundt cakes. We will make Lemon, Triple Chocolate, Cherry Cheesecake and Pumpkin Bundt cakes. Class is open to ages 16+. (Gluten, nuts, and other ingredients will be used during this class.)

We are bringing this class back by popular demand! As our exploration of Indian cuisine continues, we will explore the many aisles of Indian spices & mixes, pulses & lentils, grains & flours, snack & desserts, fresh produce, frozen foods etc. Class will meet at India Market (previously known as Spice Bazaar), located at 9242 Hudson Blvd N, between Woodbury Drive and Radio Drive in Lake Elmo, MN (near Woodbury). Afterwards, we will have a sit-down informal discussion on ‘all things Indian cuisine’ accompanied by savory snacks, sweets and chai! No previous Indian cooking experience required.

The word “Bao” is derived from the word “Baozi” which means, “to wrap” in Mandarin. Bao buns are often described as “steamed pillows” of deliciousness and are becoming increasingly popular in North America. They are created by freshly steaming yeasted velvety dough, and are then filled with a variety of fillings. During this fun-filled class, participants will learn to create delicious Steamed Bao Buns that will be used “to wrap” (almost like a little “jacket”) the fantastic filling of Korean Bulgogi BBQ Chicken, and a wonderful variety of quick pickled vegetables! What fun! Everything from the Bao buns, the Korean Bulgogi BBQ chicken and the pickled veggies will be made from scratch in guided step-by-step fashion, making for a fun, exciting and memorable experience. This class will take place on Zoom, a free online software. Participants will receive instructions on how to access the class prior to it starting. Participants will receive a list of ingredients in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and prep. Participants will also receive a copy of the instructor’s personal recipes in PDF format. NOTE: The instructor’s recipes are copyrighted and are only shared with those who register for this class. Equipment: A bamboo steamer is nice to have, but not necessary. A stand mixer is highly recommended. Note: One registration fee for this on-line virtual interactive class can include immediate family members living full-time in the same home ONLY. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register SEPARATELY even if participating together.

Join us as we continue our exploration of Indian cooking. In this class, we will focus on the essential ingredients and demonstrate basic methods used to prepare authentic dishes specific to the regional northern, southern and eastern states of India. Ingredients such as whole mustard seeds, fresh curry leaves, asafoetida, cambodge, fenugreek, etc., will be introduced into your cooking vocabulary. The demonstration will include poultry, seafood and a vegetable dish, all prepared from scratch. Afterwards, we will dine and continue with an informal discussion on ‘all things Indian cuisine.’ No previous Indian cooking experience required.

Get your chopsticks ready! Really good Chinese Take-Out is often very difficult to find. Register for this Master Class and learn how to create, from scratch, a wonderful Chinese “Better-than-take-out” meal in your own kitchen! You will learn about the various ingredients and step-by-step processes that turn these ingredients into fabulous Chinese take-out favorites, and gain the confidence to create your own “better-than-take-out” meals time and time again. After this class, your search for Chinese take-out will be a search through your freezer and pantry. Although most Chinese take-out items are fried, this class will also provide healthier options for cooking. The class will include a cook-along option for 4 recipes and one additional recipe will be demonstrated. There will be a discussion / presentation about ingredients and their use, in addition to basic equipment that is wonderful to have and why. Only those who REGISTER for the class will receive an all-inclusive professionally-made PDF packet with ALL recipes and information shared during the class. Cook-Along Menu options: Fried Rice, Orange Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, & Veggie or Chicken Egg Rolls. Additional Demonstration Only Recipe: Chicken or Pork Lo Mein Prep for the class will be required by all who register ahead of the class as it will be a very busy one but A LOT OF FUN and VERY INFORMATIVE! Participants will receive a list of ingredients in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and prep. This class will take place on Zoom, a free online software. Participants will receive instructions on how to access the class prior to it starting. Note: One registration fee for this on-line virtual interactive class can include immediate family members living full-time in the same home ONLY. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register SEPARATELY even if participating together.

Swedish meatballs are a holiday tradition enjoyed by many families around the world. Have you ever wondered what Swedish meatballs are or wondered how they are made? Have you ever enjoyed the perfect bowl of noodles and couldn’t get enough? Create a memorable mouthwatering holiday meal for your family by registering for this class where Tess will guide you through the process of making the most delicious Swedish meatballs seasoned to perfection and bathed in a savory-velvety cream sauce. Then have the pleasure of serving them over your own HAND-PULLED NOODLES! Follow along step-by-step as the instructor guides you through each of her recipes while sharing secrets for making everything about this meal from scratch! Participants will receive a list of ingredients ahead of time to allow time for shopping and prep. Participants also receive a professionally created PDF packet of the instructor’s personal recipes. NOTE: The instructor’s recipes are copyrighted and are only shared with those who register for this class. This class will take place on Zoom, free online software. Participants will receive instructions on how to access the class prior to it starting. Make lasting memories in your kitchen if you decide to have your children, your spouse or your partner join you! Children absolutely love getting involved in the kitchen and will enjoy creating meatballs and pulling noodles with you as well! Have your questions answered by the instructor, and interact with other participants as you cook-along. While cooking-along is loads of fun, it is optional. Note: One registration fee for this on-line virtual interactive class can include immediate family members living full-time in the same home ONLY. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. . If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register SEPARATELY even if participating together.