Community Education Cooking Classes coming back to KCKCC-TEC

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook like a chef? Do you want to learn new cooking techniques that will impress your family and friends? Well, here’s your chance.

The Kansas City Kansas Community College Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center is bringing back Evening Cooking Classes starting next semester.

“It seems like everywhere I go, people of all ages ask me what classes I teach and when,” said Chef Kelly Jenkins, culinary arts teacher at KCKCC-TEC. “Everybody doesn’t necessarily want to complete the Professional Cooking Program (at KCKCC-TEC). They are just interested in learning how to prepare meals, decorate cakes, etc.”

Five different cooking classes will be offered at TEC starting in Spring 2014. These include:

• Heartwarming Soups. Chef Kelly will teach students to make three different soups in addition to cheesy garlic biscuits. The class is from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Cost is $35.
• Introduction to Cake Decorating. Taught by Chef Bob Shields, students will learn simple techniques to decorate cakes. The class before Valentine’s Day will focus on a special holiday cake. The class is from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and March 24, 2014. Cost is $52.
• Perfect Pies. Chef Kelly will teach students how to make the perfect pie crust as well as how to make three to four types of pie. The class is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. Cost is $38.
• Teen Cooking 101. Teenagers 15 to 19 will learn how to prepare one-dish meals, including desserts. The class is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2014. Cost is $38.
• Preparing and Shaping Yeast Breads. Students will learn the techniques to make rolls, braids and other bread items. The class is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 10. Cost is $38.

“Most people work or go to school during the day and would like an opportunity to take these classes in the evening,” Jenkins said. “I think there will be a huge response to bringing these evening classes back, and I am looking forward to being able to make this happen.”

All classes are in the new state-of-the-art Professional Cooking lab at the KCKCC-TEC, 6565 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. 66102 and are offered for non-credit.

For more information, visit the KCKCC website at www.kckcc.edu. Click the “Continuing Education” tab on the home page, and select “Continuing Education Schedule.”

Then select “Personal Enrichment.” Information is also available by calling 913-288-7800.