Cooking and Baking Classes 2023

Cooking Classes

We love Italian food! Please come join me in creating the flavors and magic of Italian cuisine in my virtual cooking and baking classes.

Gnocchi raw on board

During my travels in Italy and my time as a home baker and cook, I have learned so much about Italian cuisine and can’t wait to share it with you.


Summer 2023 Virtual Cooking Classes


Antipasti cooking class

July 23, 2023: Cicchetti, Bruschetta, and Small Bites: Cherry tomatoes with walnut pesto and Brie, Classic Tomato Bruschetta, Sweet Cherry Agrodolce Sauce, and Bruschetta with sauteed mushrooms and mascarpone. 12:30 – 2:00 pm Pacific time. $40 per streaming device.

Enjoy these bites-sized treats with a glass of wine and family and friends for this early evening snack and visiting time. For all the details for this fun and delicious class, Click here.


Panzanella

August 27, 2023 – Seasonal Spaghetti, Panzanella, and Tiramisu. 12:30 – 2:30 pm Pacific time. $45 per streaming device.

They are some of my favorite Italian gems; so simple, elegant, versitile, and beyond delicious. We will learn how to make the most out of your spaghetti noodles with a quick and seasonal sauce, we will make Panzanella, the Tuscan tomato salad, and for dolce, the classic Tiramisu. For all the details, Click here.


Tomato Sauce marinara

One hour and done! Coming soon! Fresh and easy tomato sauce for pasta, lasagne – with sofritto flavor base.

This thick and easy tomato sauce is versitile and can be made with or without meat. We use fresh tomatoes (canned work well, too) and create sofritto with aromatic vegetables.

One hour and done! Coming soon! Biscotti 2 ways – Chocolate + Almond + Orange and Pistachio + Cranberry. $35 per streaming device.

We will take the simple classic biscotti recipe and create 2 new flavor combos. You will come away from class with biscotti ready to dip in coffee or serve with icecream.

One hour and done! Coming soon! Back by popular demand – Viennois-Spritz Italian Cookies. $30 per streaming device.

Each class is hands-on and participatory; you will feel the dough and taste the sauce as it simmers on the stove. I will provide a list of ingredients and equipment, so you can gather things in advance. Or if it suits you, feel free to sit back and watch and then try the recipes later on your own.

In keeping with the Italian tradition and culture, we will prepare a meal, dish, or dessert with fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Make it a date night, a gathering of family, or a time to meet new friends. Most of all, share in the joy of preparing an authentic Italian meal together.

How do we meet??? Until further notice, all classes will be held virtually, using Zoom. Don’t worry; you don’t need a Zoom account, just a working email account. You can use any device, phone, tablet, laptop, etc.

How long does each class last?
Typically classes last about 1 1/2 – 2 hours depending on the complexity of the menu.

What is the cancellation policy”?
No refunds, only credit. If you need to cancel or can’t show up, you can apply your payment to another class.

How do I register for a class?
Under the class description, click on Add to Cart. Then choose the number of classes you would like to purchase. It will then prompt you to add payment using a credit card or other options.

Cooking classes

Depending on which payment methods you usually use, Venmo and Apple Pay may be available. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all. (please use the form below.)

Private Cooking and Baking Classes

I offer private virtual Italian cooking classes. We can tailor the dishes based on your wishes or culinary needs. Best of all, private classes fit into your schedule. Pricing is $200 for a 90 minute single recipe class for up to 5 streaming devices. However, we can create a class to meet your specific needs and recipe ideas. Here are some ideas:

  • Birthday party
  • Couples’ Night, Anniversary, or Date Night
  • Family Dinner Night
  • Girls’ Night
  • Book Club Meeting
  • Pasta Night
  • Learning Italian Plant-based Dinner

These are just a few ideas and suggestions. We can create a private cooking or baking class together! Fill out the form below with questions or ideas and we will go from there!

Or choose from the list below of previous classes:

Gnocchi in pistachio pesto cooking class

Hand-made Potato Gnocchi in Pistachio Pesto Sauce with Fennel Side dish.

Lolly from Santa Rosa said:

“Ellen’s video [Zoom] Gnocchi class was easy to follow and full of fun and useful information. She’s a great teacher. The gnocchi came out perfectly!”

Cooking class

Piadine – Italian Flatbread stuffed with Seasonal Veggies and Basil Pesto

eggplant parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana – Naturally Vegetarian Southern Italian Classic

Sicilian Cannoli Cooking Class

Sicilian Cannoli with Lemony Ricotta and Chocolate Chip Filling

Light Vegetarian Lasagna with Handmade Noodles

Two Italian Cookies: Classic Biscotti and Viennois-Spritz

An Autumn Night in Tuscany – 3 Authentic Dishes

Eggless, handmade Cavatelli pasta with Pesto alla Trapanese

Erbazzone

Erbazzone, Savory Vegetable Tart from Emilia-Romagna Erbazzone, a vegetable-filled tart from Emilia-Romagna, pays tribute to the flavors of spring and summer greens. We will make a savory dough filled with greens and herbs, topped with lemon and rosemary. Vegetarian or Vegan!



Testimonials and photos from previous (in-person and virtual) classes…

“I really enjoyed Ellen’s cookie class. She is organized, offers good cooking tips and the recipes are delicious. Ellen has impressive experience with Italian cooking and training. It was a delightful way to spend a few hours learning something new! Marie P., Santa Rosa, CA”

“Lovely instructor. I learned a lot, maybe more than I would have in person. No jet lag! I loved it! I will be back and will recommend!” Helene K. Cheshire, CT

“Loved the Sicilian Cucidati Zoom class. Making Italian cookies was the perfect holiday treat to share with my sister. Jana B. – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA”

“Ellen’s Piadine class was fun, informative, and of course, in the end – delicious. Ellen is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and organized. Her instructions are clear. Highly recommended.” Kathleen D. Sebastopol

“I loved the overhead camera. Can’t wait for the next class!” Mary M-R. Sebastopol

“Ellen’s pasta-making class was very educational and insightful with the ease she demonstrated in showing me how to create cheese ravioli and gnocchi so I could do it from home!” John M. Santa Rosa

“My husband and I attended one of Ellen’s Italian cooking classes and it was great! We had a lot of fun making different pastas and sauces and then enjoying a beautiful meal with the group. Ellen is passionate about Italian food and a really great teacher. It was fun to make food we wouldn’t normally make and we learned some great recipes that we still use. The atmosphere was happy and relaxed and we had a great time. Ellen’s class is perfect if you’re looking for a fun date night or want to meet other food lovers and learn some authentic Italian recipes.”

Regina G. Sebastopol

“Ellen’s Italian cooking classes are one of a kind. She makes Italian cooking very accessible and easy. During our class, we made an amazingly delicious homemade gnocchi with a scrumptious sauce and to die for panzanella salad. She makes cooking fun and gives you a plethora of cooking tips that you can apply at home. I highly recommend her for a fun night with friends or an intimate date night cooking class.” Laura M. Santa Rosa

For more information on group or private cooking classes, please fill out the form and I will get back to you ASAP!