Recreational Classes

Want to take your cooking skills to the next level—while having tons of delicious fun? Kendall College at National Louis University’s cooking classes for adults are offered at three skill levels.

You can plunge in deep with our cooking boot camps, turn up the heat with our date night class or get your girlfriends together for girl’s night out! Learn techniques for cutting, baking, sautéing, braising and much more.

We also offer various continuing education opportunities. Contact us today to learn more about everything we have to offer.

Class Categories

TASTE Talks

Email taste@nl.edu to join mailing list for links.

On-Campus Classes

Knife Skills

The perfect building block class for everyone looking to cook. A variety of cuts are taught along with how to properly break down a chicken. Learn on-campus in the culinary classrooms from our expert Kendall instructors.

(See course details below.)

Wine Apprentice I: Wine Professional

This foundational course navigates the learner through an intriguing journey of the vast world of wine while examining its history, sensory analysis, methods of viticulture and vinification, wine styles, pairing, and service techniques. It explores the essential technical aspects of wine while providing the necessary knowledge and skill required for operating in various service capacities. Wine Professional I: Wine Apprentice is designed for the serious beverage enthusiast and those in entry-level food and beverage positions within the larger scope of the hospitality industry.

(See course details below.)

Wine Apprentice II: Wine Steward

This intermediate course builds upon the students' introductory knowledge and skill of wine through applying greater depth and critical thinking skills as it relates to sensory analysis, wine and advanced food pairing, sparkling and fortified wine while being immersed into the most significant wine producing locations. This course explores the New World and Old World wine regions by looking at the impact of geological events, the importance of topographical markers and the influence of climatic factors and vinification techniques on the grapes and ultimately the wine in the glass. This class is designed for those who have successfully fulfilled all requirements from the Wine Professional I: Wine Apprentice course.

(See course details below.)

Cake: How You Roll

Let’s see how you roll as you create a Swiss Roll cake with your own personalized design on it. Will it be floral, a pattern, your favorite comic character or even your pet?

Seafood: Grill and Chill

Do you like your seafood right of the grill with some nice char on it or would you prefer some cool bright ceviche? Well, why not have both?! This class will show you how to prepare some of the ocean’s bounty in 2 different ways.

Plant Protein

How can you get enough protein on a plant-based diet? This is a common concern among vegans and vegetarians. 

In this class we will explore the foundations of a plant-based diet and delve into the functions of protein in the body. 

This 3 hour class is a combination of lecture and kitchen time. During the first half of the class we will discuss the various sources of plant-based proteins and calculate individual protein needs. During the second half of the class we will prepare two plant-based recipes: Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Soup and Roasted Cauliflower with Chick Peas.

Holiday Leftovers to Chef Kiss Dish:

What to do with what’s left after the last Thursday in November? Tamales and other recipes to revitalize your leftovers.

(See course details below.)

Exploring Cannabis Infused Edibles: A Culinary Adventure

Join us for an immersive journey into the world of cannabis edibles! In these 4 hands-on classes, you'll discover the art and science of infusing cannabis into delicious culinary creations. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, a medical cannabis patient, or simply curious about the world of edibles, this class is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to create safe, enjoyable, and delectable cannabis-infused dishes.

What You'll Learn:

• Cannabis Basics:
  • Understand the different strains of cannabis and their effects.
  • Learn about THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
  • Explore various cannabis products, including flowers, concentrates, and tinctures.
• Safe Consumption and Dosage:
  • Discover responsible consumption practices.
  • Understand proper dosing for consistent and predictable effects.
  • Learn about the potential risks and side effects of cannabis.
• Cooking Techniques:
  • Master the art of cannabis extraction and infusion.
  • Create cannabis-infused oils, butters, and tinctures.
  • Explore decarboxylation for activating cannabinoids.
• Recipe Development:
  • Develop your own cannabis-infused recipes.
  • Learn to adjust dosage for different culinary creations.
  • Experiment with flavor profiles and pairing cannabis with various ingredients.
• Hands-On Cooking:
  • Prepare a variety of delicious cannabis-infused dishes.
  • Gain practical experience in the kitchen under the guidance of our expert instructor.
  • Sample and share your creations with fellow participants.

Who Should Attend:

• Aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts
• Medical cannabis patients seeking alternative consumption methods
• Individuals interested in responsible cannabis use
• Anyone curious about the art of infusing cannabis into food

Requirements: Participants must be of legal age for cannabis consumption in Illinois. Prior culinary experience is helpful but not required.

Materials Provided:

• All necessary cannabis products (Delta-8) and ingredients for cooking
• Recipe book with step-by-step instructions
• Safety equipment and guidelines

The Foundation of Creating Edibles: Mastering Cannabis Butter, Oil, Tinctures and Syrups

Unlock the culinary potential of cannabis with our in-depth class focused on mastering the art of creating cannabis-infused butter, oil, tinctures and syrups. Cannabis-infused butters, oils, tinctures and syrups can be used in a wide range of culinary applications, including baked goods, sauces, salad dressings, and more. This versatility allows for the incorporation of cannabis into various types of dishes, catering to both sweet and savory preferences.

What You'll Learn:

• Cannabis Basics:
  • Gain a solid understanding of cannabis strains, cannabinoids, and their effects.
  • Explore different cannabis products available for infusion.
• Extraction and Decarboxylation:
  • Learn the science behind extracting cannabinoids from cannabis.
  • Master the crucial process of decarboxylation to activate THC and CBD.
• Infusion Techniques:
  • Discover various infusion methods, including stovetop and sous-vide.
  • Understand the factors influencing potency and flavor in your infusions.
• Butter and Oil Preparation:
  • Expertly prepare cannabis-infused butter and oil from scratch.
  • Explore the nuances of choosing the right base for your culinary creations.
• Dosing and Consistency:
  • Calculate and control the dosage of your infusions for safe and enjoyable consumption.
  • Ensure consistency in your recipes and effects.
• Culinary Applications:
  • Learn how to incorporate cannabis butter and oil into a wide range of dishes, from baked goods to savory dishes.
  • Create your own cannabis-infused recipes and experiment with flavor profiles.

Elevate Your Palate: Mastering Cannabis Savory Dishes

Indulge in the world of gourmet cannabis-infused savory dishes with our immersive class designed to elevate your culinary skills and your palate. Whether you're an experienced cook looking to add a new dimension to your recipes or a cannabis enthusiast seeking alternative methods of consumption, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the art of crafting delectable entrees. Create a diverse range of cannabis-infused savory dishes, from appetizers to entrees. Experiment with flavor profiles, pairings, and presentations to impress your guests. From infused hors d'oeuvres to gourmet entrees, this class will broaden your culinary horizons and delight your taste buds.

What You'll Learn:

• Cannabis Basics:
  • Gain a solid understanding of cannabis strains, cannabinoids, and their effects.
  • Explore how terpenes influence flavor and aroma.
• Safe Consumption and Dosage:
  • Discover responsible consumption practices.
  • Learn how to calculate and control dosage for consistent effects.
• Infusion Techniques:
  • Master the art of infusing cannabis into oils, butters, and other bases.
  • Explore different infusion methods for a variety of culinary applications
• Cooking Techniques:
  • Learn essential cooking skills and techniques specific to savory cannabis-infused dishes.
  • Develop the ability to adapt traditional recipes for infusion.
• Pairing and Tasting:
  • Explore the art of pairing cannabis-infused savory dishes with complementary flavors and beverages.
  • Conduct tasting sessions to refine your palate and appreciation.

Sweet Bliss: Mastering Cannabis-Infused Desserts

Indulge your sweet tooth and explore delectable cannabis-infused desserts in this immersive class. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a cannabis enthusiast looking to elevate your dessert game, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the art of creating various baked sweets that combine the magic of cannabis with the joy of dessert-making.

What You'll Learn:

• Cannabis Basics:
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of cannabis strains, cannabinoids, and their effects.
  • Explore how terpenes can enhance the flavor and aroma of your desserts.
• Safe Consumption and Dosage:
  • Discover responsible consumption practices.
  • Learn precise dosing techniques to ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience.
• Infusion Techniques:
  • Master the art of infusing cannabis into various dessert ingredients
  • Explore different infusion methods for different types of desserts.
• Baking and Pastry Skills:
  • Enhance your baking and pastry-making skills with a focus on cannabis-infused recipes.
  • Create a variety of desserts, including cakes, cookies, chocolates, and more.
• Flavor Pairing and Presentation:
  • Experiment with flavor profiles and learn how to pair cannabis-infused desserts with complementary flavors.
  • Discover creative presentation techniques to impress your guests.
• Cannabis Dessert Innovations:
  • Explore cutting-edge trends and innovations in the world of cannabis-infused desserts.
  • Gain insights into the evolving legal and culinary landscape of cannabis edibles.

Sweet Euphoria: Crafting Cannabis-Infused Candies

Delve into the world of sweet delights and learn the art of crafting mouthwatering cannabis-infused candies in our immersive class. Whether you're a candy connoisseur or a cannabis enthusiast looking to explore a new realm of edibles, this hands-on workshop will teach you the secrets of creating delicious, infused treats that combine the magic of cannabis with the joy of candy making. From gummies to chocolates, this class will inspire your creativity in the world of cannabis-infused confections

What You'll Learn:

• Cannabis Basics:
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of cannabis strains, cannabinoids, and their effects.
  • Explore how terpenes can enhance the flavor and aroma of your candies.
• Safe Consumption and Dosage:
  • Discover responsible consumption practices.
  • Learn precise dosing techniques to ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience.
• Candy-Making Fundamentals:
  • Master the essential techniques of candy making, including boiling, cooling, and shaping.
  • Create a variety of candy types, from gummies to hard candies and chocolates.
• Infusion Techniques:
  • Explore different methods of infusing cannabis into candy ingredients, such as gelatin, sugar, and chocolate.
  • Understand the importance of temperature control for successful infusion.
• Flavor and Color Customization:
  • Experiment with flavor profiles, colors, and textures to craft unique and personalized cannabis-infused candies.
  • Learn how to balance the taste of cannabis with other ingredients.

SPECIAL OFFER: Register for all 4 CWC classes for $1500 – classes are limited in size and enrolled at a first come first served basis

Holiday Cookie Exchange

Our most popular seasonal class.  Our baking and pastry instructors pull out their favorite holiday cookie recipes.  You get to bake two different cookies but will walk away with up to 20 different kinds (but all of the recipes). 

Building Healthy Dishes with Flavor Cooking Class

Learn to create amazingly flavorful dishes by building layers. This class will teach you how to create your own spice blend, how to use varying texture to bring interest to a dish and the right ways and times to use fresh herbs. All dishes are vegetarian and gluten-free (cheese and diary are used in this class). Will create: Cauliflower Steaks over Dukkah-spiced Citrus Salad, Dukkah spice, Cheesy 5-spice Butternut Squash Custard Casserole with Orange Chili Oil, Berry Parfait with Cardamom Lemongrass Crumble

Tiny Bubbles: Sparkling Wine

 The most celebratory of beverages since the early 1700s—this beloved wine has long been considered the signature drink of celebrations whether it’s a wedding toast, graduation or breaking in the year 2024 are all momentous occasions that call for Champagne. If the distinction between Champagne, Prosecco and any other sparkling wine of the world seems a bit murky, consider this brief course as a primer to increasing your enjoyment.

Port Wine and Chocolate

Join us for an exploration on the delectable world of Port wine paired with chocolate truffles. This class is led by our Director of Beverage and Sommelier, John Laloganes which includes a brief lecture and tasting on several styles of Port wine along with an array of house-made truffles by our own in-house pastry expert, Chef Marianne Albovias

Course Details

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