Nothing brings people together like great food and drinks!

Explore new cuisines and baking techniques with others and enjoy what you prepare together. Or skip to cocktail hour with our wine and beer appreciation classes!

students in a cooking class

Upcoming Courses

Cooking Courses

Gut-Friendly Cooking: Nourish Your Body, Delight Your Taste Buds | $171
Transform your meals and your health with this hands-on course in gut-friendly cooking! Learn how to create mouthwatering, fiber-rich dishes that promote digestion and boost your microbiome. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, you'll discover the secrets to balancing flavor and nutrition. Perfect for food lovers and health enthusiasts alike, this class will leave you equipped to turn every meal into a step toward better well-being. Your gut—and your palate—will thank you!
#68179, Truax-Main Building, 4/30-5/21, Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer
A Night of Mexican Cuisine | $72
Taco night at your place will never be the same! This class will explore some of the easy ways to upgrade what you wrap your tortillas around. Think carne asada, cochinita pibil and chicken tinga. We’ll cook up a big batch of homemade beans, cilantro-lime rice and quick pickled red onions. Round things out with homemade green and red salsas, and finish the meal off with a creamy flan for dessert.
#65378, Truax-Main Building, 5/5, Monday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Brad Kahn
How to write a cookbook | $68
Turn your culinary dreams into a published reality! In this inspiring and practical class, you'll learn how to transform your unique food ideas into a beautifully crafted cookbook. Discover the secrets to developing and testing recipes that readers will love, gain insider tips on styling and photographing your dishes like a pro, and master the art of structuring your book for maximum impact. Whether you're planning to self-publish or pitch to major publishers, this course provides all the tools and guidance you need to make your cookbook a success. Let’s bring your vision to life—one delicious page at a time!
#11984, Online Live, 5/21-6/11, Wednesday, 5:30-7 PM Instructor: Shannon Seip
Mediterranean Cuisine | $72
For almost 50 years, the Mediterranean diet has been the standard bearer for healthy eating, mostly because it’s so darned good! In this class, we’ll explore easy ways to add the ingredients and flavors of the Levant to your table. Make your own falafel and accompaniments, braise chicken thighs with lemon and olives, grill beef and serve with the world’s best garlic sauce. We’ll also construct a grain bowl with slow roasted salmon and more.
Future offerings posted here
Big Easy Made Easy | $69
Bring The Big Easy into your home with this hands-on class, inspired by some of the classic restaurants in a city just full of them. Skip the beer batter and learn the secrets of deep frying seafood the New Orleans way. Make Big Easy night your favorite meal of the week with a big batch of red beans and rice, then finish the evening with classic Bananas Foster.
#11986, Truax-Main Building, 5/22, Thursday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Brad Kahn

Baking Courses

Jr. Chef Cookies | $71
Learn how to make a variety of different types of cookies, including cookies & cream drop cookies, sugar cookie sandwiches, and sprinkle slice and bake cookies.
#67738, Truax-Main Building, 4/26, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Cookie Decorating | $71
This class is for the beginner cookitier or for the person who is just curious about what cookie decorating is all about! If you have limited experience with sugar cookies, find yourself frustrated with royal icing, or if you're trying to have fun with family or friends, this is the class for you! We'll make different consistencies of royal icing to learn outlining, flooding, writing, flowers, and wet-on-wet techniques.
#65402, Truax-Main Building, 5/3, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
French Macarons | $71
This cookie is perhaps the most difficult to make correctly without professional-level techniques. Even though there are only four ingredients, the method of putting those ingredients together is extremely technical. We’ll go through the process step-by-step so that you learn how to make this French cookie correctly. We’ll make a Swiss meringue buttercream filling and a chocolate ganache filling to complete the perfect macaron.
#67825, Truax-Main Building, 5/12, Monday, 5:30-9:30 PM Instructor: Avery Jesse
Baking Croissants and Breakfast | $74
Flaky, delicious croissants are within your reach! Learn how to make your own savory and sweet croissants from scratch as well as tasty sweet roll pastries. Your instructor will demonstrate and guide you through all the techniques so you can prepare and eat these delicious treats.
#11932, Truax-Main Building, 6/21, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Baking: Yeast Breads | $74
Learn how easy it is to make bread from scratch when you know the basic bread baking rules. We’ll talk about the theory behind ingredients and how they interact. We’ll discuss how important specific methods are to bread baking and the equipment needed to make a perfect loaf. Then we’ll use those rules to make three breads from one standard recipe. Those breads include pesto pull-apart bread, cinnamon swirl bread, and multi-grain bread.
#11180, Truax-Main Building, 7/19, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Jr Chef Cupcake Baking & Decorating: A Sweet Two-Part Experience! | $128
Get ready for a fun-filled, hands-on baking adventure! In this two-part class, young bakers will learn the art of making and decorating delicious cupcakes from scratch. Session 1: Bake Like a Pro! Kids will mix, measure, and bake their own batch of cupcakes while learning essential baking techniques, kitchen safety, and how ingredients work together to create the perfect treat. Session 2: Get Creative with Decorating! In this class, students will explore piping techniques, fondant fun, and creative toppings to transform their cupcakes into edible works of art. From classic swirls to playful designs, every child will take home their beautifully decorated treats! Perfect for young chefs of all skill levels, this class encourages creativity, confidence, and a love for baking. Come join the fun and let’s make some sweet memories!
#11994, Truax-Main Building, 7/26 and 8/2, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Avery Jesse
Delicious Fillings: Mastering Pastry Cream, Lemon Curd & Chocolate Ganache | $69
Take your baking to the next level with this hands-on class dedicated to rich, velvety, and flavorful fillings! Whether you’re a home baker or a budding pastry chef, this class will teach you how to create three essential fillings used in cakes, tarts, pastries, and more. Pastry Cream: Learn how to make this classic, creamy custard that’s perfect for filling éclairs, cream puffs, and layered cakes. Lemon Curd: Discover the secrets to a silky-smooth and tangy lemon curd, ideal for tarts, cupcakes, and breakfast treats. Chocolate Ganache: Master the art of making glossy, decadent chocolate ganache for drizzling, filling, and frosting. From mixing techniques to troubleshooting common mistakes, you’ll gain the confidence to create bakery-quality fillings at home. Join us for a fun and flavorful class—because every great dessert starts with the perfect filling!
#11995, Truax-Main Building, 6/28, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Avery Jesse
#11996, Truax-Main Building, 8/16, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Avery Jesse
Bake Bread at Home: Sandwich Bread & Crunchy French Loaf | $69
Discover the joy of homemade bread in this hands-on baking class! Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will teach you how to create two delicious loaves from scratch—one perfect for everyday sandwiches and another with a rustic, crunchy crust. Soft & Fluffy Sandwich Bread – Learn the secrets to making a tender, versatile loaf that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, and more. Master kneading, proofing, and shaping techniques to achieve bakery-quality results at home. Crispy French Loaf – Unlock the art of crafting a beautifully golden, crunchy-crusted French loaf with an airy interior. We’ll cover hydration, fermentation, and baking techniques to get that perfect crackle with every bite. With step-by-step guidance, tips for working with yeast, and techniques for achieving the perfect texture, this class will give you the confidence to bake fresh bread at home anytime. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade bread!
#11998, Truax-Main Building, 6/7, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Avery Jesse
#11999, Truax-Main Building, 8/9, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Avery Jesse
Baking: Cookie Sandwiches | $74
Looking for an upgraded cookie? These delicious cookies are used to sandwich a decadent filling for a fun dessert. We'll make peanut butter cookie sandwiches, lace cookie sandwiches, and chocolate with salted caramel frosting whoopie pies.
#11942, Truax-Main Building, 8/9, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Cake Decorating Workshop | $74
Learn the basics of cake decorating: creating, outlining and filling-in designs, writing messages, star and shell borders, buttercream flowers, stems, and leaves. Learn and practice techniques and then apply them to your own cake. The emphasis of this course is on design and composition. Students are expected to provide some supplies, such as cake, bags, and decorating tips.
#35262, Truax-Main Building, 9/20, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Cocktail Cupcakes | $74
Learn to measure, mix, bake, assemble, and decorate margarita, pina colada, and Bailey's coffee cupcakes. Must be Age 21+ to attend.
#35308, Truax-Main Building, 10/11, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Jr. Chef Series - Cakes 1 | $74
In this class, you will learn how to make cakes from scratch. We will discuss different types of fillings as well as make American buttercream. Join us in Jr Chef: Cakes 2 class to layer and decorate your cake.
#35260, Truax-Main Building, 11/15, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra
Jr. Chef Series - Cakes 2 | $74
Let your creativity soar with this cake decorating class! With your cake from our Jr Chef: Cakes 1 class you will learn and apply basic techniques of icing cakes and basic piping techniques. If not signed up for Jr Chef: Cakes 1, please bring 2-8inch round cakes for class
#35258, Truax-Main Building, 11/22, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM Instructor: Mandy Bocanegra

Beer and Wine Courses

Old World vs New World Wine: Let's Taste the Difference | $45
“New World” and “Old World” are terms commonly used in the wine industry to distinguish between wines produced in different regions of the world. Old World pertains to traditional winemaking regions in places such as Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. These regions have a long history of winemaking, dating back thousands of years. New World refers to wines from the United States, Canada and others with more recent winemaking history. In this class, we’ll be comparing the same grape varietals from the Old World and the New World in a side-by-side comparison. Not only will you taste the difference, but Rob will lead you on a journey in understanding the differences from a historical perspective too.
#67677, Commercial Avenue Campus, 4/26 Saturday, 12-2 PM Instructor: Rob Lewis
Sparkling Wine Comparison | $45
If you have ever been curious as to whether that expensive bottle of bubbly is truly worth it, now you can find out! In this class, members will sample French Champagne along with other sparkling white wines such as Italian Prosecco and Spanish Cava at different price points. There will definitely be some lively discussions among your fellow classmates. So join us for a wine exploration that just might change your mind about cost versus quality when it comes to your wine budget. Some wine tasting experience would be beneficial but not mandatory.
#65398, Commercial Avenue Campus, 5/8, Thursday, 6-8 PM Instructor: Robert Taylor
Blind (black glass) Wine Tasting | $45
Learn to evaluate and appreciate wine. Black glass is used so the taster doesn't know if it’s a white, rose’ or red wine. You get to learn the science of taste using a guide to evaluate the wine and then everyone guesses and the wine is revealed at the end of the class.
Future offerings will be posted here.
Wines from Around the Globe: Wine Appreciation | $45
Are you ready to move from novice to professional wine taster? This class covers many details in the wine industry like; component tasting, learning about wine labels, cork closures, wine storage, top 5 grape varietals and tasting wines from around the globe. You’ll also enjoy a food & wine tasting experience that will guide you in proper pairings based on taste and science. This class is based on the book “Sommelier Secrets: Unveiling the Mysteries of Food & Wine Pairing “ written by the instructor, Rob Lewis.
Future offerings posted here
Create Your Own Blend: A Fun, Hands-On Wine Experience | $50
Unleash your inner winemaker in this interactive and exciting class! You’ll begin by sampling four distinct red wine varietals, learning the art and science of blending. Using small beakers, you’ll experiment with different combinations of the wines, refining your creation sip by sip until you’ve crafted the perfect blend. Once you’ve created your masterpiece, bottle it to take home and savor at your leisure! To add a little fun and friendly competition, I’ll sample each blend and award the “Best Blend” a special prize. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just love a creative challenge, this class is perfect for anyone looking to have a great time while learning about wine. Cheers to creating your own custom wine!
Future offerings will be posted here
Does More Money Mean Better Wine? | $45
Have you ever wondered if that $40 bottle of wine is truly better than a $10 bottle? Come join us to do blind tastings of various wine varietals at different price points. You will try Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon at low and high prices. The class promises to be both fun and educational as you learn about what goes into making a bottle of wine. It may surprise you. Class discussions will be lively and entertaining.
Future offerings will be posted here
Wine and Cheese Tasting | $45
Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, but have you ever wondered what wines go best with which cheeses and why? Treat your senses to a night of exploring how the flavors wine and cheese interact to create perfect (or sometimes not so perfect) pairings. You’ll learn cheese and wine tasting techniques and how to describe and evaluate cheese and wine flavor characteristics, all while enjoying delicious wines and a featured cheese selection from Wisconsin creameries.
Future offerings will be posted here
Make Your Own Wine | $142
During this five week class with commercial winemaker Rob Lewis of Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery, this winemaking course covers the full winemaking process: from fermentation to bottling. Learn techniques to start or improve your own home winemaking while creating your own wine during class in small teams and hone your wine evaluation skills with topics on sensory evaluation, wine making knowledge and learning some of the secrets to food and wine pairing. Students will get to take some wine home to enjoy.
Future offerings posted here

Headshot of Robert Taylor
"It is important to me that students of my classes come away with good information and the confidence to explore the world of wine without worrying about the hype and pretense that often accompanies wine discussions."
Robert Taylor
Faculty, Madison College
Rob Lewis_Wine_CE_2025
"Life can be lived in a casual way, or with passion. You may be a lover of music, a foodie or wine enthusiast. This is why I teach wine education, my goal is to shape your experience of wine, from casual to a richer, more passionate love for wine.”
Rob Lewis
Faculty, Madison College

Becoming a Foodpreneur

Let Madison College help you create a plan to operate and manage an independent foodservice business! This program addresses mobile and stationary service models for entrepreneurs planning a food truck, cafe, catering service, coffee shop, popup restaurant, on-site culinary services, or festival vending. Foodpreneurs get in the kitchen to develop products and work through kitchen logistics. Receive hands-on training to practice appropriate kitchen conduct that optimizes efficiency and food safety. Students will conduct a market analysis, identify equipment and logistics needs, develop products and services, and create financial projections; all in the process of creating a business plan for a small business.

Classroom lectures are combined with hands-on practices and interactions with subject matter experts, to provide students ample opportunities to integrate theories with experience. This seven-week two-part program provides the flexibility of live remote class sessions during four of the weeks and in-person kitchen time during three of the weeks.

person inside a food truck giving food to customer
Becoming a Foodpreneur - Part 1 | $299  Class #36312

Night 1 – 2: Online live - startup content; Instructor: Christine Ameigh - 9/23 & 9/25, 6-9 PM
Night 3 - 4: In-kitchen - Instructor: Christine Ameigh - 9/30 & 10/2, 6-9 PM
Night 5 - 6: Online live - startup content; Instructor: Christine Ameigh - 10/7 & 10/9, 6-9 PM
Night 7: In-kitchen - Instructor: Christine Ameigh - 10/14, 6-9 PM

Becoming a Foodpreneur - Part 2 | $299  Class #36304

Night 8: In-kitchen - Instructor: Christine Ameigh - 10/16, 6-9 PM
Night 9-10: Online live - management content: Instructor: Christine Ameigh 10/21 & 10/23, 6-9 PM
Night 11-12: In-kitchen - Instructor: Christine Ameigh 10/28 & 10/30, 6-9 PM
Night 13-14: Online live - management content; Instructor: Christine Ameigh 11/4 & 11/6, 6-9 PM

Register Today!

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