Food and Beverage Courses

There’s nothing like a homemade cake, especially when it is made from fresh, natural ingredients. In this class, you will learn how to prepare the batter, bake the cake, and cover it in a homemade buttercream frosting.

We all need a little chocolate boost once in a while. Homemade truffles created with professional techniques will hit the spot, and they’re easy and quick to make. The key is using a good quality, dark chocolate for the richest taste. We’ll make a variety of truffles that includes espresso, hazelnut, and orange all to take home and enjoy.

In this hands-on, 3-hour class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sourdough baking while enjoying the reward of fresh bread. You’ll explore the health benefits of sourdough, learn how to care for and maintain a starter, and practice essential techniques for mixing, kneading, shaping, and baking sourdough bread. You’ll make two dough balls during class, one to bake and enjoy the same day, and one to take home and bake later. You’ll also take home an organic sourdough starter made with locally grown flour, along with guidance on how to feed and maintain it and a recommended supply list to continue baking on your own. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to build confidence with sourdough baking.

Please bring a small bowl and a tea towel to transport your dough home.

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.

Warm up your kitchen as you bake a variety of quick breads in this beginner hands-on class. You'll explore the recipes leavened with baking soda or baking powder--no yeast or long rise times required--while learning to get perfect crumb and flavor. You'll learn to make a range of treats, including muffins, a classic quick bread, and scones. Perfect for first-time bakers and at-home bakers looking to add fast, delicious baked goods you can enjoy right away.

In this two-part Jr. Chef bread baking class, you’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into the delicious world of yeast baking! You’ll learn how yeast works and build essential baking skills as you create soft, fluffy breads from scratch. In Part One, you’ll master the basics of yeast dough while making warm, gooey cinnamon rolls everyone loves. In Part Two, you’ll expand your skills by shaping and baking classic yeast breads, gaining confidence with mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking techniques. Along the way, you’ll practice kitchen safety, teamwork, and creativity—while having fun and enjoying the rewards of your hard work. You’ll leave both classes proud of what you’ve baked and excited to keep baking at home.

Ages 12 and Up.

Spring is in full swing! Let's celebrate some of the beautiful flavors it has to offer with delicious pies. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the essential techniques for crafting flaky, golden crusts and bright, flavorful fillings. From mixing to rolling to perfecting your bake, you’ll practice every step with expert guidance. You’ll head home with fresh seasonal pie and the confidence to show off your new skill at your next get-together!

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!

Don’t preheat the oven… we’re going to whip up some easy and delicious desserts that won’t add degrees to the thermostat. Let’s get creative with Tiramisu, Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie, and Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes.

Discover how easy and satisfying it is to bake bread from scratch when you understand the essential rules of bread making. You’ll learn how key ingredients work together, why certain methods matter, and which tools help you achieve the perfect rise, texture, and flavor. Then you’ll put your new skills to work as you transform one standard dough into three delicious loaves: a savory pesto pull-apart, a warm and comforting cinnamon swirl, and a hearty multi-grain bread. By the end of class, you’ll feel confident, inspired, and ready to bake at home.

Step into the world of wine with confidence. In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn to taste wine like a professional, explore classic varietals, and debunk common wine myths. You’ll also gain a solid foundation in wine service and get introduced to the basics of food and wine pairing. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or exploring a career in hospitality or wine sales, this course is the perfect starting point. No prior experience needed. Upon completion, you’ll earn the Beginning Sommelier Badge and be prepared to advance to the next level. Lunch is provided.

This intermediate wine course builds on basic knowledge to explore the world of wine more deeply. Students learn about the major wine-producing countries, how climate and soil affect grape growing, and how different winemaking styles influence the finished wine. Structured tastings help sharpen your palate and develop professional-level sensory analysis skills. Completion of this course earns the Intermediate Sommelier Badge and prepares students for advance sommelier program. Lunch is provided on Saturday.

Master the art and science of wine. In this final level, you’ll dive deep into the major wine-producing countries—France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, the United States, and more—learning the regional differences, varietals, and vintage impacts that define great wines. You’ll explore advanced pairing strategies, refine your blind tasting skills, and gain practical sommelier experience. Completion of this course includes a written and blind tasting exam and earns you the Advanced Sommelier Badge, Level Three Certification, and the official Madison College Sommelier Pin, a mark of your accomplishment and expertise in the field. Lunch is provided on Saturdays.