Food and Beverage Courses

In this hands-on, 3.5-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 one dough ball during class. The one you make in class, you'll be able to take home with you to bake. There will also be one baked by the instructor during class, which you'll have a chance to taste. You’ll also take home a 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.

You’ll continue to grow your passion for bread baking as you expand your skills and confidence in this hands-on class. Building on foundational techniques, you’ll learn to create several fan-favorite breads, including roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia, sweet-rich dough, and cheddar with olives fougasse. Along the way, you’ll explore flavor development, dough handling, and baking techniques that bring artisanal breads to life—leaving you inspired and ready to bake at home.

Master the art of tart baking in this hands-on class designed for all skill levels. You will learn how to create a perfectly crisp tart crust, prepare smooth and flavorful fillings, and assemble beautiful, bakery-quality tarts. Through guided instruction, you will practice essential techniques such as mixing, shaping, blind baking, and decorating. You will explore a variety of sweet tart styles while gaining tips for achieving the right texture and presentation every time. By the end of class, you will leave with your own finished tart and the confidence to recreate elegant desserts at home.

Discover how to make tanghulu, a popular candied fruit treat known for its crisp, glass-like sugar coating and juicy center. In this hands-on class, you will learn how to prepare fruit, cook sugar to the correct temperature, and coat each piece to achieve the perfect crunch. You will explore a variety of fruits and techniques while gaining tips to prevent crystallization and create a smooth, glossy finish. By the end of the class, you will leave with your own tanghulu creations and the confidence to recreate this eye-catching treat at home.

Build your cake baking and decorating skills over two days in this hands-on class designed for beginners and those looking to improve their techniques. You will learn how to mix and bake a balanced cake, level and stack layers, and prepare smooth, stable frosting. Through guided instruction, you will practice essential decorating techniques such as crumb coating, icing, piping borders, and simple designs. As you progress, you will gain confidence in assembling and finishing a polished, professional-looking cake. By the end of the class, you will leave with your own decorated cake and the skills to recreate beautiful cakes at home.

Create colorful, delicious lollipops together in this fun, hands-on class designed for parents and kids. You will learn how to cook sugar to the correct temperature, add flavors and colors, and safely pour and shape your own lollipops. Working side by side, you and your family will explore creative designs and combinations while gaining confidence in the hard candy-making process. This class emphasizes safety, teamwork, and creativity, making it a perfect shared experience. By the end of class, you will take home your handmade lollipops and the skills to recreate this sweet activity at home.

Struggling to perfect your cheesecake? Let us help you build your skills with this classic favorite. In this hands-on class, you will work in groups to create a variety of cheesecakes, each inspired by a different flavor combination. As you learn techniques and tips for success, you will gain the confidence to create beautiful, show-stopping desserts for holidays and special occasions year-round.

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.

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!

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.