Cooking Classes
We’ve been hosting an array of classes in our Flatlander classroom since 2011.
The Flatlander classroom has enabled us to fulfill our third end of being an educational resource in the community, as well as allowed us to bring our friends and neighbors together for new experiences. We have both in-person cooking classes as well as virtual cooking classes that come with a meal kit to cook along in your own kitchens.
Common Ground offers a range of virtual cultural cuisine cooking classes and in-person classes every month. We have a wonderful team of community teachers who will walk you through every step of making a meal. Register for some of our upcoming classes below and sign up for our newsletter to be alerted to just released classes.
Calendula Salve Class
Wednesday, April 22nd from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
In this hands-on class, local artist & educator, Joan Jach will teach students how to make a nourishing salve, great for skin issues and system imbalances.
The salve is made from an infused calendula oil and beeswax, and is so gentle and effective, yet super easy to make! Students will learn the basics about how to make an infused herbal oil and how to turn that oil into a salve. All students will take home their own 1oz tin of salve.
$40/person - Owners can use promo code: OWNER for $5 off their ticket. Limited seating available - only 12 seats per class. Contact marketing@commonground.coop to be added to the waitlist.
SOLD OUT
South India In-Person Cooking Class
Saturday, April 25th from 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Learn how to make traditional South Indian dishes from local chef & longtime Co-op instructor, Sirisha Bhandaru. This class will highlight one of the most popular dishes from South India as well as seasonal vegetables, and a cooling cucumber side dish. You don't want to miss this one! The menu includes:
- Sambar: a comforting Indian stew infused with tamarind and a special spice mix.
- Cabbage Poriyal: an Indian stirfry with green or red cabbage and coconut.
- Cucumber Coconut Raita: a cooling side dish made with plain yogurt, vegetables, and spices - the perfect accompainment to Sambar.
$40/person - Owners can use promo code: OWNER for $5 off their ticket. Limited seating available - only 12 seats per class. Contact marketing@commonground.coop to be added to the waitlist.
SOLD OUT
Spring Still Life In-Person Art Class
Friday, May 8th from 5:30 -7:30 pm
Explore the moods & textures of Maytime in this Spring Still Life Art Class, led by local artist Vivian Krishnan. Participants will learn the fundamentals of drawing from observation, watercolor painting, and mixed media techniques by studying a still life vignette featuring the season’s harvest.
This course is open to all skill levels! We will begin with ink and incorporate more mediums along the way.
*Students should wear clothes that can get a little messy and are encouraged to bring any art supplies they've been meaning to try out.
$40/person - Owners can use promo code: OWNER for $5 off their ticket. Limited seating available - only 12 seats per class. Waiting List will be made available once tickets are sold out.
Register
Macramé In-Person Art Class
Wednesday, May 13th from 5:30 -7:30 pm
Join Emily Alley, local fiber artist, as she takes you through step by step instruction on how to create a beautiful macramé Tree of Life! Its a perfect beginner project. In this class you will be working on a 7 inch hoop, learning various knots, such as the larks head and double hitch.
$40/person - Owners can use promo code: OWNER for $5 off their ticket. Limited seating available - only 12 seats per class. Waiting List will be made available once tickets are sold out.
Register
Previous Cooking Class Videos & Recipes
Education
Common Ground Food Co-op strives to serve as an educational resource on food issues.
The Co-op works hard to serve our community, from recipes to classes to our Grow On program for kids and in-store information about our farms, our products, and the food system. We work with local teachers and schools to come up with food curriculum that exciting for all ages.
Our classroom is a great and vibrant space that is used for cooking classes, staff meetings, and as a space where folks gather to share food and build community.
Check out our class calendar! You can sign up for classes online or in person at the registers with our staff.
Teach a Class
Community education creates a positive learning experience for the community members who participate in classes. Our education is accessible and varied in topic and perspective; however, due to COVID, our educational programming has become more limited and we ask that all classes are relevant to cultural cuisines, Co-op mission, and promote the products in store. We offer a supportive learning experience to experienced and novice teachers and learners. If you are interested in teaching a class please contact our Marketing Manager by email or by phone at (217) 352-3347 about the application process.
Apply to be a Co-op Teacher
Individual Class Proposal Forms
Request a Store Tour!
If you would like to bring in a group or class to the Co-op to learn about our local farms or food systems, schedule a store tour with us. We host engaging tours geared for all ages!
Request a Store Tour
