Ah Haa: New Culinary Program, Cooking Classes for All Ages & Interests, Starting NOW!

27 Jan Ah Haa: New Culinary Program, Cooking Classes for All Ages & Interests, Starting NOW!

Please keep checking Ah Haa’s website for available cooking classes and registration, as more opportunities are added weekly. Ah Haa Culinary Arts Director Jess Newens is best reached by email at jess@ahhaa.org. For class registration and information, go to www.ahhaa.org or call 970-728-3886.

Savory Galette Three Ways (Feb.6, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.) taught by pastry chef Jill Mattioli

With its beautiful, new teaching kitchen in place, Ah Haa School for the Arts is poised to launch a new and exciting culinary arts program that features classes for youth and adults alike. With the overarching goal of cultivating community building, cultural connection and a sense of place, Ah Haa’s cooking classes represent an exciting addition to the school’s existing arts programming. This winter will feature a variety of culinary offerings to tempt every palate.

“Preparing and sharing meals is the one human experience that crosses all cultures,” says Ah Haa Culinary Arts Director Jessica Newens. “We’re excited to provide opportunities to explore food as art, as connection, as healing, as culture, and everything in between.”

Since moving into its new facility in the Silver Jack Building last August, Ah Haa has successfully test marketed several cooking classes, particularly after-school classes for kids, including a teen cooking classes and a holiday sweets class in collaboration with Pinhead Institute. Come February, La Cocina de Luz chef Lucas Price will teach Chef’s Kitchen (Feb. 9-March 30 and April 25-May 16), a series of classes for teens to learn important cooking fundamentals, such as knife skills, specific cooking processes and recipe adaptation.

“I cannot wait to get Lucas on board to inspire local kids to explore their culinary creativity,” says Newens.

Two students pull sugar during an Ah Haa/Pinhead institute collaboration, Kitchen Science: Holiday Sweets in Ah Haa’s new culinary classroom. (Courtesy photo)

A group of K-2nd graders learn how to bake with Telluride Pastry chef Jill Mattioli during last fall’s Baking for Littles class in Ah Haa’s new culinary classroom. (Courtesy photo)

For adults, classes this winter will run the gamut from this weekend’s Fresh Pastas class (Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Cheesemaking with Laurel Robinson (Feb. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) to Stuffed Poblanos in Mole (Feb. 4, 4-6 p.m.), taught by Krista Montalvo and a Savory Galette Three Ways (Feb.6, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.), taught by pastry chef Jill Mattioli.

Newens also plans a regular series of Locals’ Lunches, where participants can join a local chef to learn about and how to cook one of their favorite recipes, culminating in a group meal.

“We’ve got a bunch of quick and affordable, gluten free/vegan baking classes, as well,” adds Newens, including Banana Bread (Feb. 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m.); Pumpkin Pasties (Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m.); and Cinnamon Rolls (March 14, 2-4 p.m.).

Ah Haa intends to appeal to locals and visitors alike with a variety of classes that fit their interests and schedule. Those who don’t ski may enjoy taking a daytime cooking class; families looking for something fun to do might take a pasta or pizza making class together; or friends and couples might enjoy a culinary night out with a wine and food pairing class. There are even customizable private class options for groups.

“This winter is all about introducing people to our new culinary arts program, gauging interest, and engaging people through compelling, hands-on programming in cooking fundamentals, wine appreciation, and culinary customs and philosophies,” continues Newens.

Newens also strongly encourages any local chefs and qualified cooking instructors to reach out to her if they are interested in instructing classes. She welcomes ideas, collaborators, and class assistants, as well.

“I’m actively seeking culinary instructors, so please reach out,” she adds.