Cooking Classes
Jennifer teaches cooking classes at Leu Gardens every month. Check the link below to book an upcoming class https://www.eventbrite.com/o/harry-p-leu-gardens-4925197727, or visit the Leu Gardens website at https://www.leugardens.org/classes/. For private classes, contact Jennifer via email at chef@jenniferhostetter.com, or by phone 407.920.7571. Here are some sample classes Jennifer has taught:
Celebrating Citrus: Cooking with Lemons
Perhaps the most versatile and magical of all citrus fruits, lemons are cherished around the world for their bright, fragrant flavor. They are equally good in both sweet and savory applications, where just a touch of their juice or zest can transform a dish from simple to sublime. In this class, we’ll prepare a delicious assortment of recipes from around the globe that make lemons really shine. Plus we’ll sip on homemade lemon sodas while we cook. And as always, we’ll be using some ingredients picked right from our gardens.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Prosecco; Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wines.
The Kitchen Garden: Cooking with Herbs
One of the easiest ways to enhance the flavor of your meals is with the addition of fresh herbs. Whether used as a garnish or a central component of a dish, herbs can dramatically elevate your cooking. What’s more, they’re colorful and packed with nutrition. In this class, we’ll prepare an assortment of sweet and savory dishes where herbs take center stage. Plus we’ll sip on herb-infused beverages while we cook. And as usual, we’ll use some ingredients picked right from our gardens.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Sparkling wine, dry white wines, or light-bodied red wines.
Image by Jenna Suprovici
Flower Power: Cooking with Edible Flowers
Both flavorful and nutritious, flowers have been used in cooking throughout history. In this class we’ll prepare delicious recipes from around the world featuring edible flowers, such as Candied Rose Petals, Squash Blossom Pizzas, Flower and Herb-Crusted Goat Cheese, and a Pistachio and Rose Layer Cake. Plus we’ll enjoy Elderflower and Lemon Ice Pops as we cook. And as always, we’ll use some ingredients grown right in our gardens.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Sparkling wine, dry white wines, or light-bodied red wines.
Aperitivo in the Gardens: Italian Small Plates
Join us as we celebrate this favorite Italian pre-dinner tradition with a delicious assortment of appetizers. Together we’ll prepare some classic Italian dishes, including a gorgeous cheese and salumi platter, various marinated vegetables, homemade bread, and little dolce (something sweet). Plus we'll wash it all down with refreshing Italian “mocktails.” And as always, some ingredients will be picked right from our gardens.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Traditional aperitivo pairings: Prosecco, Italian white and red wines, Campari, Aperol or other bitter liqueurs.
Calling all Cheese Lovers: A Course on Curds
Among the most ancient of foods, cheese has been enjoyed for millennia. And for good reason. It’s deliciously rich, enormously satisfying and packed with nutrition. It’s also a quintessential party food and the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine. In this class, we’ll celebrate the glories of cheese. Together we’ll make 1 or 2 varieties of our very own fresh cheese, plus we’ll learn how to put together a stunning cheese board, explore wine and beer pairings, and enjoy an assortment of sweet and savory dishes featuring the delicious curds.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Sparkling wines, dry white wines, light or medium-bodied red wines, lager or pilsner beers, blonde or amber ales, etc.
It’s a Wrap: Asian Dumplings and Spring Rolls
Small parcels of deliciousness, dumplings are enjoyed all over the world. But throughout the Asian world, they hold a particularly special place on the table. And there are arguably more varieties of dumplings in Asia than anywhere else on the globe—hailing from China, Mongolia and Tibet to Malaysia, Japan and beyond. During this class, we will prepare some popular varieties of dumplings such as Pot Stickers, Spring Rolls and Summer Rolls. Plus we’ll enjoy them together with dipping sauces and other side dishes. And of course, we will have dumplings to please both meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Riesling, dry white wines, rosés, sparkling wines, light and crisp lager or pilsner beers particularly from Asian countries.
Holiday Baking: Breads from Around the World
‘Twas the night before Christmas…and loaves of sweet bread were dancing through our heads! So, let’s kick off the season’s festivities with some warm, freshly baked bread. In this class we’ll prepare some of the most celebrated and iconic loaves from around the globe, such as German Stollen, Traditional Gingerbread, Cranberry–Orange Babka, and more.
To make the class even more festive, guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Sparkling wines would be especially delicious paired with all the breads, but your favorite red or white wine would do just as well.
Noche Buena: Latin Holiday Dishes
In this class, we’ll explore the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine with an array of traditional Christmas recipes hailing from various countries throughout Latin America. Together we’ll prepare our own from-scratch Tamales, Buñuelos (Christmas fritters) and other celebratory dishes. Plus we’ll sip on some popular Latin holiday beverages while we cook. ¡Que rico!
To make the class even more festive, guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Sparkling wines and crisp lagers would be especially nice, but your favorite fruity, light-bodied red or dry white wine would do just as well.
Image by Jenna Suprovici
The Mediterranean Garden: Classic Greek Recipes
Greek food is among the most cherished and delicious of Mediterranean cuisines. It’s also prized for being highly nutritious, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce and deeply-flavored, anti-oxidant rich olive oil. In this class, we’ll celebrate the flavors of Greece as we prepare various sweet and savory dishes, including Stuffed Grape Leaves with Tzatziki Sauce, Traditional Greek Salad, Fresh Pita Bread and the iconic and delectable Baklava.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Light-bodied red or dry white wines, particularly from Greece or the Mediterranean, rosés, sparkling wines, or light and crisp lager or pilsner beers. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, bring some Greek Ouzo or Raki, the traditional anise-flavored spirits enjoyed throughout the islands.
The Japanese Garden: Sushi Making Workshop
Originating as a method for preserving fish, sushi has evolved into the most prized and iconic of dishes in Japanese cuisine. In fact, it is revered as an elaborate form of art and a cuisine unto itself. In this class, we’ll work together to create a gorgeous and delicious spread of sushi rolls, from Maki and Nigiri to Inside-Out Rolls, Hand Rolls and more. Plus we’ll make our own Tempura and enjoy some Steamed Edamame while we cook. We’ll have plenty of options for seafood lovers and vegetarians alike.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Chilled Japanese sake or crisp Japanese lagers are fabulous paired with sashimi and sushi rolls. But dry white wines and sparkling wines are just as excellent. Try a dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, or crisp Brut Champagne. For more affordable yet equally delicious options, try a glass of Prosecco, Cava or French Cremant.
Chill Out: Ice Creams & Sorbets
Beat the heat this summer with some refreshing ice-cold sweets. In this class we’ll prepare an assortment of delicious frozen treats that will please dairy-lovers and vegans alike, plus we’ll make our own homemade ice-cream cones and some tasty toppings too.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Sparkling wines, Rosé wines, Dessert wines, Porters and Stout Beers, Hard Ciders, Summer Ales & Shandies, Fruit Ales and Lambics.
The Noble Gourd: Pumpkin Recipes
'Tis the Season for squash and pumpkins! In this class we'll celebrate autumn’s favorite gourd with this selection of Italian-Inspired sweet and savory recipes. Together we’ll prepare Pumpkin Ravioli with Browned Butter and Sage, a Roasted Pumpkin and Arugula Salad, some Pumpkin Biscotti and more.
Adults of drinking age are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the class, if desired. Suggested pairings: Prosecco, Northern Italian White Wines, Alsatian Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Medium-to-Light Bodied Red Wines, Dessert wines.