Forty-three guests. Thirty-one aprons. One very surprised dad. This past weekend, we hosted one of our favorite kinds of private events at Cooking Skills & Social: a completely custom cooking experience designed around great food, great company, and celebrating someone special. The family arrived early to decorate and prepare for the surprise, and when their dad walked through the doors, he was greeted with cheers, balloons, and a kitchen full of family and friends ready to c

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that many home cooks find intimidating. The creamy texture and rich flavors seem complex, but with the right technique and ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality risotto in your own kitchen. This recipe uses Carnoroli rice, (a large grain Italian variety, similar but slightly larger than its more well known cousin Arborio) and incorporates garlic confit and red pepper puree for a unique twist. Whether you’re a beginner or an experi

Six people. One kitchen. The whole place to themselves. That's a different kind of night — and it's one of our favorites to host. This week, the HR team from Hydro Aluminum Metals USA came in for a private cooking class. No shared space, no strangers, no distractions. Just six people, our chef, and an evening built entirely around them. They chose the Japanese Menu. And they nailed it. What the Hydro Aluminum Team Cooked The night ran through three courses, start to finish: →

If you've ever had a lobster roll on a hot day and thought I wish this happened more often in my life — the shrimp roll is your answer. Same logic, same buttery toasted bun, a fraction of the cost, and a slightly nuttier, sweeter flavor. It's one of the most-requested dishes in our spring cooking classes in the Chicago area, and once you make one at home you'll see why. The secret to a great shrimp roll is in the poaching liquid. You're not just cooking the shrimp — you're se

Spring cooking should feel light, a little playful, and not require a list of ingredients you have to translate. That's why this recipe has become such a favorite in our springtime cooking classes in the Chicago area — it's approachable, hands-on, and the kind of dish that builds real cooking skills without feeling like a lecture. These shrimp cakes are like crab cakes' snappier cousin — sweet Gulf shrimp held together with just enough egg and breadcrumb, brightened with herb

AdventHealth Team Building Event At Cooking Skills & Social! When the team from AdventHealth here in Chicago reached out about bringing 40 of their team members in for a proper cooking class, we were thrilled to roll out the red carpet — or in this case, the rolling pins. What unfolded was one of our favorite team building events of the season: hands-on, full of laughter, and packed with seriously good food. A Private Space, All to Themselves To give a group of this size the

Pasta carbonara is a classic Italian dish loved for its creamy texture and rich flavors. Making it at home might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. This recipe uses fresh pancetta, homemade pasta, and a simple egg and cheese mixture to deliver authentic taste. Plus, it includes a side of garlic butter bruschetta to complement the dish perfectly. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious p

Enchiladas are a beloved dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures to the table. Making them at home allows you to control every ingredient and customize the dish to your taste. This guide walks you through preparing chicken tinga enchiladas paired with a rich red sauce, offering a satisfying meal that’s both authentic and approachable. Chicken tinga enchiladas with red sauce and melted cheese Preparing the Chicken Tinga Filling The heart of these enchiladas is th

Sushi is one of those foods that feels impossible to make at home — until someone shows you how. A good sushi making class breaks down the mystery behind perfectly seasoned rice, clean knife cuts, and tight rolls, and it turns out it's a lot more approachable than most people think. If you're searching for the best sushi making classes in Chicago, here's what to look for and why hands-on experience makes all the difference. Private Sushi Class At In Home Venue! What Makes a G

Summer BBQs in Chicago are a time to gather, enjoy good company, and savor bold flavors. One dish that captures the spirit of street food and adds a fresh twist to your grill lineup is Street Style Elote. This Mexican-inspired corn dish combines smoky, buttery corn kernels with spices, creamy cheese, and fresh cilantro. It’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making it a perfect side or snack for your next outdoor party. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or loo

Calamari steaks offer a quick, light, and fresh start to any meal. Their tender texture and subtle flavor make them a perfect appetizer that feels both elegant and simple. This recipe highlights how to prepare calamari steaks with minimal ingredients and fuss, delivering a dish that is bursting with freshness and just the right amount of seasoning. Seared calamari steak strips with garlic and fresh herbs Preparing Calamari Steaks for Cooking Before cooking, it’s essential to

DLA Architects Cooking Skills Challenge Group Photo There's a moment in every great team-building event where you can feel the room shift. The small talk dies down, the aprons go on, and suddenly forty-plus people who were politely nodding at each other twenty minutes ago are yelling across a kitchen about who has the ginger. That moment is the whole point — and it's exactly what happened when DLA Architects walked through our doors this past Friday with 44 of their team memb

Team building has a reputation problem. Most people hear the phrase and immediately picture a forced trust fall or a conference room icebreaker that nobody asked for. The truth is, when it's done right, team building doesn't feel like team building at all — it feels like a genuinely great time. That's exactly what happened when the team at J Krug came through our doors on Easter Monday, April 4th, for a private cooking experience built just for them. The J Krug Group In To Ta

Scallops are a seafood favorite for many, prized for their delicate texture and sweet flavor. Cooking them perfectly can be a challenge, but with the right technique, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe for simply seared scallops with a white wine pan sauce and tender asparagus is straightforward, elegant, and packed with flavor. It highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops while adding a bright, tangy finish from the lemon and wine. Perfectly

If you want to serve something impressive yet simple at your next gathering, asparagus beef rolls are a perfect choice. This dish combines tender, thinly sliced beef with crisp asparagus, wrapped together and glazed with savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks elegant but takes minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a new recipe to try at a cooking class in Chicago like Cooking Skills & Social, this recipe will quickly b

Group cooking classes have exploded in popularity over the last few years — and it's easy to see why. They're social, hands-on, and unlike most group activities, everyone walks away with something real: a great meal, new skills, and memories that stick. Whether you're planning a corporate team building event, a birthday celebration, or a night out with friends, a group cooking class offers a unique mix of benefits you won't find anywhere else. Let's break down what makes thes

We hosted Tek Systems for a cooking skills challenge team building private event for 20 people. Everyone have fun, learned new cooking skills, and enjoyed there time here with us.

Potato Lyonnaise is a classic French side dish that combines tender potatoes with the rich flavors of bacon, leeks, and a touch of white wine. This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want to prepare a flavorful dish quickly. By pre-boiling small potatoes and chilling them in advance, you can assemble this dish in no time. Whether you’re serving it alongside a quiche or as a main feature, this recipe makes enough for four people with a side or two without. This post will gui

Lobster rolls offer a perfect balance of fresh seafood and creamy, tangy flavors that delight food lovers everywhere. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a passionate foodie, mastering this recipe will elevate your cooking skills and impress your guests. This week’s cooking club recipe features a simple yet delicious lobster roll paired with a homemade tartar sauce that brings out the best in every bite. If you are in Chicago and looking for inspiration for your next cooking c

Most school field trips follow the same formula. Load the bus, walk through a museum, grab a snack, and head back. It gets the job done — but it doesn't always stick. This spring, a group of 30 teens from The Academy did something different. Instead of a traditional outing, students ranging from ages 14 to 17 came to Cooking Skills & Social for a hands-on cooking experience — and walked away with something most field trips can't offer: a skill they actually got to use the sa