COOKING

AURORA COOKS

Our cooking classes are designed to develop age-specific skills, promote community, demystify scratch cooking across cultures and promote fruit and vegetable consumption. We can help you become a confident home cook with our approach to cooking: empowering, practical and fun!

PARENT/TOT

Curriculum designed for youth ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $35/pair.

POOH’S PICNIC

Have a rumbly in your tumbly? Grab your little Roo’s for this cooking class where we will be preparing the perfect picnic for Winnie the Pooh, the most loved bear of the hundred-acre woods. Menu: Hundred Arce Wood Trail Mix, Pooh Bear Nut Butter and Hunny Tea Sandwiches, Rabbit’s Garden Veggies and Piglet’s Pink Lemonade. 55708 Sept. 3 • Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. • Central Recreation Center

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE

Grab your sense of adventure and meet us in the kitchen for this fun filled brunch. Menu: Adventure is Out There Bagel Bites, Russell’s Apple Donuts, Ellie’s Grape Punch. 55709 Sept. 10 • Sat., 11-12:30 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

TOY STORY BRUNCH

You’ve got a friend in Aurora Cooks to infinity and beyond! Andy is gone and it’s time for Woody and the toy crew to help us cook an unforgettable brunch. Menu: Bacon Alien Egg Bites, Little Bo Peep Pancakes, Mini Twice Baked Mr. Potato Heads. 55710 Sept. 17 • Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

BREAKFAST IN AGRABAH: ALADDIN & FRIENDS

Abu “borrowed” some ingredients from the market and it’s up to YOU to help make Aladdin and Jasmine breakfast – no help from Genie. Catch a ride on a magic carpet and fly into the kitchen to make some fun and super yummy food fit for a sultan! Menu: Turkey Sausage Magic Carpet Breakfast Pizzas, Abu’s Nutella Animal Toast, Three Wishes Magic Potion. 55711 Oct. 8 • Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

NOT SO SCARY SNACKS

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary. It must be D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. Join us for some treats and maybe some tricks. Menu: Witches brew MAGIC lemonade, Where’s my Mummy Pizzas, Friendly Ghost Chocolate Dipped Bananas. 55716 Oct. 22 • Sat., 11:30-1 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center 55717 Oct. 29 • Sat., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

COOKIES AND COCOA

Grab your little ones and join us for an afternoon of holiday cookie fun with a warm mug of homemade hot cocoa! 55719 Nov. 5 • Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

TURKEY TOT BRUNCH

Spend the morning with your favorite tot while making this Thanksgiving themed brunch! Menu: Turkey Breakfast Pizza, Apple Cider Donuts and a Pumpkin Smoothie. 55718 Nov. 19 • Sat., 9:30-11 a.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

PARENT/FAMILY

Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. $55/pair.

FRYBREAD FEAST

A taco by any other name... crispy, chewy and complex in flavor. Join us as we dive into this Native American staple. Menu: Beef Navajo Tacos topped with a Green Chile Crème and an Osage Hominy Salsa, and Fry Bread Nuggets with Wojapi for dessert. 55720 Sept. 2 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

BREAKFAST IN ARENDELLE

It’s about to get FROZEN in our kitchen. Join us as we cook breakfast in Arendelle! You will not want to be anywhere ELSA. Menu: Kristoff Breakfast Kabobs, Frozen Yogurt & Fruit Bark, Sven Reindeer Waffles. 55722 Sept. 24 • Sat., 9:30-11:30 a.m. • Central Recreation Center

MAKE IT LIKE NONNA

Make some friends and a fresh Italian restaurant meal that would make your Italian Grandma pinch your cheeks. Join us for the perfect plate of spaghetti. Menu: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Classic Marinara, Italian Green Beans and Cheesy Garlic Bread. 55721 Sept. 30 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

CUPCAKE MANIA

Channel your inner Pastry Chef and join us in making some show stopping cupcakes. Menu: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes and Apple Cider Cupcakes with Toasted Meringue. 55723 Oct. 8 • Sat., 1-3 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

FRIGHTFUL FINGER FOODS

Join us to make some spooky appetizers for your Haunted Halloween Feast. Menu: Dracula’s Spicy Bat Wings (Baked Chicken Wings), Mummy Pepper Poppers, Caramel Apple Bites. 55724 Oct. 22 • Sat., 2-4 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

A BRUNCH OF PUMPKINS

Oh, my gourd! It’s FALL y’all! Bring the family and let’s have fun, cook something scrumtrulescent and give everybody at your next brunch pumpkin to talk about. Menu: Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Apple Butter, Southwestern Pumpkin Breakfast Skillet, Creamy Pumpkin Pie Dip with Apples Dunkers. 55725 Nov. 12 • Sat., 10 a.m.-noon • Central Recreation Center

GLOBAL BITES

Introduce your kiddos to different flavors from around the world. Join us as we make these global bites. Menu: Coconut Harissa Meatballs, Crispy Falafel with Tzatziki, Cinnamon Sugar Zeppole (Italian Donuts) with Chocolate Drizzle. 55726 Nov. 18 • Fri., 6-8 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

HAP-PIE THANKSGIVING

Grab a kitchen helper and come join us in making some delicious pies to take some of the work out of your thanksgiving spread Menu: Chocolate Pretzel Cream Pie and Pumpkin Cranberry Crumble Tart. 55727 Nov. 23 • Wed., 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

KIDS

Curriculum designed for youth ages 6-9. $30/person.

SLAM DUNK SNACKS

Grab, dunk, eat and repeat. Learn to make these delicious dunk-able dishes with your newly made cooking friends. 55728 Sept. 3 • Sat., 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

STREET TACOS AND TAQUITOS

Tick-tock it’s taco time. Salsa on down to make tortillas and new friends. Menu: Chicken Tacos Al Pastor, Tomatillo Salsa, Banana Honey Almond Butter Dessert Taquitos with Cinnamon Chocolate Sauce. 55729 Sept. 17 • Sat., 12:30-2:30 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

ADVENTURES OF CIDERMAN

With great flavor comes great responsibility. Join your friendly neighbor Ciderman to save this “Big Apple” meal from sudden doom. Menu: Apple Cider Braised Chicken Sausage Roulade, Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower, Sharp Cheddar Corn Muffins with Cinnamon Apple Butter and White Chocolate Web Hot Caramel Apple Cider. 55730 Oct. 1 • Sat., 2:30-4:30 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

ROCK THE WOK

Learn the basics of stir-fry and have fun creating a delicious Chinese meal. Menu: Kung Pao Chicken, Vegetable Fried Rice and Almond Cookies. 55731 Oct. 15 • Sat., 2-4 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

FRIGHTENING FEAST

Have fun making and eating this frightful feast. Menu: Pesto “Eyeball” Pasta, “Bone” Breadsticks and Dirt ‘n Worms. 55732 Oct. 29 • Sat., 3-5 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

RESTAURANTOSAURUS

Chef Tyrannosaurus invites you to help cook at Restaurantosaurus to prepare delicious dinosaur inspired dishes. Menu: Lemon Herb Roasted Raptor Leg, Whipped Meteorite Mashed Potatoes, Sweet and Spicy Fossilized Carrots and Cinnamon Apple Stegosaurs Hand Pies. 55733 Nov. 5 • Sat., 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

PUMPKIN PATCH

Learn new recipes to love pumpkin even more! Menu: Pumpkin Spice Donuts, Pumpkin Hummus with Crudité and Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. 55734 Nov. 19 • Sat., 1-3 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

AFTER SCHOOL COOKING

Ages 6-9 Transform into a chef after school! Join us for an after-school cooking class learning basic cooking techniques to make delicious and nutritious snacks at home! 55735 Sept. 7-21 55736 Oct. 5-19 55737 Nov. 2-16 • Wed., 4:30-5:30 p.m. • $9/class or register for the entire month • Moorhead Recreation Center

TEEN

Curriculum designed for youth ages 10-14. $35/person.

CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA

Let’s explore the “Windy City’s” classic pizza style and take pizza night to a new level. Menu: Pepperoni and Cheese Deep Dish Pizza, Roasted Garlic Broccoli, Marinara and a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie. 55738 Sept. 10 • Sat., 2:30-5 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

INDIAN FLAVORS

Learn to make delicious and comforting Indian classics. Join us as we unleash the power of spices while we explore this flavor packed cuisine! Menu: Chicken Tikka Masala, Spiced Basmati Rice, Fried Garlic Puri and Kulfi Ice Cream. 55740 Sept. 16 • Fri., 5:30-8 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

CALLING ALL CAKE BOSSES

Learn to trim, fill, frost, and decorate your own personal layer cake! Class will be filled with tips and techniques that will enable you to bake and decorate cakes for your next special occasion. 55739 Sept. 24 • Sat., 1:30-4 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

I DONUT CARE

Give your bored teenager something to do. All we need is U and we can turn don’ts into DONUTS. 55742 Oct. 1 • Sat., 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

THORBURGER

Transform your kitchen into a diner fit for the God of Thunder himself. Menu: Mjollnir Smashed Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions and Thunder Sauce, Asgard Home Fries and Lightning Struck Malted Milkshake. 55741 Oct. 13 • Thu., 5:30-8 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

CHINESE TAKEOUT

Cook like a Wok star! Skip the trip to your favorite Chinese takeout at home. Menu: Lemon Chicken, Veggie Lo Mein and Crispy Eggrolls. 55743 Oct. 14 • Fri., 5:30-8 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

BOO BRUNCH

Grab your spookiest apron and join us in the kitchen for a fun filled class! Together we will make a brunch spread even the creepiest witch can’t match. Menu: Pumpkin Spice Waffles with Pomegranate Whipped Cream, Ghosty Maple Breakfast Sausage Patties, Jack-O-Lantern Granola Bar Fruit Pizza and Cranberry-Orange Mock-Mosa. 55744 Oct. 15 • Fri.,9:30 a.m.-noon • Central Recreation Center

YOU’RE WONTON IN A MILLION

You will be a wonton pro after this class! We will give you the run down on different fillings and ways to use wontons. You will be making your favorites at home in no time. Menu: Taco Wonton Cups, Crab and Cheese Wontons with Sweet and Sour Sauce and Baked Chocolate Wontons. 55745 Nov. 3 • Thu., 5:30-8 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

PARISIAN BISTRO

Spend an afternoon in Paris together with us. Be wowed by how fun and easy learning classic French fair can be Menu: Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Fresh Herb Volute, French Omelets, and White Chocolate and Raspberry Madeleines for dessert. 55746 Nov. 12 • Sat., 2-4:30 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

ADULT 15+

Curriculum designed for adults ages 15 years and older. $40/person.

TEMPTING TAMALES

Gather around the tamale steamer with us! In this class we will master the basics of homemade tamales. Please join us for this fun-filled cooking class, where we will surely be having “masa” fun. Menu: Chicken Tinga Tamales, Salsa Roja, Curtido (Mexican Slaw) and Dulce De Leche Ice Cream for dessert. 55748 Sept. 1 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

DINNER AT HOGWARTS

The professors of Hogwarts have summoned all wizards, magical creatures and muggles for a dinner in the Great Hall! Learn to make dinner fit for Dumbledore! Menu: Cornish Pasties (Steak Pot Pie), Golden Snitch Curry Zucchini Fritters and Homemade Butterbeer Scathe Pudding with Chocolate Frog Pretzel Crumble. 55747 Sept. 9 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

DIM SUM!!!

Craving some Asian small plates? Enjoy a drink and come prepare some outstanding dim sum with us! Menu: Chicken Shiitake Teriyaki Steamed Bao Buns, Spicy Ginger Pork Gyoza and Egg Roll in a Bowl. 55749 Sept. 15 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

INDIAN STREET FOOD

Enjoy an Indian Spiced Mojito and join us as we explore the vibrant flavors of Indian street food, learning to harness the power of spices and prepare traditional dishes. Menu: Chaat Samosa: Homemade Fried Samosa topped with Chana Masala, Yogurt Drizzle, with Jal Jeera Mojitos. 55750 Sept. 22 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

DOWN SOUTH SUPPER

Come for supper, y’all! Learn how to make a variety of comfort food fixin’s that are sure to add some southern hospitality to your table. Menu: Nashville Hot Chicken, Bacon Braised Collard Greens, Cheddar Cornbread Muffins and Southern Bourbon Praline Bread Pudding for dessert. 55751 Sept. 23 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

HOLY RAVIOLI

Learn next level pasta skills to master this heaven sent, pillow-like stuffed pasta. Menu: Fried Artichoke Hearts with Italian Herb Aioli, sausage Parmigiana Ravioli in Red Sauce, Italian Chop Salad with Red Raspberry Vinaigrette and Roasted Cherry Lemon Ice Cream. 55753 Sept. 29 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center 55754 Nov. 4 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

GNOCCHI YOURSELF OUT

See just how versatile gnocchi can be! With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to make this fancy dish with some ease. Menu: Ricotta Gnocchi with Basil Pesto and Potato Gnocchi with a Creamy Tuscan Sauce. 55755 Oct. 7 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

NOTHING IS IM-PASTA-BLE

Believe in yourself inside and outside the kitchen. Join us for this uplifting pasta workshop where we will be rolling pasta and simmering away our worries in a robust ragu. Menu: Homemade Spinach Pappardelle, Italian Sausage Roasted Red Bell Pepper Ragu, Blistered Garlic and Herb Italian Green Beans. 55756 Oct. 20 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

HOLY MOLE

Together we will de-mystify this Oaxacian favorite and bring the complexity of mole into your own kitchen. Menu: Chicken Mole, Cilantro Lime Rice and Esquites (Mexican Corn Salsa). 55758 Oct. 21 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

PHO SURE

Learn to master restaurant quality Pho at home. Menu: Pho Bac, Crispy Eggrolls with Nuoc Cham and Vietnamese Coffee Sunday with Sesame Brittle. 55757 Oct. 27 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

YUMMY YUCATAN

Need a get-a-way kinda meal? Join us to learn to make this tropical Baja infused seafood spread Menu: Pan Seared Yucatan Shrimp, Refried Coconut Milk Black Beans, Fried Sopes, Salsa Verde and Mussels a La Plancha. 55759 Oct. 28 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

KOREAN STREET FOOD

Take a trip to the streets of South Korea. In this class we will make Korean dishes bursting with bright spices, exiting ingredients and mouthwatering flavors! Menu: Buldak (Cheesy Korean Fire Chicken), Kimchi Fried Rice and Korean Cucumber Salad. 55761 Nov. 17 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Moorhead Recreation Center

THANKSGIVING PIES

We’ll walk you through making two delicious pies for your Thanksgiving spread giving you one less thing to worry about. Menu: Gingersnap Crumble Apple Pie and Toffee Almond Pie. 55760 Nov. 23 • Wed., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

BACK TO BASICS

In each of these skill-based classes you will join us with a glass of wine to create a unique menu where we will focus on a cooking method, sauce and knife work. Take them individually or take them all for a deep dive into all things culinary.

BACK TO BASICS 1: KNIFE SKILLS AND BECHAMEL

In this technique driven class we will focus on knife skill basics, learn how to make one of the five mother sauces- Bechamel, and explore the fundamentals of baking. Menu: Croque Monsieur, Chunky Provencal Soup and Apple Strudel. 55824 Sept. 8 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

BACK TO BASICS 2: JULIENNE, BUTTERFLYING MEAT AND EMULSIFICATION

In this Back to Basics class we will practice our knife skills by learning how to julienne vegetables and butterfly a pork tenderloin. You will also learn how to make your own flavorful aioli sauce to round out this elegant meal. Menu: Apple and Onion Pork Tenderloin Roulade, Shredded Salad with Kale and Lemon, Garlic and Herb Aioli 55825 Sept. 15 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

BACK TO BASICS 3: SAUCE TOMATE, BRAISING AND YEAST DOUGH

In this class we will learn the ins and outs of braising (my favorite cooking method... Shh don’t tell the others) knife skills and a quick dive into homemade breads. Menu: Shakshouka (eggs braised in a spicy tomato sauce), Homemade Rolls and Braised with Bruleed Apples. 55826 Sept. 22 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

ADULT 21+

Curriculum designed for adults ages 21 and older. $45/person.

PAELLA MAESTRO

Join us on the streets of Valencia and learn to make this iconic Spanish dish. Menu: Perfect Paella, Spanish Citrus Salad, and an Orange Almond Tart. 55809 Sept. 1 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

KOREAN STREET FOOD

Take a trip to the streets of South Korea. In this class we will make Korean dishes bursting with bright spices, exiting ingredients and mouthwatering flavors! Menu: Buldak (Cheesy Korean Fire Chicken), Kimchi Fried Rice and Korean Cucumber Salad. 55810 Sept. 2 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

POLISH PIEROGIS

A true taste of Poland! In this class, you will learn how to make these wonderfully savory dumplings. Menu: Potato and Cheese Pierogis with Brown Butter Sage Sauce, Apple Pierogies and Mizeria (polish Cucumber Salad). 55813 Sept. 16 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

CAST IRON COOKING

Discover just how versatile cooking with cast iron can be and learn the basics for caring for your skillet. Menu: Potato and Cheese Pierogis with Brown Butter Sage Sauce, Apple Pie-rogies and Mizeria (polish Cucumber Salad). 55814 Sept. 30 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

DINNER WITH JULIA

Join us for an evening of classic French faire that the master herself would be proud of. Menu: Coq au Vin, Salade Lyonnaise and Reine de Saba (Queen of Sheba Cake). 55811 Sept. 29 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center 55812 Nov. 4 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

RAMSEY’S DINNER PARTY

We’ll be having some dinner service fun with this menu! We promise not to kick you out of the kitchen... well, maybe. Menu: Mini Beef Wellington, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Lemon Garlic Shrimp and a Ramsey-inspired cocktail to sip. 55815 Oct. 6 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

DATE NIGHT: ARGENTINA STEAK DINNER

Want to teach your typical steak dinner a new dance? Partner up and let’s tango into the kitchen to transform your standard meat and potato dinner with an Argentinian twist. Menu: Chilean Spiced Flank Steak, Classic Chimichurri Sauce, Roasted Brussel Sprout and Fingerling Potatoes with Red Chimichurri Vinaigrette, Homemade Dulce de Leche Ice Cream and Alfajores Cookie. 55817 Oct. 14 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

THAI NIGHT: SHRIMPLY IRRESISTABLE

Have you been dreaming of a charming and romantic night in Thailand? Preparing Thai food is both feisty and flavorful. In class we will tame it down and make it “shrimple” by properly preparing and walking you through the Pad Thai process step-by-step. Enjoy a refreshing Singapore Sling cocktail and tune in for some fun and learning. Menu: Thai Coconut & Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, Pad Thai and Chai Caramelized Apples with Coconut Whip. 55816 Oct. 20 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

WHISKEY BUSINESS

Enjoy & prepare an elegant whiskey-inspired meal. Don’t take a chance on dinner, we have your back. Leave the whiskey business to us. Menu: Coriander and Fennel Rubbed Pork Loin with a Whiskey Pan Sauce, Ginger Mashed Carrots & Individual Maple & Whiskey Pudding Cakes for dessert. 55818 Oct. 27 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

SPOOKY BITES AND COCKTAILS

Join us as you are or as you’re not for a Halloween app and cocktail class. Reserve your spot for some scary good food/drinks and a hauntingly fun time. Menu: Chorizo and Caramelized Onion Intestines with a Bloody Cranberry Sauce, Spicy Bat Wings, Pumpkin Patch Bites and a Witches Brew Cocktail to sip. 55819 Oct. 28 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

COOKING WITH WINE

Wine is not just great for drinking, but also cooking! Learn how to make impressive wine-infused dishes while sipping on your favorite wine. Menu: Chicken Marsala, Creamy Parmesan Polenta and Red Wine Poached Pears with Crème Anglaise. 55820 Nov. 3 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

DON’T GO BACON MY HEART

Stop in the name of love and pig out, with a pinkie out with this “porktastic” date night class. Stay in, learn some tips and have fun with the one you love! Help prepare this simple yet impressive meal and enjoy our wine pairings which will be squeally sensational. Oink! Oink! Menu: Herb Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin w/ Peach Jalapeño Chutney, Parmesan “Frerotte” (Farro cooked Risotto Style) with a Roasted Brussel Sprouts Salad. 55821 Nov. 10 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

BOURBON & BITES

A warming collection of small plates & a bourbon cocktail make up this elegant winter meal. Menu: Brown Butter Cauliflower Dip with Torn Bread, Butternut Squash Roasted with Apples, Spiced Maple Bourbon Braised Beef. 55822 Nov. 17 • Thu., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center

IMPRESSIVE THANKSGIVING SIDES & SIPS

Perfect your Thanksgiving sides before the big day! Menu: Brussel Sprout Bruschetta, Maple Roasted Root Vegetables with Pecans & Bacon, Popovers with Whipped Apple Butter & Apple Sausage Stuffing. 55823 Nov. 18 • Fri., 6-9 p.m. • Central Recreation Center