Fall is finally here, and while you may be sad that summer is over, just think of all the delicious food that autumn has to offer!  Here at COOK we are anxiously awaiting the bounty of apples, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins and more fall produce that chefs will be bringing into our kitchen. Our November schedule will be released on Monday, October 8th at 2 PM, but in the meantime treat yourself to one of our October classes that still have seats available. Don’t let these classes fall through your hands!

Wednesday, October 3rd, 7pm
An Apple A Day with Frances Vavloukis, Health and Wellness Coach

Speaking of fall produce, Frances Vavloukis is putting on an apple-centric dinner that starts with an apple, pear and cheese blindfold pairing and ends with a maple apple tartlet with vanilla ice cream.  Not only is Frances is an amazing chef, she is also a health/fitness instructor at BodyX. You’ll leave this class with plenty of apple recipes and learn why an apple a day keeps the doctor away!

Saturday, October 6th, 6pm
Saturday Sandwich Slam with Nick Macri of La Divisa Meats

Veteran COOK instructor Nick Macri is a butcher extraordinaire, but one of his biggest passions is the art of sandwich making. Join Nick for three courses of savory sandwiches that feature the local, sustainably raised meat that he sells at his Reading Terminal Market stand – La Divisa Meats. Plus, there will be a pizzelle and gelato sandwich for dessert!

Sunday, October 7th, 2pm
FALLing For Challah with Carly Zimmerman of Challah For Hunger

Challah for Hunger brings people together to bake and sell challah bread to raise money and awareness for social justice. This time around Challah for Hunger’s Carly Zimmerman will be teaching fall-themed challah. Enjoy pumpkin, chai, and caramel apple challahs and go home with the recipes as well!

Friday, October 12th, 6 pm
Cheese Your Own Cider Adventure with Ben Wenk of Ploughman Cider and Jamie Png

Apple cider is one of the most iconic fall beverages there is. With a plethora of apples on his family farm, Three Springs Fruit Farm, Ben Wenk turned to hard cider to use up the extras. Teaming up with local cheesemaker Jaimie Png, Ben will guide you through the world of cider while Jaime pairs them up with specialty cheeses.

Wednesday, October 24th, 7pm
Squash It To Me with Becca O’Brien of Two Birds Catering & Canning

Filling cornucopia everywhere is the humble squash, so versatile, nutritious and delicious. Regular COOK instructor Becca O’Brien will put on a four course squash-focused meal concluding with the most popular fall dish of all – pumpkin pie, this one with a pecan crust, candied pecans, vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream!

Saturday, October 27th, 4 pm
Wines of The Loire Valley with David McDuff of Bowler Wine

Take a tour of France’s Loire Valley wine offerings without even leaving the city! David McDuff has a wealth of experience in the wine industry and will share his knowledge of wine with you in his wine tasting class. Enjoy a variety of wines with some light bites. But hurry, there is only 1 seat left!

Tuesday, October 30th, 7 pm
An Evening with Michael Sultan of 33rd Street Hospitality

Michael Sultan of 33rd Street Hospitality will prepare an eclectic end-of-October COOK dinner. From squid ink pasta with chorizo and head-on shrimp to bourbon pumpkin budino, it will all be delicious. Better act quickly though because there are only 2 seats left to this one!