Yes, outdoor dining is open, but if there’s one thing that quarantine has taught us, isn’t it that the best NYC restaurant is right in your own apartment?
You can be as picky as you want, you can ensure all the proper sanitizing is taking place, AND you can just pop your leftovers right in the fridge if you can’t finish!
If you want to take your at-home cooking up a notch, check out these seven simple but incredibly fun cooking classes you can do with top chefs right from your apartment. No special skills or experience required!
1. Make Your Own Chinese Dumplings from Scratch
Next time instead of ordering takeout, why not just make your own dumplings? It’s easier than you think! With help from master chef Leenah will teach you step-by-step how to make dumpling wrappers from scratch, how to create a classic meat filling, and different folding techniques. You can even make them in bulk and keep them in your freezer for those nights you just don’t feel like cooking! You’ll only need to purchase a handful of ingredients beforehand. Join the class here.
2. Scrumptious Pad Thai and Spring Rolls
Another classic takeout item that you can easily make yourself—Pad Thai and Spring Rolls! Pretend you’ve traveled to the streets of Thailand with this delicious classic dish. You’ll learn basic knife skills, how to properly prepare the traditional noodles, and how to build the flavor profile of an authentic Pad Thai sauce from scratch! No experience is required. Grab your tickets here.
3. Mexi-Cali Fiesta
Bring the Mexi-Cali flavors home to you and your roommate with this feast that a San Diego-based chef will teach you how to make. You’ll learn how to make tortillas from scratch, create two scrumptious fillings-carne asada and sweet potatoes & black beans, two original condiments, guacamole, and last but not least, a margarita to round out your meal! Our mouths are watering already. Get your tickets here.
4. Embrace Your Love of Cheese with Big Mozz
So how much to do really love cheese? Well, take that love to the next level by trying to actually make it with Brooklyn-based Big Mozz! Either go for the ball of fresh mozzarella, or try your hand at making your own crunchy, gooey mozzarella sticks. All the ingredients (including cheese curds and citric acid) will be sent directly to you. Get your cheese-making skills online here.
5. Make Goat Cheese with Goofy Goats
Or, if you’re more of a goat cheese person, we’ve got you covered too. With this adorable class, you’ll enjoy a virtual visit to the herd of goofy goats at 29 Oaks Ranch and learn how to make fresh & healthy goat cheese from their outdoor kitchen. It’s the perfect summer ingredient to punch up salads, sandwiches and more! Grab tickets here.
6. Try Your Hand at Handmade Empanadas
Here’s your chance to learn how to make a traditional Latin and South American dish! Chef Nelma, a vegan nutrition student and owner of her own plant-based catering company, will take you through the process of making your own vegan empanadas from scratch during this plant-based virtual cooking class. Get your tickets here.
7. Learn from Local Top Chefs at Home
Chefstreams allows you to get a private cooking lessons from some of the best local chefs all across America. This Sunday’s lesson is with Russell Jackson, the chef and owner of one of the first fine dining establishments in Harlem right here in NYC. You’ll make Pozole Verde with Clams as well as a Chocolate Miso Tart, and the class comes with an easy-to-use grocery list, a PDF Recipe Book with step-by-step cooking instructions, and a recording of the full video class so you can go back and reference it whenever you want. Plus, through the end of July, they’re donating 100% of their profits to NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Black Lives Matter, and National Bail Out. More info here!
For even more virtual cooking class possibilities, click here!
featured image source: Shutterstock