Virtual Cooking Classes 101

Many in-person events have had to be canceled this year due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean they are not still happening. That includes cooking classes which are normally done in person, but virtual versions have become extremely popular and successful lately. We’ve put together a quick list of some good ones involving local restaurants, chefs and cooking schools. It’s a great way to learn something new and get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions!

Executive chef Russell LaCasce of Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho teams up with hotel general Ronen Aviram for “The R + R Show.” It’s broadcast one Friday a month and features ideas for cocktail pairings and chef-approved leftovers. Keep an eye out for an episode on how to make The John Berry (Three jumbo shrimp, spaghetti squash, cherry tomatoes, spinach, pesto, pine nuts and parmesan) on Jan. 22 and Charbroiled Ribeye on Feb. 26. The class is posted at noon on those days and will remain viewable on the Hotel Valley Ho website and YouTube channel. Zuzu is located at Zuzu is located at 6850 E Main Street, Scottsdale; 480.376.2600; www.hotelvalleyho.com/zuzu

Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School has been a staple in the Valley since 1993 offering a variety of classes for attendees of all ages. The school is now offering cooking classes online in addition to its in-person ones. An instructor will lead each live demonstration and walk you through three different recipes. You can participate in making one or all in the comfort of your own kitchen or just watch and make the recipes later. A shopping list and suggested equipment information will also be provided. You'll receive the Zoom link to join the class two days before. The instructor will also take questions through the Zoom’s chat feature. Examples of upcoming classes include Southwest Sizzle, World Food Tour and French for Beginners. Enroll online or by calling the school. Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School is located at 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, #101, Scottsdale; 480.596.5628; www.sweetbasilgourmet.com

The Art House Gilbert has various types of classes, including cookie decorating classes, offered in person and online. Learn how to make and decorate royal icing sugar cookies with step-by-step instructions from Markie from Honey & Heart Cookie Co. To participate, pick up supplies from the Art House Gilbert between 3 and 5 p.m. on the designated days provided. You'll get six vanilla sugar cookies, six piping bags of royal icing (three flood and three outline), a piping practice worksheet, a scribe tool, and cookie and icing recipes. The course link and password will be emailed a week before class. The next two sessions are on Jan. 14 and 24 and cost $50 a person. The Art House Gilbert is located at 36 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert; 480.818.5831; www.arthousegilbert.com

Sur La Table offers online classes starting at $29 per household. It’s a great chance to learn alone or with the family! The instructors are experienced teachers and chefs and will advise on everything from mise en place to plating. Each password-protected Zoom session is 90 to 120 minutes long, and you’re free to ask questions as you go along. Prior to the class, download the prep packet for a shopping list and quickstart instructions. There are quite a few classes coming up including ringing in the New Year with Surf and Turf, Greek Night and Prep Now, Eat Later: Cinnamon Rolls and Pull Apart Wreath. Sur La Table has locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale; www.surlatable.com

Sweet Moments Co. is a Mesa-based cooking school that has the virtual process down. Simply book a class online and wait for the ingredients to be delivered directly to your front door. After completing the registration form online, you’ll receive a detailed confirmation email that will include the class schedule, Zoom link and ingredient delivery time. Ingredient kits are handled by a certified staff member to ensure proper safety and sanitation protocols are followed. The price ranges per class, and upcoming offerings include an Intro to Cooking 4-Week Course starting Jan. 5, Sun Dried Tomato and Artichoke Chicken and Seared Scallops with Lemon Beurre Blanc. Sweet Moments Co. is located in Mesa; 602.671.3500; www.smcoaz.com