Cooking Class/Parties

To schedule a fun, live, or virtual cook along private cooking party
please contact me directly on aejhome@yahoo.com

French-Inspired Winter Comfort Dishes – Jan 22, 2026 This winter Let’s celebrates the warmth and flavor of French-inspired comfort cuisine. The menu draws on classic French techniques and ingredients, offering hearty and elegant dishes perfect for the season. Join Chef Alba as we prepare and enjoy these tasty dishes. Menu: Flaky Pastry filled with Creamy Ricotta and Tender Spinach, Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu paired with warm Caramelized Buttery Apples, and Silky Aïoli Sauce served with Seasonal Winter Vegetables. School: Ellicott Mills Middle School   A Scrumptious Valentine Dinner with Chef Ravi and Chef Alba: Feb 11, 2025 In preparation for Valentine’s day, storefronts set up heart-shaped themed items on display to remind us of this special day. On Valentine’s Day we look for special or romantic dinners to share with loved ones. In this class we offer irresistible dishes suitable for Valentine’s Day or for any special  occasion. Experience the combined culinary talents of Chef Alba’s Italian traditions and Chef Ravi’s creative flair as they guide you through hands-on preparation of each course. Reserve your seat today for an unforgettable Valentine’s experience filled with delicious food and expert guidance.  Menu: Buttery Shrimp Antipasto served with Savory Layered Cups of Tomato, Creamy Ricotta and Aromatic Pesto, Tender Scallopine Chicken with Fragrant Sage Pesto in a delicate white wine sauce, Baby Potatoes with Spinach and Tangy Goat Cheese, and for dessert, a rich and airy Chocolate Mousse. We will also be making Bacci di Perugia a delicious chocolate confection from Italy! School: Ellicott Mills Middle School   Off the Beaten Path Mediterranean Dishes: March 19, 2026  Mediterranean cuisine offers a world of unique flavors that often remain hidden from the mainstream. Chef Alba, renowned for her passion for authentic Mediterranean flavors, has handpicked these recipes from her family traditions. Get ready to learn about some lesser known but incredibly delicious recipes. Menu: Quadrucci in Brodo con Spinaci—delicate handmade pasta squares floating in spinach and  broth, Chicken Bites with Red Onion Jam—a sweet and tangy twist on a classic; and Crispy Smashed Za’atar Baby Potatoes—herbaceous and crisp. School: Ellicott Mills Middle School   Fragrant Eclectic Middle East Cuisine - April 9, 2026 –  Middle Eastern cuisine has a large world of ancient flavors and ancestral culture. Because the Middle East has welcomed diverse gastronomic traditions, it is a culinary melting pot. Each dish on this menu—from the aromatic Chicken Shawarma to the potatoes showcases the region's signature blend of spices and textures. Join Chef Alba in making these eclectic and fragrant dishes with ease of preparation.  Menu: Zaatar Tomato Feta Crostini, Chicken Shawarma Lettuce Wraps, Batata Harra Spicy Potatoes, and Chocolate Covered Dates with Almonds. Location: Ellicott Mills Middle school   Italian Japanese Fusion Cooking Challenge - Date: April 22, 2026 Join our hands-on cooking class led by Chef Ravi and Chef Alba, where you'll team up with fellow food lovers to prepare innovative fusion dishes. After learning the recipes, compete in a friendly cook-off using a secret ingredient provided by our chefs. Experience the perfect blend of texture and flavors in this fusion class. At the end of the class, participants will enjoy tasting all creations together and receive recipes to recreate the dishes at home. Menu: Spaghetti Al Miso, a unique twist on Italian tradition, Italian Chicken Meatballs with Teriyaki Sauce; Green beans in Miso Sauce with Sesame and Crispy Pancetta; and a surprise dessert.  Location: Ellicott Mills Middle school   Small Bites Big Greek Flavors – June 11, 2026 Greece is the cradle of civilization and the land of the Gods of Olympus.  Greek cuisine reflects centuries-old traditions and showcase ingredients that have been staples in Greek kitchens for generations. Led by Chef Alba, a passionate expert in Mediterranean cuisine, you'll discover how to prepare these delicious Greek dishes. Menu: Spinach Feta Sausage Meatballs, Greek Salad Kebabs drizzled with Ladolemono Dressing, Crispiest Greek Lemon Potatoes, and for dessert Greek Yogurt with Warm fragrant Apricot and Cinnamon. Location: Ellicott Mills Middle school   Fragrant Napolitan Lemon Dishes – July 9, 2026 Neapolitan cuisine, a universe of flavors, colors and traditions intertwines in a mosaic of culinary pleasures. It’s a passionate city, where each dish tells a story, each ingredient is a brushstroke on a picture of taste and culture. Naples, the birthplace of Chef Alba, is a stunning city on the Azure Mediterranean Sea, with spectacular views of Lemon trees. Join Chef Alba and let’s prepare delicious dishes using fresh lemons. Menu: Ricotta Crostini with Olives Lemon and Mint, Roasted Chicken with lemons and Whole Garlics, Zucchini Crumble with Toasted Breadcrumbs and Lemon.  Location: Ellicott Mills Middle school   Modern Moroccan Cuisine (live) Date: August 6,  2026  Moroccan cuisine is rich in spices, reflecting centuries of trade and cultural exchange in North Africa. Spices are used to enhance, not mask, the flavor of food. The aroma of spices and the vibrant colors make cooking Moroccan-style food a true feast for the senses. Chef Alba, renowned for her expertise in North African flavors, will guide us through each dish. Menu: Creamy Hummus Platter with Vegetables, Fragrant Chicken tagine with Almonds and Apricots, and Lemon Couscous and Toasted Pistachios. Location: Ellicott Mills Middle school.  ********************************************************************************************************    Howard County “VIRTUAL ZOOM” Cooking classes:   Scrumptious Soups You Can East With a Fork! Jan 15, 2026, Virtual Join our hands-on virtual cooking class to discover how to turn simple soups into hearty main courses perfect for cold weather. They are perfect to prepare ahead. Warm up and learn to transform plain soups into flavorful and decadent main courses with simple legumes, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Don’t forget to serve them with a slice of toasted bread. Menu Discover the sweet depth of Carabaccia Tuscan Onion Soup, the hearty nutrition of Spinach and Chickpea Soup, and the silky texture of Vellutata di Cavolfiore.   My Egyptian Favorites – Feb 25, 2026, Virtual The typical Egyptian cuisine is influenced in part by the Mediterranean and in part by the Middle Eastern gastronomic tradition. Join renowned Chef Alba for a hands-on virtual cooking class as we prepare these delicious dishes together. Chef Alba will guide you step-by-step through each recipe, sharing tips. Menu: Hawawshi (Egyptian Meat Pies) a spiced ground beef baked inside crispy bread pockets, Salata Baladi a refreshing chopped vegetable salad dressed with tangy Egyptian Vinaigrette, and Umm Ali a warm bread pudding layered with nuts and sweetened milk.    Delectable Pasta Sauce – March 11, 2026, Virtual Pasta comes in an amazing variety of shapes, which can be sauced in an equally varied number of ways. Learn to make sauces you would find in Nonna’s or Zia’s kitchen. Join Chef Alba for a hands-on virtual cooking class, she is an expert in Italian cuisine with over 20 years of experience. Discover new pasta sauces you will cook over and over again. Menu: Pasta with Tomato and Leek Sauce—a light and savory classic, Pasta with Panna Prosciutto e Limone Sauce—a creamy blend with a hint of citrus, and Umbrian Pasta Sauce with Walnuts Honey and Golden Breadcrumbs—a unique sweet-and-savory combination.   Inspiring Portuguese Cuisine (Virtual) – May 28, 2026 Traditional Portuguese recipes combine exciting flavors and techniques from cultures such as Moorish North Africa and colonial Brazil, reflecting centuries of global exploration. The Portuguese have a reputation for loving cod dishes. These dishes are staples in Portuguese homes and showcase the country's love for both seafood and fresh vegetables. Join Chef Alba  has we  prepare, menu:  Creamy cod and Potato Croquettes with Portuguese Mayo, Portuguese Battered Fried Green Beans, and Spicy Mushroom with Garlic and Sherry Wine.

In person cooking Classes at Mary's Land Farm to register go to: Cooking With Chef Alba - Classes at the Inn | Mary's Land Farm Cozy Winter in Northern Italy – January 17, 2026 – Noon Winter welcomes a season characterized by invigorating recipes that both nourish the body and comfort the mind. The colder months introduce a variety of ingredients well-suited for creating dishes that fulfill the desire for both comforting cuisine and culinary exploration. Chef Alba has curated an array of refined Italian recipes for winter, featuring seasonal dishes spanning from appetizers through to dessert. Menu: Ricotta al Forno emerges golden and fragrant from the oven; Canederli al Brodo con Speck e Uova, a comforting classic for snowy evenings; Pollo con Vellutata di Carote, tender chicken served with silky carrot sauce; Vanilla Ice Cream with Tartuffi Cookies al Cioccolato, a sweet finish with chocolatey crunch. Comfort Winter Southern Italian Dishes: February 28, 2026 - Noon Southern Italian winter recipes are a mix of dishes rich in flavor and enveloping, real comfort foods to restore the heart and belly when the temperature drops outside. Among the most popular winter specialties are hearty soups, which have always been a symbol of the season. Join chef Alba as we explore the seasonal products and regional recipes that define the typical winter cuisine of southern Italy. Menu: Crostini drizzled in Olio and Crema di Parmigiano; Zuppa di Cipolle con Emmentaler, a sweet, caramelized onion soup topped with creamy Emmentaler cheese; Salsiccia e Patate al Forno con Rosmarino, a rustic and aromatic comfort dish, and for dessert Traditional Southern Italian Reginelle biscotti al sesame that evokes childhood memories. A Celebration of Mediterranean Flavors: March 28,2026 - Noon  The Mediterranean food philosophy focuses on wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, celebration, and hospitality. It’s about making healthier choices that honor our body and allow us to enjoy the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle with those we care about most. Each dish on the menu highlights classic Mediterranean ingredients and cooking techniques, bringing the warmth and vibrancy of the region to the table. Chef Alba invites you to prepare Mediterranean dishes that celebrate both flavor and tradition. Menu: Crostini with Smashed Peas Mint and Aleppo Pepper with creamy goat cheese, fresh mint, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for gentle heat; Balsamic and Honey Glazed Chicken featuring classic Mediterranean sweet-and-savory notes;  Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Garlic simple flavorful vegetables, roasted to perfection and tossed with caramelized onions and aromatic garlic; Apple Crostata with Butter Rum Syrup, a festive finished inspired by Mediterranean hospitality.