UPDATE: Our in-person cooking classes have changed to a virtual format (due to the pandemic, obviously). Please check out or Virtual Cooking Classes Page for more info on how to book.
Interested in hosting a fun and interactive night in with friends? Then try a private cooking class with Now You’re Cooking! Whether you’re a novice cook or just want to sharpen your kitchen skills, Monique will help teach you some valuable culinary tips through a delicious three-course meal.
Uniquely celebrate a:
- Birthday
- Bridal shower
- Girls’ night/Guys’ Night
- Anniversary
- Baby shower
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to host a private in-home cooking class?
Besides the actual kitchen and/or dining area, all you would need to provide are plates, glasses, paper towels, cutlery and beverages (yes, that means wine for all you grown-ups). Depending on the recipe, the use of an oven/stove-top and fridge/freezer may be required.
Wait, what about all the ingredients?
All the ingredients required for the recipe are included in the class pricing.
What if my kitchen is too small?
That shouldn’t be a problem. Just as long as each participant has enough space to use their own cutting board (eg. on a counter or dining room table) and everything will work.
Will I actually be cooking, or am I just going to be watching a chef prepare the food?
Private in-home cooking classes are all hands-on. It’s one of the best ways to learn, so prepare to roll up those sleeves! Monique will guide you and your group through several recipes as you create a tasty meal all by yourselves.
Okay, but who’s going to clean up all those dishes?
Monique will take care of set-up and clean-up, so when you’re done cooking, you can relax as you enjoy tasting the delicious fruits of your labour (glass of wine is optional)!
What type of dishes would I learn to make during the class?
Now You’re Cooking will provide a selection of menu options. Since this would be a private class, it’s possible to tailor it to your personal interests.
How long are private classes?
Classes are usually 2-2.5 hours long.
Which days are you available?
Weekday nights (5pm – 9pm) and weekend afternoons (12pm – 5pm) usually have the most availability.
I have a food allergy and dietrary preference. Can I still take a class?
Monique will send out a questionnaire prior to booking to make sure that alternative ingredients are provided for a recipe that you might want to try. Even though Now You’re Cooking has a good list of base recipes taught during class, we are able to customize and accommodate special requests where possible.
Uh, oh! I don’t own a [fill in with a random kitchen gadget here].
Now You’re Cooking will provide the aprons, extra knives, and helpful gadgets for use during the class. Like with any allergy or diet restriction concerns, you can fill out a questionnaire so that Monique knows how best to help you fully experience the class.
How many people can these recipes feed?
Each recipe will feed about 4-6 people. If you booked a private class with more people than that, it can be easily doubled. Whatever you don’t snack on after the class can usually be refrigerated for a few days, or even frozen.
How many people can take a private class?
Even though Monique is a high school teacher by day, and used to dealing with 25+ students at a time, she wants this learning experience to allow for lots of questions and interaction. Private in-home cooking classes will work ideally with 2-10 participants.
How much will a class cost me?
Pricing depends on the type of menu selected, number of class participants (minimum of two), and location. The average price starts at $90/guest (incl. tax) for a two-hour session. If a class requires more recipes, include certain ingredients, or if it needs to run a little longer, it will cost a bit more. If there is a larger group of people, it will cost a little less. Electronic transfer is the preferred method of payment. If you wish to pay by credit card you will be provided with an online link to pay via PayPal.
I live in [fill in remote city here]. Will you travel to teach a cooking workshop at my home?
A cooking class can be held in any home in the Toronto area. Round-trip travel over 30km is subject to an additional fee at the time of booking.
How do I book a class?
Contact Monique to verify availability. Once a menu is agreed on, a 25% non-refundable deposit must be made to hold the date and time of the class. The remainder is due the day of the class. Make sure you confirm your final number of participants with Monique 48 hours before class, if there’s an increase.
What if I want to give a Now You’re Cooking class as a gift?
You can purchase a gift voucher by contacting Monique. Printed vouchers will be promptly mailed to you, ready for gift-giving! The recipient can then contact Monique so that a private class can be arranged based on a mutually acceptable day and time.
Do you teach kids classes?
Yes, we do! If your child is having a birthday party, a 1-hour cooking class is a great way to break up the day’s festivities. Why only one hour? Well, as a teacher Monique knows the short attention span of some children, but all the recipes will be easy and delicious from start to finish! 😀
If you’d like Now You’re Cooking to host a cooking workshop for your child and their friends, or if you run a children’s program and would like to add an interactive cooking element, please fill out the contact form with the details of your event in order to get more information. Public children’s classes are held weekly during the school year at Armour Heights Community Centre in North York. Visit the children’s program’s website for more details on schedule.