Private Cooking Classes Q & A

We are so glad that you want to learn about having a private cooking class at The Learning Kitchen at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm! Click on the question to see the answer. Email us at CandTFarmInfo@gmail.com to ask more questions.

Learning Kitchen classroom set for class

Two pizza class participants

Rolling chocolate truffles

What kind of private cooking classes do you have?

We offer a range of sweet and savory classes. All classes are low pressure for people who are curious to learn about flavors, recipes, and techniques. You do not need any prior experience. Learn more here.

Where are the private cooking classes held? How many people are in a class?

Here at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm in The Learning Kitchen! Classes are mostly inside, but the Pizza class is indoor/outdoor. Our public classes range in size between 6-12 people, but most are capped at 8 people. We can make the private classes larger through multiple strategies -- we can discuss. The maximum capacity of our space is 20 people, but only a few classes or formats can be done for that size.

If I think I am interested in a private cooking class, what should I do?

FIRST: Read this blog first to see if our classes are likely to match your needs. Click on the Chef's Hat at the top of our website's homepage to see what current classes look like and/or check out past cooking blogs. SECOND: Reach out to us as soon as you have an idea to see what our availability is. You can hold a tentative date while we work on ideas (right now, no cost). We have limited dates and times we can offer so this is a key step. Don't wait until your group decides -- you might pick a time or day that we are not available; you cannot tell from looking at our website (at least not yet).

What ages of people can participate in private cooking classes?

Our classes are mostly for adults. We allow children when accompanied by adults. We are not a children's party destination. We do not have child-sized equipment or adaptations. Many families with people of all ages have enjoyed private classes. We work together to create a design that works best. Adults must be available to help the children succeed. A teen/tween who loves to cook can have a gathering as long as there is an adult for every 3-4 kids, and all adults and kids are paid participants actively engaging in the class.

What do participants do in the classes?

Most of the classes are very hands-on with participants standing much of the time. It varies by class but participants can expect mixing, chopping, stirring, rolling -- some by hand and some with kitchen equipment that you could use in your home kitchen. Our goal is to have you learn by doing so you could do it again at home. Some options are available for a sitting class; please ask.

How much of class time and activities is team-oriented vs. individual?

All classes have some individual and some group activities. For private classes, we can design in more team activities specifically for team-building or to include more people. Unless you ask us to do something different, each person from a class gets their own portion to take home.

How much does it cost to have a private cooking class and what is included in the price?

Each year we set a minimum fee which is based on what 6 people would pay for an average public class. As of June 2026, that minimum fee is $300 plus the system processing fee. Some private classes will cost more than that, but NONE will cost less. INCLUDED in the price are multiple participants (number depends on class type, but usually 5-6 people) and everything you need to learn about and prepare recipes for that topic: chef's instruction, equipment to use, the food, an apron to wear, water/coffee/tea to sip, a recipe pack and carryout boxes to take food home. You get 30 minutes after the teaching part ends to pack up and you can use the time to purchase items from the Chocolate Shop. The host can enter up to 30 minutes ahead of class to set up; guests can enter up to 15 minutes ahead of class time to get settled.

If you are seeking a private class that is the same as one of our public classes, but just for your private group, then the per-person class price is the same as the public class price long as you meet the minimum number. For example, IF a public class is $50 per person, then 6 people X $50 plus processing fee = $300 plus processing fee. So, if you have 6 people come, then you each pay $50 plus the processing fee. If you only have two people, then you each pay $150 plus the processing fee because the minimum cost is still $300. If you have 8 people, then it costs 8 X $50 plus processing fee = $400 plus processing fee. As of June 2026, per person pricing for public classes ranges $45-$65 plus processing fee; pricing is based on time, ingredients, and techniques.

NOT INCLUDED in the base price: time to eat what you have made (class and size dependent), time to hang out/chat/open presents, items in the Chocolate Shop or extra produce. You can arrange to pay for extra during the planning.

How much food do you get in a private cooking class?

Some classes have a definite quantity and some do not. Class time is more about the experience than about a specific amount of food, but most people feel like they get more than one portion's worth per person and for desserts and breads, each person is likely to get a half-dozen. During class time, you are tasting as you go, but you are not eating a meal. Most classes have a fully cooked or ready product to eat to take with you; except in the Making Pasta from Scratch class, you leave with raw pasta that you can cook when you get home. You can pay an extra fee for extra time to eat on-site.

How long is a typical cooking class?

Our classes range from 1-hour-30 minutes to 2-hours-and-30-minutes in a single class session. The sweet or bread-based classes tend to be the longer ones. Each particular class has a standard amount of time. If you want it shorter or longer, we can discuss options which will likely change the price.

Who teaches the private cooking classes?

As of this posting (June 2026), Chef Mark teaches all of the private classes, most of the time by himself. Chef Mark also teaches most of our public classes, is the lead farmer and chocolatier at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, and he teaches culinary arts in a local community college as well. Chef Mark has 35+ years experience in the food service industry, and about 10 years teaching experience. You will plan your class with Mark's wife and business partner, Teresa, who leads customer engagement at the farm.