Oakland County Farmers Market Offers Free Winter Cooking Classes With Local Chefs

Oakland County Farmers Market runs free chef demonstrations throughout winter months with its Cooking With Edible WOW series. Indoor sessions teach people methods for preparing restaurant-style dishes on busy weeknights.

Chef Daniela Kalota showed attendees how she makes marinara from scratch during one session. "You can actually make 12 meals out of this one sauce, and it can freeze for up to six months," said Kalota, according to Click On Detroit.

She prepared chicken with peppers simmered in red sauce. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes combine with herbs. The meal often takes just 30 minutes to finish.

Brad Wethy runs the market. "We've gotten fantastic feedback - there's typically a full house whenever we host our demos," said Wethy. "The idea was to pair local chefs with fresh, local produce."

Wethy wants people eating better. "All of us could probably benefit from some healthier eating, so it's nice to have something tasty while healthy at the same time," he said.

Chef demonstrations have happened each winter since 2012. Six sessions occur per season. Four more demos remain this winter.

More than 150 people attend these cooking classes. Seating works on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturdays bring market hours from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. between January and April. May brings expanded hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Shoppers find produce and other food at the location. Artisan goods line the stalls. Warm indoor spaces let visitors watch chefs work.