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The Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, named in honor of the late Drew Jones, is a vibrant addition to the Ruston Farmers Market, made possible by a generous grant from the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Opened on May 28th, 2024, this kitchen embodies Drew’s legacy of dedication to our community. It serves as a hub for culinary education, offering a range of classes from hands-on cooking workshops to free educational sessions.
Drew’s unwavering commitment to local food and community spirit continues to inspire us. Here, we celebrate his vision by providing a space for learning, creativity, and connection. Join us and be part of Drew’s enduring legacy through our classes and events.
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Gourmet Cupcakes
Join us on September 24th in the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen for Gourmet Cupcakes led by Aileen Kelly.
Discover the art of transforming simple cupcakes into stunning gourmet treats in this fun and hands-on baking class. Whether you're a beginner baker or looking to refine your decorating skills, you'll learn the techniques and tips needed to create bakery-quality cupcakes that taste as amazing as they look.
Participants will bake moist, flavorful cupcakes and learn how to master the fundamentals of preparing smooth, delicious frostings. By the end of class, you'll leave with beautifully decorated gourmet cupcakes, new baking confidence, and the skills to recreate these crowd-pleasing desserts at home.
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Strawberry Shortcake
Join us on October 1st for
Strawberry Shortcake led by Amber Shae.
You'll learn how to create this timeless dessert from scratch. Participants will prepare tender, buttery shortcakes, whip fresh cream to perfection, and macerate juicy strawberries to create layers of flavor and texture. Along the way, you'll learn essential baking techniques, tips for working with fresh fruit, and presentation ideas to make your dessert truly shine. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home baker, this hands-on class will give you the skills and confidence to recreate this crowd-pleasing classic for family gatherings, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a delicious homemade treat.
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Blackened Shrimp & Creamy Grits
Join us on October 22nd 6pm-8pm for Blackened Shrimp & Creamy Grits led by Chef Jelarius Davis.
Get ready for a delicious taste of Southern comfort! In this hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn how to make rich, creamy, perfectly seasoned grits paired with juicy blackened shrimp bursting with bold Cajun-inspired flavor.
We’ll walk through the secrets to creating silky-smooth grits, building layers of flavor with herbs and seasonings, and getting that perfect blackened crust on the shrimp. You’ll also learn simple techniques you can use to elevate this classic dish at home.Come hungry, have fun, and leave with the skills—and the recipe—to recreate this comforting Southern favorite for family and friends.
Join us on September 17th 6pm-8pm for Fufu and Okra Soup led by Leance Kiningu.
Embark on a flavorful journey through African cuisine in this hands-on cooking class featuring fufu, one of the continent's most cherished staple foods. Participants will learn about the cultural significance of fufu and discover the techniques used to prepare this smooth, dough-like dish enjoyed across many West and Central African countries.
In this interactive class, you'll prepare fufu from scratch while learning the proper methods for mixing, pounding, and achieving the perfect texture. We'll also create a traditional African Okra Soup to accompany the fufu, showcasing the bold flavors, aromatic spices, and rich culinary traditions of African cooking.
Jollof Rice
Join us on October 15th in the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen for Jollof Rice led by Mary Simal.
Come take a flavorful journey into one of West Africa’s most beloved dishes—Jollof Rice! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create perfectly seasoned, vibrant rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce and infused with layers of savory, aromatic flavor.
We’ll explore the techniques behind building a flavorful base, balancing spices, and achieving tender, flavorful rice with that irresistible depth and texture Jollof is known for. Along the way, you’ll discover tips and tricks for making this crowd-pleasing dish at home. Come ready to cook, taste, and have fun as we bring the bold, comforting flavors of West Africa to the table!
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Chicken Wings
Join us October 29th, 6pm-8pm for Chicken Wings led by Kay and Ronnie Walker.
Get game-day ready for a tailgating favorite: Chicken Wings. Whether you're cheering from the stadium parking lot or hosting friends at home, this hands-on class will teach you how to create crowd-pleasing chicken wings packed with bold flavor.
Participants will learn essential techniques for preparing, seasoning, and cooking perfectly crispy wings. You'll discover how to customize wings to suit every fan's taste. Bring your appetite and team spirit as we celebrate one of America's favorite tailgate foods. By the end of class, you'll have the skills and confidence to serve up championship-worthy wings at your next gathering!