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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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Simple Snacks
Made Easy
Join us on February 3rd from 6–7 PM for Community Class: Snacks Made Easy at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, led by Rachel Howard! This fun, hands-on class is all about making simple, tasty snacks that are perfect for busy days, after school, or anytime cravings strike.
Rachel will share easy, approachable snack ideas using everyday ingredients, along with tips for quick prep, kid-friendly options, and ways to make snacks both fun and satisfying. Participants will leave with practical recipes and inspiration to whip up homemade snacks with confidence—no stress, no fuss, just delicious results.
King Cake 4 Kids
Join us on February 5th from 6–8 PM for King Cake 4 Kids at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, led by Aileen’s Sweet Shop! This fun, hands-on class is specially designed for kids to celebrate the Mardi Gras season while learning how to make their very own king cake.
Aileen will guide young bakers step-by-step through creating a classic king cake in a kid-friendly way, from mixing and shaping the dough to adding fillings and decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles. Kids will get creative, learn basic baking skills, and leave with a festive treat they’re proud to show off—plus the confidence to bake again at home.
Chicken Pot Pie 101
Join us on February 10th from 6–8 PM for Chicken Pot Pie 101 at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, led by Amanda Finley! This hands-on class is perfect for home cooks looking to master a comforting classic while building confidence in the kitchen.
Amanda will walk participants step-by-step through making a hearty, from-scratch chicken pot pie—from preparing a flavorful filling packed with tender chicken and vegetables to assembling and baking a perfectly golden crust. You’ll learn practical techniques, time-saving tips, and ways to customize the dish for busy weeknights or family dinners. Leave with new skills, cozy inspiration, and a comfort-food favorite you can recreate at home.
Sushi Made Simple
Join us on February 12th from 6–8 PM for a fun, hands-on class at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen: Sushi Made Simple, taught by RFM vendor Marcelo from Hemply Well!
In this class, Marcelo will walk participants step-by-step through the basics of making sushi at home in an approachable, beginner-friendly way. You’ll learn how to prepare and season sushi rice, select and prep fillings, roll sushi properly, and create simple, delicious rolls without feeling intimidated. Marcelo will also share tips on ingredient substitutions, tools, and techniques to make sushi-making easy and affordable.
Intro to Sourdough
Join us on February 19th from 6–8 PM for a hands-on class at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen: Intro to Sourdough, led by RFM vendor Jadee’s Sourdough!
In this beginner-friendly class, Jadee will introduce participants to the fundamentals of sourdough baking, from understanding and maintaining a starter to mixing, fermenting, and baking a beautiful loaf. You’ll learn the science behind sourdough, common troubleshooting tips, and how to fit the process into your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed.
Chicken Parm 101
Join us on February 24th from 6–8 PM for a hands-on class at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen: Chicken Parm 101, led by Elisa Castagnola!
In this class, Elisa will guide participants step-by-step through making a classic chicken parmesan from scratch. You’ll learn how to properly bread and cook the chicken, create a flavorful sauce, achieve the perfect balance of crispy and cheesy, and plate a comforting Italian favorite with confidence. Elisa will also share tips for ingredient selection, prep shortcuts, and ways to customize the dish at home.
Participants will enjoy tastings throughout the class and leave with the skills and know-how to recreate this crowd-pleasing meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Gluten Free: Lasagna Basics
Join us on February 26th from 6–8 PM for Gluten-Free: Lasagna Basics at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, led by RFM Board Member, Olitsa Robbins. This hands-on class is perfect for home cooks looking to make a comforting, flavorful lasagna without gluten. Olitsa will guide participants through selecting noodles, layering ingredients, and baking for the perfect texture.
She’ll also share tips for seasoning and prep to make gluten-free cooking easy and reliable. Participants will enjoy tastings during class and leave with the skills and confidence to recreate a hearty, gluten-free lasagna at home—ideal for family meals or special occasions.
