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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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Soups Made Simple
Join us on December 16th from 6–7 PM for Soups Made Simple, a warm and welcoming community class sponsored by Century Next Bank. Instructor Amanda Finley will guide you through making a comforting Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup, perfect for chilly winter evenings.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn practical soup-making techniques, how to balance flavors, and tips for creating hearty, satisfying meals with simple ingredients. Whether you're looking to sharpen your kitchen skills or just enjoy a cozy night out, this class is a wonderful way to embrace the season.
African Cuisine
Join us on December 18th from 6–8 PM for an immersive cooking class featuring Egusi Stew with instructor Leance Kiningu. In this hands-on class, Leance will guide you through the process of preparing this flavorful West African dish, made with ground melon seeds, vibrant spices, and hearty ingredients that come together for a rich and comforting meal.
You’ll learn traditional cooking techniques, the cultural background behind the dish, and how to balance bold flavors for an authentic taste experience. Whether you’re new to African cuisine or looking to expand your culinary horizons, this class promises a delicious and inspiring evening of cooking and culture!
Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche 101
Join us on January 8th from 6–8 PM for a flavorful, hands-on class at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen: Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche 101, taught by RFM vendor Maricello from Hemply Well!
In this class, Maricello will guide you step-by-step through the process of making authentic Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, sharing traditional techniques, ingredient tips, and flavor secrets that make this dish so refreshing and unique. You’ll learn how to properly prepare the shrimp, balance citrus and seasonings, and create a ceviche that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying at home.
Elevated Mocktails
101
Join us on January 13th from 6–8 PM for a fun and flavorful evening at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, featuring Elevated Mocktails for Dry January, led by Cody Livingston, Bar Manager at White Lightning!
Cody will walk you through how to craft sophisticated, alcohol-free mocktails using fresh ingredients, creative techniques, and thoughtful flavor pairings—perfect for Dry January and beyond. Learn how to build balanced drinks that feel just as special as a cocktail, without the alcohol.
Slow Roasts Meats 101
Join us on January 22nd from 6–8 PM for a Slow-Roasted Meats Class at the RDrew Jones Teaching Kitchen, led by Chef Kevin Bourg. This immersive, hands-on class is ideal for home cooks looking to build confidence and technique while learning how to prepare rich, flavorful meats using time-honored slow-roasting methods.
Chef Kevin will cover everything from selecting the right cuts and seasoning them properly to managing oven temperatures and timing for maximum tenderness. He’ll also share finishing techniques that enhance flavor and presentation, helping you take simple ingredients and turn them into memorable meals.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup 101
Join us on January 16th from 6–8 PM at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen for Loaded Baked Potato Soup 101, taught by Cam’s Kitchen! This cozy, hands-on class is perfect for anyone looking to master a comforting classic that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
Cam will guide you step-by-step through making the ultimate loaded baked potato soup, sharing tips on achieving the perfect creamy texture and building layers of flavor with simple ingredients. You’ll enjoy tasting along the way and leave with the skills and confidence to recreate this crowd-pleasing soup at home for family dinners or cold-weather gatherings.
King Cake Creations
Join us on January 29th from 6–8 PM for King Cake Creations at the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, led by Aileen’s Sweet Shop. This festive, hands-on class is perfect for celebrating the season while learning how to make a beautiful and delicious king cake.
Aileen will guide participants through the process of creating a classic king cake, sharing tips on dough, fillings, shaping, and decorating. You’ll learn techniques to customize your cake with different flavors and finishes while gaining confidence to recreate it at home.