Taste Buds Kitchen - Chicago - Bannockburn

We’re always honored to help make cherished memories, and culinary magic, in our kitchen. From special birthday celebrations for kiddos to corporate groups like this team that wanted to create a special send off for a beloved colleague taking on a new role. Thanks for hosting with us! ❤️🥘

No matter what’s on the menu, food safety is always the main ingredient. 🧂

Here are a few tips to keep in mind👇

🧼 Wash Your Hands: Before and after handling food, always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

🌡️ Check Your Temps: Use a food thermometer to ensure your dishes are cooked to the right temperature – no one wants undercooked chicken!

🍛 Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw meats separate from other ingredients, and always use clean cutting boards and utensils.

🥶 Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers immediately to keep them fresh and safe to eat later.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your meals with peace of mind.

September is National Food Safety Education Month, and at Taste Buds Kitchen, we're all about cooking up delicious meals safely! 🍲 Share your top food safety tip below.

With school back in session, so are our weekly kids' cooking classes! 🍏Our 10-week fall series starts Monday and runs through 11/25. These small group classes are a great way for your budding chef to work with and try new foods, learn an essential life skill and make new friends. Sign up today here: https://tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn/kids-cooking-classes/

Junior Chefs • Ages 4-8
Mondays, 4:00-5:00pm

A weekly, skill-based culinary program designed for young chefs to chop, mix, swirl and cook their way to a new culinary masterpiece each week. Learn about kitchen and food safety, knife skills, measuring and mixing methods and ingredient identification while gaining kitchen independence.

Let's Make Dinner • Ages 9-17
Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm

In our weekly 2-hour cooking series, tweens and teens create a homemade dinner for themselves with a focus on more advanced knife skills, fundamentals of seasoning, marinating, sauce-making, safely working with proteins, and much more!

☀️Today, we honor all the hardworking folks with well-deserved relaxation and tasty treats! Happy Labor Day. 🍴

Summer may be ending, but the memories we've made with our amazing campers will last forever. ☀️💛

👩‍🍳 Thank you for an unforgettable few months and we can’t wait to see you all again soon!

We are hiring part time instructors and assistants to lead cooking classes and private events for kids, families & adults! Join our passionate, fun and hard working culinary crew as we build kitchen confidence and create memories in our kitchen for budding chefs of all ages! Apply now: https://tastebudskitchen-bannockburn.careerplug.com/

Sweeten your Labor Day gathering with our Red Velvet Whoopie Pies – a red, white, and blue delight! 🇺🇸🍪

Click here for the full recipe 👉 https://tastebudskitchen.com/blog/red-velvet-whoopie-pies/

⭐️ Pro tip: For extra festive treats, add red, white, and blue sprinkles!

What is your go-to Labor Day treat? 🤔

Make back-to-school a breeze with these quick and nutritious lunch ideas; they’re perfect for busy mornings. 🥪🍎

Try out these fun recipes:
🥪 Animal Face Sandwiches
🍕 Homemade Pizza Muffins
🍓 Yogurt Parfait
🧀 Sandwich Kabobs

They're guaranteed to please your little ones while making healthy eating hassle-free!

And just like that, 2024 summer camps are a wrap!! ☀️🧑‍🍳 We measured, mixed, whisked, chopped, grated, zested, sautéed, and kneaded like culinary champs!! Thanks to all who joined us and happy back to school to everyone! Come back to cook with us soon - we’ve got an awesome line-up of weekly after school classes, family classes, kids’ night out, and even school break camps on the calendar which is now posted through December (psst…even our gingerbread classes are up)! And we’re the perfect spot to host your next birthday party!
tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Looking for after-school activities that are both fun and educational? Join our cooking classes for enriching learning experiences! 🧑‍🍳👩‍👦‍👦

At Taste Buds Kitchen, our list of programs combines fun and learning for everyone!

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Quench your thirst with the ultimate summer drink! Classic Lemonade is the perfect way to cool down on those hot days. 🍋🥤 Here’s our recipe:

Ingredients:
⭐️ 1 cup fresh lemon juice
⭐️ 1 cup sugar
⭐️ 5 cups water
⭐️ Ice

Instructions:
⭐️ In a pitcher, mix the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
⭐️ Add water and stir well.
⭐️ Serve over ice and enjoy!

Happy National Lemonade Day. 🍋

Spice up your date night with a dash of romance and a pinch of fun! 👩‍🍳❤️👨‍🍳

🥂🍝 Join us at Taste Buds Kitchen for a couples' cooking class that's sure to whisk you off your feet! Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, our date night is time well spent.

So, grab your partner, and let's make some delicious memories together!

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Lookout! 😱 There’s a SHARK….

…CUPCAKE! 🦈🧁 🌊
These little chefs circled the depths of the ocean (aka mixed all the tasty ingredients to make their cupcakes from scratch and color them blue) before using their fins to decorate then devour like a hungry shark!

Our caregiver & me classes run every Saturday at 9am for ages 2-8 with different menus weekly!

Do you want to throw an unforgettable birthday bash without the stress? Celebrate with a cooking party and let us handle the planning! 🎉🎂

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Searching for an activity that everyone in the family will enjoy? Discover the joy of cooking together at Taste Buds Kitchen! 🌟

🍕👩‍👦‍👦 Celebrate National Son & Daughter Day by bringing the whole family to one of our exciting cooking classes.

From making delicious pizzas to baking mouthwatering cookies and exploring new recipes, our classes are the perfect way to bond and create lasting memories.

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Our campers have had a blast this summer at our Campfire Classics Camp and these S’mores Brownie Bars were a hit. 🍫🔥

Need a good excuse to make this fun recipe? Today is National S’mores Day!

Check out our blog post for the full menu 👉 https://tastebudskitchen.com/blog/campfire-classics-camp/

☀️🍽️🎉 Summer is still sizzling and so are our kitchens at Taste Buds Kitchen! From exciting camps to Caregiver & Me classes, we've got a menu full of fun.

Even though school is right around the corner, let’s keep the summer vibes going!

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Here’s the inside scoop on picking the best watermelon this summer! 🌞

🍉 Check the Field Spot: Look for the yellow spot on the watermelon, which is known as the field spot. This is where the watermelon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. The darker the yellow, the sweeter the watermelon!

🍉 Tap for a Deep Sound: Give the watermelon a good tap. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound, indicating that it's full of water and ready to be enjoyed. A dull sound could mean the watermelon is overripe.

🍉 Feel the firmness: If the watermelon is too squishy, it's overripe. You want it nice and firm to ensure it's just right.

Check out our blog post for some fun watermelon facts 👉 https://tastebudskitchen.com/blog/watermelon-heaven/

Happy International Day of Friendship! 😊 No matter the distance, let's celebrate the ties that bring us together and add joy to our lives.

Cooking and baking have a special way of bringing friends closer. 💖

Tag your cooking buddies and invite them to join you for a TBK cooking class! Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Discover the secret to keeping your avocados fresh and green with this clever hack! 🥑

🧅 Store with an onion!
Onions release sulfur gases, which can help prevent the oxidation (browning) of the avocado.

⬇️ Here's how to use this method:

✨ Cut the Avocado: Only use what you need and keep the pit in the uneaten portion.

✨ Container Prep: Place chopped onion in an airtight container. It can be a red or white onion.

✨ Place the Avocado: Put the cut side of the avocado face-down on the chopped onion in the container.

✨ Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the container tightly and store it in the fridge. The onion will help keep the avocado green and fresh for a few days.

Here are some additional tips:

🍋 Lemon or Lime Juice: If you don't want to use onion, brushing the exposed surface of the avocado with lemon or lime juice can also help prevent browning. The citric acid in these juices helps to reduce oxidation.

🥑 Plastic Wrap: Tightly wrapping the cut avocado with plastic wrap, ensuring minimal air is trapped against the surface, can also help prevent browning.

💧 Water Method: For short-term storage (like overnight), you can also place the cut avocado face down in a container with some water. This method helps prevent air from reaching the exposed surface, keeping it fresh.

What's your go-to avocado dish? For us, it has to be avocado toast.

🍷🧀 Raise a toast to National Wine & Cheese Day! Elevate your tasting experience with these perfect pairings:

✨ Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux Blends - Pair beautifully with cheddar, gouda, and other hard cheeses.

✨ Pinot Noir - Perfectly complements brie and camembert.

✨ Rhône and Other Southern French Reds - Ideal for a French cheeseboard.

✨ Rioja - Best enjoyed with sheep cheeses like Manchego.

✨ Chianti - Delicious with parmigiano reggiano and pecorino.

✨ Port - Perfectly complements blue cheeses like stilton.

✨ Sauvignon Blanc - Enjoy with goat cheese, feta, and cheeses infused with garlic and herbs.

✨ Chardonnay - Pairs wonderfully with buttery cheddar.

✨ Pinot Grigio - Matches well with mozzarella and other mild Italian cheeses, perfect for an antipasti platter.

✨ Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines - Best paired with Vacherin Mont d’Or and Chaource.

Enjoy these delightful combinations and celebrate in style! 🥂 What's your go-to wine and cheese pairing? Share with us below! 🍇🧀

🍦 Scoop up some joy on National Ice Cream Day with our Ice Cream Cone Cupcake recipe! These treats are guaranteed to sweeten any summer celebration.

Ingredients:
⭐️ 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
⭐️ 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
⭐️ 1/4 tsp salt
⭐️ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
⭐️ 2 tbsp mayonnaise
⭐️ 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
⭐️ 2 eggs
⭐️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
⭐️ 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp milk
⭐️ 12 wafer cones
⭐️ 1 1/2 cups white buttercream frosting
⭐️ Toppings: sprinkles, cherries, chocolate chips

Instructions:
🔥 Preheat oven to 350°F.
🥄 Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
🍰 Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
🥛 Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.
🍦 Fill wafer cones 2/3 full with batter. Place in mini muffin pans.
⏲️ Bake for 10-12 minutes, until firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
🎂 Frost with buttercream and add toppings. Enjoy!

Are you ready to elevate your cooking game? At Taste Buds Kitchen, we believe everyone has the potential to be a culinary star. ⭐

🧑‍🍳 Embark on a journey with our fun and interactive cooking classes, designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills. Our expert chefs will mentor you through every step, ensuring you discover the pure joy of cooking. Join us and ignite your passion in the kitchen!

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

🌞🍉 Embrace summer with this refreshing Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad! Perfect for those sunny days, this salad is a burst of flavors that will keep you cool and satisfied.

Ingredients:
⭐️ 4 cups cubed watermelon (seedless)
⭐️ 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
⭐️ 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
⭐️ 2 tablespoons olive oil
⭐️ Juice of 1 lime
⭐️ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
🍉 Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
🧀 Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint over the watermelon.
🍋 Dress It Up: Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the salad. Gently toss to mix the flavors without breaking the watermelon cubes.
🧂 Season: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
❄️ Serve: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend beautifully.

What’s your favorite summer salad? Share in the comments! 🥗

Summer is for hosting BBQs! Get fired up with these TBK-approved grilling techniques and become the BBQ hero of the season.

🔥 Preheat the Grill: Remember to preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes. A sizzling hot grill seals in flavor, keeps the food juicy and prevents sticking.

🧽 Clean the Grate: After preheating, give the grate a good scrub with a grill brush to remove any leftover residue from previous cooking sessions. This helps prevent sticking and ensures delicious, clean flavors.

🍗 Oil the Food, Not the Grate: Lightly brush your food with oil or marinate it before placing it on the grill, instead of oiling the grates. This helps prevent flare-ups and sticking.

🌡️ Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meats are cooked to the correct temperature. This avoids undercooking or overcooking.

🔒 Keep the Lid Down: For consistent cooking temperatures, keep the grill lid closed as much as possible, which is crucial for thicker cuts of meat.

What did we miss? Let us know your favorite grilling technique below. ⬇️

Calling all Chocolate Lovers - ages 4-8! WE NEED YOU! We need at least 3 more budding chefs to ensure next week's Chocolate Factory Camp runs as planned! Join us for this 3-hour camp from July 15-19 to whip up batches of sweet and savory treats guaranteed to please even the pickiest palate! Sign up here: https://tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn/kids-cooking-camps/

☀️ Hey you, time's running out to join our Summer Camps! Secure your spot and get set for a summer of kitchen adventures. 🍴✨

Click here to get started 👉 tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn

Happy World Chocolate Day! 🍫 Let's dive into some sweet and fun chocolate facts:

🍪 Ancient Beverage: Chocolate started as a drink, not a snack! The ancient Mayans and Aztecs of Central America brewed a spicy, frothy beverage from roasted and ground cacao beans mixed with spices and water.

🍩 Valuable Currency: In ancient civilizations, cacao beans were so valuable that they were used as money. The Aztecs could buy a turkey hen for just 100 cacao beans!

🍫 World's Largest Chocolate Bar: In 2011, the UK chocolate company Thorntons made history by creating the world's largest chocolate bar, weighing an incredible 5,792.50 kilograms (12,770 lbs 4.48 oz).

🤎 Health Benefits: Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. Studies have shown that dark chocolate (with high cocoa content) can improve health and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

Psst! Fun fact: Dark chocolate has caffeine in it, too! 🍫

🇺🇸 Today, we pay tribute to the courageous heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Happy Memorial Day from Taste Buds Kitchen!

At Taste Buds Kitchen, we're mindful of allergies. 🚫✋

Our kitchen is an allergen-free zone, so everyone can enjoy the magic of cooking and tasting together! 🍽️💫

From gluten-free goodies to nut-safe treats, we've got you covered. Tag your foodie friends who need to know this! 😋👇

Get ready to spice up your holiday season because Gingerbread magic is here! 🍪🎅 The cozy aroma, the sweet decorations – it's the time to gather around and bake up some unforgettable memories. 🌟👩‍🍳 Whether you're a seasoned gingerbread pro or a newbie, we've got something deliciously fun in store for you. Let's mix, bake, and decorate our way into the most wonderful time of the year! Are you excited? We sure are! 🎉

👉 Get started at the link in our bio!

Hugs, high-fives, and a whole lot of gratitude! 🤗✋ "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Happy Turkey Day, foodie friends! 🦃 Today, we're trading in our aprons for stretchy pants, but our hearts are full of gratitude for each and every one of you! 🧡 Whether you're a tiny chef in the making or a seasoned kitchen pro, we're thankful you're part of our Taste Buds Kitchen family. Laugh, learn, and pass the gravy! 🍽️👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

Sending a sprinkle-covered shoutout to our wonderful Palo Alto location on its special day! 🥳 Your culinary creativity has truly warmed our hearts. From rolling dough to sharing laughter, you've made every moment in the kitchen unforgettable. Here's to more years of cooking up magic together! 🍳🌟 Happy Birthday, Taste Buds Kitchen Palo Alto! 🎈🎂 If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, drop by our kitchen!

Cheers to sipping and savoring the flavors of the season together! 🥰 Today, we're not just stirring the pot; we're stirring up fun because it's National Apple Cider Day! 🍎 Get ready to cozy up with the ultimate fall treat: a steaming mug of delicious apple cider. Laugh, learn, and cook your way to a heartwarming classic with us at Taste Buds Kitchen! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

👉 https://tastebudskitchen.com/apple-cider/

Hip, hip, hooray! Join us in giving a shoutout to our beloved San Jose South kitchen on their special day! 🥳🍰 From delicious recipes to delightful memories, your kitchen adventures have truly sprinkled joy. Here's to another year of mixing, sizzling, and baking together. Happy Birthday, Taste Buds Kitchen San Jose South🎈🌟 If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, drop by our kitchen!

Ready to turn your holiday into a candy-filled adventure? 🎄✨ Join us in the kitchen for Gingerbread House creating fun! Whether you're a pro decorator or just starting, this is your chance to create a sugary masterpiece. 🍭🏰 Don't forget to tag to share your delightful creations and spread the seasonal spirit.

Let's build, decorate, and cherish memories together!

Get started here! 👉 tastebudskitchen.com

Happy Diwali! As we celebrate this luminous Festival of Lights, let's cherish the rich flavors and traditions that bring us together. May your homes be filled with joy, love, and the delightful aromas of festive cooking. 🪔🌟