Zest Cooking School

🍂 Autumn Cooking Classes Are Here! 🍂

We're excited to announce that our fall cooking classes are now posted! Dive into the season with classes full of fresh fall produce, delicious pastry sessions, and unique date night and special event experiences.

Whether you're looking to hone your culinary skills or enjoy a fun evening out, we've got something for everyone.

Check them out http://classes.zestchef.com now and reserve your spot!

Zest Kids Cooking Camps are officially in session! 🍳👩‍🍳 We’re thrilled to see our young chefs in action, learning and having fun in the kitchen.
We still have a few spots left for our Teen Camp, happening June 25-27. Teens will get the chance to cook with a wide array of herbs and even create their own herb garden to take home! 🌿🌱

Secure your spot today and let’s make this summer deliciously memorable! 🍽️

Sign up at https://classes.zestchef.com

🌿🍴✨ Our recent farm-to-table cooking class was a delicious success! 🍅🌽 We whipped up culinary delights using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. From vibrant salads to hearty mains, desserts and cocktails, it was a celebration of flavor and sustainability. Can't wait for the next one!

🌞 Exciting News!🌞

Summer Cooking Classes are LIVE! 🎉

Join us for a culinary adventure this summer!
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, our lineup of summer cooking classes has something for everyone.

From refreshing seasonal and local ingredients in Farm to Table Classes to mouthwatering Seafood recipes and delectable desserts, there's no better way to celebrate the season than by mastering new culinary skills at Zest Cooking School!

Check out our class schedule and reserve your spot today!

http://zestchef.com

🍽️✨

🍝🇰🇷 Recent Cooking Classes Recap! 🌟

🍝 Our Fresh Pasta and Noodles Class was a hit! 🍝 We twirled, sauced, and tasted our way through homemade pasta perfection. Thanks to all who joined us for this carb-filled adventure! 🍴

🇰🇷 And let's not forget our Korean Cooking Class! 🇰🇷 From bulgogi to kimbap and kimchi, we explored the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine. Thanks to everyone who joined us in discovering the magic of Korean cooking! 🥢

Stay tuned for more delicious adventures in the kitchen! 🍽️

Team Zest Cooking School

🍀✨ We all had an absolute blast at St. Patrick's Day Cooking with Beer class! 🍺👩‍🍳 From ale-steamed mussels to vodka-lager fried fish and indulgent milk stout pudding, every dish was a flavorful adventure! 🐟🍮 Cheers to good food, good company, and the luck of the Irish! 🌈🍻

BEAUTIFUL NEW CHALK ART BOARD AT Zest Cooking School. Sign up for our Spring classes http://classes.zestchef.com and come check it out!

OUR SPRING COOKING CLASS SCHEDULE IS LIVE!

https://classes.zestchef.com

🌷✨ Dive into the vibrant world of flavors with our Spring Cooking Classes 🌞🍴 Elevate your culinary skills and create unforgettable memories in the kitchen. 🌼 Join us for a season of delicious discoveries and culinary adventures that bring joy to life! 🌈👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 🌺🌿

🎁✨ Give the gift of delicious memories this Christmas! 🍽️🎄 Our Cooking Classes are the perfect present for foodies and aspiring chefs. 🎅👩‍🍳 Treat your loved ones to a fun and flavorful experience they'll cherish. Gift certificates available! 🎉👨‍🍳

https://classes.zestchef.com

🍹✨ Exciting news! Just added one last class for 2023:

Winter Cocktails and Bar Snacks! 🌬️❄️ Join us on 12/16, 6-8pm, for a hands-on experience crafting festive drinks and tasty snacks. From Spiced Mulled Wine to Sticky Korean Chicken Wings, we've got your winter cravings covered! 🎉🔥 Limited spots, so grab yours now! 📅

Spiced Mulled Wine
Early Grey Lavender Hot Chocolate
Burned Sugar Hot Buttered Rum
Coquito
Sticky Korean Chicken Wings
Roasted Lemon, Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Cheater Doughnuts with Brown Butter Glaze
When: Saturday 12/16/2023 6-8pm

Ages: 21 and up.

🍲✨ Recap from our Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking Class with Valerie Baer on 10/28! ✨🍂

We had a delightful time whisking up traditional flavors and cozy vibes in our kitchen with the incredible Valerie Baer. From roasted hog maw and scrapple to scrumptious wet bottom shoo fly pie, it was a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch perfection!

👩‍🍳 Thanks to everyone who joined in and made it a memorable culinary journey. Stay tuned for more mouthwatering adventures! 🧡🥧

🍳🔥 Hey Culinary Crew! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 Apologies for the radio silence lately - we've been too busy turning up the heat in the kitchen! 🔥🔪 From Brazilian and Indian Fall Comfort Food Classes to Kids Lunch Clubs and learning new skills to mastering the art of cooking with a Wok, our cooking school has been a whirlwind of deliciousness this season.

But fear not, foodie friends! We've got a buffet of amazing creations lined up to share with you. 🍲

The Anne Beiler event is at the downtown Lititz store, 30 E Main St. The store will be closed until 3:00 today in order to host this event. Registration is full. The store will be open 3-7 today.
The Stonewall Kitchen expansion and Spice Shoppe will be open 10-7 today. Enter through our door at 34 E Main St.

🍁✨ Our Indian Fall Comfort Food Cooking Class was a Delicious Success! ✨🍛

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing participants who joined us for an unforgettable culinary journey through the flavors of India. 🙌🇮🇳

👨‍🍳 Our talented chef Zahira shared the art of creating fragrant Chicken Curry, Roasted Spiced Gobi, and Chana Masala! 🍂🍽️

We still have 2 spots for our next Indian Cooking Class on October 25th! register here http://classes.zestchef.com

Happy Fall!

You're invited to a very special Cooking Demonstration and Q&A with Auntie Anne Beiler on Friday, September 29 from 1-2pm at Zest! 🥨

This is a FREE event, but registration is required at the link below!

Anne is the founder of Auntie Anne's, the world’s largest, mall-based, international pretzel franchise with over 1700 locations worldwide in 24 countries and 48 states; the founder of Broken Silence, LLC; co-founder of the Family Center of Gap, a community center focused on bringing together the resources families and individuals need to thrive in life; co-founder of Family Resource & Counseling Center, a non-profit organization focused on seeing lives transformed through counseling services; and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine and one of America’s 500 Women Entrepreneurs by Working Woman.

This is a can't miss event — register today, as space is limited! (Please note that our store will be closed until after the event.)

Free Event: Cooking Demonstration and Q&A with Anne Beiler Special Event at Zest!Cooking Demonstration and Q&A with Anne Beiler

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

The most delicious time of the year is upon us, and we're thrilled to announce that our Holiday Cooking Classes are now LIVE! 🎅👩‍🍳🎄

🍂 From mastering the art of festive feasts to creating mouthwatering holiday treats, we have a lineup that will make your holiday season truly special.

🔥 Get cooking for stress free Thanksgiving.
🍰 Bake and decorate stunning holiday desserts.
🎁 Craft homemade edible gifts.
🥧 Learn how to bake the most delicious pies.

And that's just the start! Visit our website to explore the full schedule and reserve your spot. Hurry, because these classes fill up fast!

Let's make this holiday season one to remember with the joy of cooking and the warmth of shared moments!

http://classes.zestchef.com
🍽️🎁👨‍🍳

🌟✨ Exciting News! ✨🌟

While you're gearing up for a well-deserved Labor Day weekend break, we're hard at work behind the scenes, crafting something truly special for the upcoming holiday season. 🍂🦃

Get ready to savor the flavors of the season with our holiday cooking classes! 🍽️🎄 From cozy Thanksgiving feasts to festive Christmas delights, we're putting together a lineup that will fill your holiday table with joy.

Stay tuned for the grand reveal of our holiday class schedule! Until then, enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and get ready to make your holidays even more delicious with Zest Cooking School. 🎉👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

It just doesn't get any better than this town and the businesses that thrive within its borders.

Today we're feeling extra proud as LNP + Lancaster Online has announced the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards for the best businesses in the county. It was no surprise to us that Lititz earned multiple mentions!

Scoring top honors in their field are...
Favorite Gift Shop: Purple Robin Reserve
Favorite Women's Clothing Store: Clemintines
Favorite Kitchen Store: Zest
Favorite Place to Take a Cooking Class: Zest Cooking School
Favorite Place to Have Tea: A Tea Affair - Lititz
Favorite Pharmacy: Lititz Apothecary
Favorite Tattoo Parlor: Kingdom Ink Tattoo
Favorite Travel Agent: Outfitters Adventure Travel LLC
Favorite Movie Theater: Penn Cinema

Scoring in top 3...
Antiques: Olde Brick House Shoppes
Books: Aaron's Books
Cards: Bunyaad
Rugs: Bunyaad
Women's Clothing: Tiger's Eye
Candy: Candy*ology and Wilbur Chocolate
Homemade Chocolate: Wilbur Chocolate
Subs and Hoagies: Bruno's of Lititz
Gourmet Food: The Savory Gourmet
Pizza: Roma's Pizza
Burritos: Chilangos Authentic Mexican Restaurante
Paint: Grauers Paint & Decorating Center
And earning a top-three in Floors, Countertops, Grills, Hardware, Outdoor Furniture and Window Treatments: Bomberger's Store

Please join us in sending a big thank-you to all the small business owners and employees who make shopping in Lititz a world-class experience!

📸: Tom Roe Photography - no doubt one of our most loved photographers! 😉

🍜✨ Throwback to Our Thai Takeout Cooking Class! ✨🌶️

Spices sizzling, aromas swirling – our Thai Takeout Cooking Class was an absolute flavor fiesta! 🇹🇭 From crafting mouthwatering Pad Thai to nailing aromatic Green Coconut Curry, we embarked on a culinary journey that left our taste buds in awe. 🍛👩‍🍳

Big thanks to our talented instructor Hannah Ten Eyck Smith for guiding us through the vibrant world of Thai cuisine. Your expertise made every stir-fry and sauce creation a breeze! 🙌👨‍🍳

🤗👏 Let's keep those aprons on for more gastronomic escapades in the future. 🌮🍣🍜

🍑👩‍🍳 Just had the most delightful cooking class featuring local PEACHES last week with our Chef Linda Leeking! 🍽️👨‍🍳 We diced, sautéed, and baked our way to peachy perfection. 🥧🍹 From peach kuchen to peaches and avocado salad, we explored a medley of flavors that left us craving for more. 😋🎉 Who knew peaches could be so versatile and delicious?

The story of Zest!

For us, the shops that line our streets aren't just a collection of buildings and products, but a family of people - all with a range of stories to tell about how they landed in Lititz and what inspired them to start their businesses.

This is the story of Zest, as told by Food is Love Lancaster. Click the link below to meet Sharon Landis - our neighbor, our friend, a talented chef, and the special kind of person who meets other talented folks and invites them in. Sharon hasn't just grown her own shop, she's helped to grow our town. That's the magic of Lititz. ❤️

📸: Tom Roe Photography

https://foodislovelancaster.com/stories/zest

"🇪🇸 ¡Viva España! 🍳 Earlier this month we went on a culinary adventure to Spain without leaving home! 🌞🌴 All attendees immersed themselves in the flavors of Spanish cuisine with our exclusive date night cooking class. 🍷🍅

_____________________________________________________
Gazpacho is a refreshing and delicious cold soup from Spain, perfect for hot summer days. It's made with fresh vegetables and served chilled. Here's a classic Gazpacho recipe:

Ingredients:

4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups tomato juice or vegetable broth
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of hot sauce (optional, for some heat)
Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic.
2. Blend the vegetables until they are pureed and smooth.
While the blender is running, gradually add the tomato juice (or vegetable broth) to the mixture, blending until well combined.
3. Add the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Blend again until everything is fully incorporated and the soup reaches the desired consistency. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
4. Taste the Gazpacho and adjust the salt, vinegar, or lemon juice as needed to balance the flavors.
5. Pour the Gazpacho into a large bowl or airtight container, and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.
6. Before serving, give the Gazpacho a good stir. If the soup has thickened, you can add a little more tomato juice or water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Garnish each serving with fresh basil or cilantro, and drizzle with some extra-virgin olive oil if you like.
8. Serve the chilled Gazpacho in bowls or glasses and enjoy this refreshing and healthy summer soup!
9. Gazpacho is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Some people like to add a splash of sherry vinegar for an extra touch of flavor. You can also top it with diced cucumbers, croutons, or avocado for additional texture. Enjoy!

ZEST: A Legacy In The Making — Food is Love If you’ve ever visited Lititz, then you’ve probably seen the notorious lemon storefront sign – the one that exclaims its message to all walking by, Zest!

🍂 Fall Cooking Classes Now Available! 🍂

Get ready to embrace the flavors of the season with our exciting lineup of Fall Cooking Classes! Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these classes are designed to inspire and delight your taste buds. From hearty soups and comforting stews to delectable baked goods and festive treats, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Join our experienced chefs as they guide you through the autumn-inspired recipes that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Learn to create delicious dishes using seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. Discover the secrets behind perfecting fall favorites such as pumpkin spice desserts, cozy casseroles, and savory roasted vegetables.

In our hands-on cooking classes, you'll gain valuable skills, expand your culinary repertoire, and make new friends who share your passion for food. Whether you're looking to impress your loved ones with a holiday feast or simply want to master the art of fall cooking, our classes are the perfect opportunity to sharpen your culinary prowess.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to elevate your fall cooking game and create unforgettable dishes. Visit our website or give us a call to book your spot in our Fall Cooking Classes today. Hurry, spaces are limited! Let's savor the flavors of autumn together. 🍁🍽️

https://classes.zestchef.com
Zest Cooking School

To all serious grillers and novices! We are welcoming Summer and outdoor cooking with open arms and are offering a few grilling, bbq, and cookout classes.

Just look at these beautiful, delicious pictures from Chef Hannah's Backyard BBQ Kickoff cooking class.

Hannah is sharing her MESQUITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN FROSTING recipe with y'all!

Makes 10 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

For the cupcakes:

6 Tbsp (85 gm) unsalted butter
6 oz (170 gm) bittersweet chocolate (65-75%) chopped
⅓ cup (80gm) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (40gm) mesquite flour
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, separated

For the Frosting:

6 oz (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 cups confectioners ’sugar
½ tsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste, or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350f degrees and line a muffin tin with cupcake papers.
2. In a large metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together.
3. Remove the bowl from the heat and add half of the sugar plus all of the mesquite flour, salt, vanilla, and the egg yolks.
4. Using a hand blender or stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, whip the egg whites along with the remaining sugar to medium soft peaks.
5. Fold the egg whites, ⅓ at a time, into the chocolate mixture until no streaks remain.
6. Divide the batter among 10 cupcake papers.
7. Bake until puffed and just beginning to crack, about 20 minutes.
8. For the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add butter. Whip butter on medium-high speed until pale, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
9. Add remaining ingredients and start on low speed whip, stopping to wipe down the bowl as needed, until well combined.
10. Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes and serve.

There are still some spots left in out Summer Classes! Register here https://classes.zestchef.com

Happy Summer Cooking!

HAPPY JUNE 1st!

Today, at Zest Cooking School we are saying "Hello!" to our Summer Semester. Its brimming with amazing classes, a few Special events and guest-chef appearances, and as always absolutely wonderful classes from our experienced regular Chefs!
Most of the classes are near sold out, however there are still some spots left in these:

6/10 Special Event! Granita, Sorbet, and Ice Cream with guest pastry chef Benjamin Bishop
6/15 Foraging 101
6/19 Summer Sizzling seafood
6/20 Summer Fish Fry
7/13 Knife Skills
7/20 JUST ADDED! Date Night Fresh Noodles and Pasta!
7/26 3 hour Masterclass: Grilling
7/28 JUST ADDED! Dumplings 101
8/10 Date Night: Spanish Tapas Bar
8/15 Parent and Child: Back to School, Healthy and Delicious
8/23 Indian Cooking for Summer Nights
8/25 Trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan

Hurry up and sign up here https://classes.zestchef.com

Looking forward to a delicious Summer, with you!

Team Zest!

Last night we had our monthly Parent/Grandparent and child class at Zest Cooking School!
We had so much fun and and made an absolutely delicious dinner!

Here is a seasonal recipe from our Instructor Valarie Baer for you to try out at home with your little chefs:

SPRING GREENS AND STRAWBERRY SALAD

Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

For the Dressing:

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard'
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp table salt
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Salad:

6 handfuls fresh baby greens or baby spinach, torn or cut to manageable pieces
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 or 2 thin slices red onion, quartered.
Crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese or cheese of choice
1/2 cup toasted or candied pecans
fresh ground black pepper and Maldon sea salt, as needed to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients, set aside.

2. Place all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Drizzle on the dressing. Toss and serve immediately.

We still have some spots left in our Teen Summer Camp for June and July. Sign up at https://classes.zestchef.com

Happy Cooking!

Team, Zest!

May has sprung and we have been so busy in the last couple weeks at Zest Cooking School !!!
From Kentucky Derby, and Stuffed Pasta from Scratch, to Tacos and Ceviche and Cinco de Mayo we sure had lots of fun! Just look at the photos!

We would like for you to try this amazing Ceviche Recipe that we have made and it wowed even those who just came from Peru!

Shrimp ceviche

Ingredients:

-1 lbs high-quality medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail removed, cut into thin pieces
-1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
-1 cup peeled, seeded and finely chopped cucumber
-1 cup seeded and finely chopped tomato
-1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
-1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 diced avocado
-1 Serrano chili pepper, deveined, seeded and minced
-Kosher salt, for seasoning

To serve:

-Tortilla chips
-Bottled hot sauce
-Lime wedges, optional

Instructions:

1. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup lime juice and let stand for 15 minutes so the shrimp can "cook" in the lime juice (any less and it won't cook, any more and it toughens).
2. Meanwhile, in a separate large mixing bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup lime juice, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro, red onions and Serrano chili to incorporate evenly.
3. Transfer the mixed vegetables into the shrimp bowl and mix well to incorporate. Season the ceviche with some salt.
4. Serve with tortilla chips, bottled hot sauce and lime wedges, if desired.

Enjoy the photos, and sign up for our Summer classes here:
https://classes.zestchef.com

Kids & Teen Camps are selling quickly! Reserve your spot today!

Beat the heat and join us sometime this summer!https://classes.zestchef.com/

Zest! - Lititz, PA - Home Goods, Premium Herbs and Spices, & More! Zest! is a specialty cooking store. Zest! offers the highest quality of gourmet foods, premium herbs & spices, kitchen gadgets, cookware, & much more!