SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025 | 11 AM
with Chef Erin Valadez, MS, RD, LD, CCMS, and founder of NWA Culinary Wellness
Join Chef Erin in the HKS Kitchen for an intimate cooking class celebrating traditional Ukrainian family recipes from her childhood. Upon arrival, you’ll be served borscht, a soul-warming beet soup just like the one that filled chef’s grandparents' home with the most incredible aroma. Then you’ll dive into making Ukrainian potato dumplings (varenyky) filled with potatoes, cheese, onion, and bacon. A summer tradition at chef’s grandparents' table, these tender dumplings are rolled, filled, and pinched by hand—just as her Opa and aunt used to do with family and friends gathered around. For dessert, you’ll bake Oma’s cherry bars (chereshnyanyk). Described as simple, nostalgic comfort, this beginner-friendly treat is extra moist and rich with almond flour and requires no fancy crusts or decorating skills.
Whether you're new to the kitchen or already love to cook, you’ll leave feeling confident about these recipes and connected to the stories behind them. As chef’s Opa always said, the best ingredient is the love you put into your cooking, and she can’t wait to share that philosophy with you. Recipes will be provided. Tickets are priced per person.
*All class ticket sales are final. No refunds or credit transfers to other classes are available. If you purchase a ticket and are unable to attend, please contact us to check our waitlist.*
MEET THE CHEF
