Melissa's Kitchen, Inc.

06/15/2026

Lots of spots open for my 7/28/26 hands on Summer Garden Focaccia at Marcel’s in Glen Ellyn! This is a great class to do with a friend…would also make a great birthday gift!!!

In this technique-based class, we’ll turn seasonal ingredients into stunning garden-inspired focaccia bread. Using vibrant herbs, vegetables, and creative techniques, you’ll design your own focaccia masterpiece that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Each guest will craft a personalized focaccia to take home - and enjoy warm, freshly baked bread with cheese and charcuterie during class. It’s a flavorful, fun way to honor the season’s harvest and unleash your inner bread artist.

On the menu:
Take Home: Homemade Focaccia with Summer Herbs & Veggies
Marché Cheese & Charcuterie during class

Wine and Beer included in class.
10% discount on all regularly priced merchandise during class.

Sign up link in my bio.

06/14/2026

Let’s bring back the school cookbook!!! Last week a grade school friend shared recipes from a cookbook from our grade school in Western Springs. I don’t remember this but love seeing all the family names and especially some recipes from my mom. I don’t remember them all but do remember the spinach crepes (which apparently was my fav) 🌱💚

06/05/2026

Early June garden harvest! I’m finally catching up on the garden before the rain. We have lots of veggies to eat!!!

Here’s my plan for them:
- Radishes - eat the bottoms raw in a salad and try the greens in a new sandwich spread recipe based on sunflower seeds 🌞
- Bok choy & Chinese broccoli - big Asian greens stir fry for lunch today 🌱
- Arugula - pesto to freeze and maybe grilled pizza with prosciutto & arugula (my favorite!) 🍕

05/31/2026

Rhubarb has so many uses beyond just jam! Last week at Prairie Food Co-op, we spent the evening exploring the many uses of rhubarb in my “Cooking with Rhubarb: More Than Just Jam” class. It was wonderful to bring together a group of co-op owners and gardeners to enjoy rhubarb in a variety of seasonal dishes.
 
On the menu:
🌿 Ginger Rhubarb Mocktail
🌿 Rhubarb Mint Smoothie
🌿 Beet Salad with Quick Pickled Rhubarb
🌿 Savory Rhubarb & Lentil Curry
 
One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching people discover a completely new way to use an ingredient they thought they already knew. Rhubarb’s unique flavor and tartness really shine when paired with fresh seasonal herbs, warming spices, and sweet ingredients.
 
Thank you to everyone who joined me and made it such a fun evening. I especially enjoyed sharing ideas and inspiration for even more ways to cook with rhubarb. I hope you’re enjoying your quick pickled rhubarb and finding new ways to celebrate rhubarb’s short season.
 
If you’re interested in upcoming seasonal cooking classes, please message me your email address. Upcoming classes are shared through my periodic emails and on social media.
 

05/28/2026

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

New class! Cooking with Rhubarb: More than Just Jam

Wednesday, May 27 | 6:00–7:30 pm
Prairie Food Co-op, Lombard, IL

Looking for new ways to use rhubarb beyond traditional sweet jams? In this demonstration class, we’ll explore the versatility of seasonal rhubarb in both sweet and savory dishes. You’ll learn how to prepare rhubarb raw, roasted, and quick-pickled, while discovering how to balance its tart flavor.
 
Enjoy a variety of seasonal recipes and leave with recipes to recreate each dish at home.
 
In this class, you’ll enjoy tasting size portions of:
·      Ginger rhubarb mocktail
·      Rhubarb mint smoothie
·      Beet salad with pickled rhubarb
·      Savory rhubarb and lentil curry

Signup link in my bio and on Eventbrite