Learn to make fresh pasta with Alessandra Meschini or the teams at the Culinary Annex or DSM Pasta Co.
Writer: Libby Nichols
Photos: Libby Nichols
Next time you’re planning a date, girls’ night or celebration, why not try a cooking class instead of dining out? It’s a fun way to get your creative juices flowing, hone your kitchen skills and savor delicious flavors along the way.
Des Moines offers so many classes — for different cuisines, skill levels and price points — that you’re sure to find something to spark your culinary curiosity and further your cooking ambitions. Here a few locally owned options we recommend:
Cooking with Alessandra
Alessandra Meschini brings the soul of her native Italy’s cuisine to her East Village cucina, offering hands-on classes that highlight traditional recipes and techniques. From ravioli to gnocchi and focaccia, each class is a journey to her homeland. She holds classes weekly, priced at $65 per person, with high demand, so booking early is recommended. Private or corporate events start at $1,000 for up to 14 people. Bring your favorite wine, and she’ll provide the glasses. cookingwithalessandra.com
Culinary Annex
Sushi, pierogies, dim sum, focaccia, cake decorating — you name it, the Culinary Annex teaches it. The cooking classes in West Des Moines, led by skilled instructors and talented local chefs, offer a chance to sharpen your skills, whether you’re mastering traditional dishes or experimenting with foodie trends. The Annex offers multiple classes each week, ranging from $65 to $115 per person, as well as private lessons and access to its commercial kitchen for rent. dsmculinary.com
DSM Pasta Co.
If pasta is your favorite food, DSM Pasta Co. has you covered. Kali and AJ Brudos make fresh, handmade pasta using locally sourced ingredients, and sell their ready-to-cook noodles online and at Moxie Kitchen + Events, a shared-use commercial kitchen that supports local food entrepreneurs and events. DSM Pasta Co. offers pasta-making classes at Moxie every Wednesday night for $50. They also send chefs to your home to lead demos and prepare three-course dinners for you and your friends, starting at $85 per person.
“Our pasta classes aren’t just about learning,” Kali said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy and connection that comes from sharing a meal you’ve made together from scratch.” dsmpastaco.com
Home Kneads
Up in Madrid, you’ll find Home Kneads, a baking school dedicated to sourdough. Twice a month on Sunday afternoons, they offer hands-on classes where you can learn to make artisanal bread from scratch. Fresh sourdough not only tastes incredible but also provides natural health benefits from the fermentation process. For $75, each class includes a sourdough starter and a printed recipe guide to kick-start your bread-making journey. Spots fill up months in advance, so be sure to reserve yours early. home-kneads.square.site
Kitchen Collage
Since it opened in 1999, this East Village shop has built a reputation for kitchenware and thoughtful gifts. It also offers classes in the back. They typically cost $55 per person, with options for hosting private sessions for larger groups, and cover a variety of practical how-to skills: to make taquitos, to bake a lemon meringue pie, to master knife skills, and so on. Most classes take place on the weekends. mykitchencollage.com
Libby Nichols owns and manages @meetdsm on Instagram.
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