Big Flavors Library Cooking Programs
Is your library looking for fun, interactive food programming?
I’ve been partnering with libraries on various cooking programs since 2018. I’ve created classes for library patrons of all ages, and am thrilled to add your library to the mix!
My classes are laid back and interactive, as I encourage people to really enjoy cooking at home for themselves and their loved ones.
With a wide array of recipes and cooking techniques to offer, I just know that we’ll find the perfect class for your program’s needs.
Feel free to reach out via my contact form so we can discuss class options.
If you’re looking for other types of classes, you can find more information about private cooking classes here. If you’re looking for public classes, check out my full events schedule.
Jump To:
- How virtual cooking classes work
- Examples of class themes and recipes
- What librarians are saying about working with me
- Patron feedback from Big Flavors cooking programs
- Librarian recommendations for working with Big Flavors
How virtual cooking classes work
For my classes, I put together printable recipe cards for the participants as well as a list of any kitchen equipment/tools that are needed. I then send that as a PDF, along with recipe photos to be used for promotion, to the librarians ahead of time so they can send them out to registrants.
Typically libraries will set up a Zoom session and I’ll join 10-15 minutes early to get set up as co-host and make sure my cameras and everything are set up and good to go.
I have a professional lighting, video, and audio setup with 2 cameras to make sure everything is easy to see so that patrons are able to follow along.
Classes usually run for an hour, and I welcome questions and audience participation/feedback throughout the entire process. We have a lot of fun together!
Examples of class themes and recipes
I have taught many, many different classes to kids, teens, adults, and families over the years. I have experience teaching everything from breakfast and brunch recipes to picnic and lunchbox-friendly spreads, appetizers and hors d’oeuvres for entertaining, family-friendly dinners, and delicious desserts.
There are many options to choose from, and I’m also happy to work with any themes or requests that your library has. Many of my recipes are flexible enough to be made with meat-free alternatives if that’s something that you think is of interest to your patrons.
Here are a few examples of classes that I offer:
- Option 1: Classic American Meal
- Our Favorite Sloppy Joe Sandwiches (can be made with ground meat or vegan ground meat substitute)
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Lemony Roasted Green Beans
- Option 2: Breakfast for Dinner
- Challah French Toast
- Macerated Strawberries
- Option 3: Middle Eastern Sheet Pan Dinner
- Broiler Kebab (can be made with ground meat or vegan ground meat substitute)
- Mast-o-Khiar (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)
- Basmati Rice
- Option 4: Plant-based Flatbread Night
- Falafel Spiced Chickpea Flatbreads
- Homemade Tzatziki
- Option 5: Plant-Based Taco Night
• Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Chimichurri
• Homemade Restaurant-stye Guacamole
- Option 6: Single Skillet Comfort Food
- Skillet Lasagna (can be made with ground meat or vegan ground meat substitute)
- Garlic Bread
- Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Option 7: Middle Eastern Salad
- Middle Eastern Fattoush Salad
- Homemade Pita Chips
- Sumac Vinaigrette
- Option 8: Cozy Comfort Food
- (Optionally Spicy) Three Bean Chili
- Sweet Corn Muffins
- Option 9: Pancake Pajama Party
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
- Peppermint Whipped Cream
- Option 10: Entertaining Favorites
- Garlicky Goat Cheese + Herb Stuffed Peppadews
- Homemade Hummus with Seasoned Pita Chips
- Option 11: Make-Ahead Party Appetizers
- Gorgonzola Fruit Torta
- Layered Taco Dip with Refried Beans
You can also view my current events schedule here.
What librarians are saying about working with me
“I enjoy your positive personality and the breadth of knowledge that you share with our library patrons. In addition, I really appreciate how well-prepared you are and how thought-out the program is. You also build personal relationships with patrons which is one of the key things that libraries do and why libraries are so important to communities.”
-Catherine R., Assistant Director at the Rye Free Reading Room
“There’s never a dull moment — Ashley is always doing something or talking about something that her audience can learn from!”
-Gina E., Children’s Librarian at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library
“I appreciate your positive attitude! Great recipes.”
-Diana L., Head of Adult Services at the Ossining Public Library
“I enjoy your upbeat personality and the fact that you are really good with kids!”
-Terre T., Teen Librarian Assistant, Somers Library
“Great photos and recipe instructions. Good, clear, friendly instructions.”
-Alexa B., Adult Programming and Promotions Librarian, Mt. Pleasant Public Library
Patron feedback from Big Flavors cooking programs
“Our patrons love the programs and the recipes, but honestly, I think that they mostly love your personality and tune in to get a dose of positivity.”
-Catherine R., Assistant Director at the Rye Free Reading Room
“My patrons really enjoy cooking with you and would love to come back for more.”
-Gina E., Children’s Librarian at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library
“Fun…great recipes….clear and easy to follow, good directions….they like the videos…”
-Diana L., Head of Adult Services at the Ossining Public Library
“They love the food.”
-Terre T., Teen Librarian Assistant, Somers Library
Librarian recommendations for working with Big Flavors
“10/10 would recommend for all of the reasons that I stated above; your relationship with the patrons, your expertise and planning, your positivity and your punctuality and conscientiousness. I would say that you are a favorite with our patrons and that your programs are fun, well thought out, and informative.”
-Catherine R., Assistant Director at the Rye Free Reading Room
“10/10 would recommend to other librarians considering working with Ashley – I have no complaints!”
-Gina E., Children’s Librarian at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library
“10/10 would recommend. Ashley is fun and personable and easy to work with! She understands libraries’ unique situations in planning programs, funding, staffing, etc. and is very flexible.”
-Diana L., Head of Adult Services at the Ossining Public Library
“10/10 would recommend. It’s a fun program, it gets the whole family together and teaches life skills.”
-Terre T., Teen Librarian Assistant, Somers Library
Contact me to discuss how a Big Flavors library program can work for you!