To schedule a class at your library or organization email Kathleen: kathleen@gritsandgouda.com. Scroll down past the Holiday Cooking Show gallery for a list of past cooking classes in 2019-2024
7th Annual Holiday Cooking Show (2024)
The date is set for October 28, 2024 at 6pm at Gardendale Civic Center. Mark your calendars, now! More information coming this summer.
Get all the details!
Holiday Cooking Show is a fundraiser for Outdoor Ability Foundation, founded by Kathleen's husband and son.
Click on the link below for all the details about the show. To see our fun gallery of pictures from past shows, simply scroll down on this page.
2023 PAST Holiday Cooking Show information
Skip the long line at the silent auction
If you are a ticket holder, you can pay for silent auction paper tickets ahead of time at Outdoor Ability Foundation. We will have them already bundled for you in a separate line at the show.
2023 PAST Holiday Cooking Show flyer with sponsors
Past Holiday Cooking Shows Gallery
Past Cooking Classes
Instant Pot and Air Fryer Classes
January 9, 2023 6:00pm - FREE! Instant Pot Basics and Beyond - Are you asking for an Instant Pot for Christmas? Already have one but need some tips? Join me at Gardendale, AL Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, No reservations needed.
October 14, 2022 - FREE! Instant Pot Basics and Beyond - Are you asking for an Instant Pot for Christmas? Already have one but need some tips? Join me at Gardendale, AL Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, 10:30 am. No reservations needed.
April 29, 2022 - FREE! How to use an Air Fryer - Are you asking for an Air Fryer for Mothers Day or Fathers Day? I'll show you how to use both the basket-style and oven style air fryers! Join me at Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, 10:30 am. No reservations needed.
January 14, 2022 - FREE! How to use an Instant Pot - Did you get an Instant Pot for Christmas? I'll show you how to use it right out of the box! Join me at Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, 10:30 am. No reservations needed.
October 29, 2021 - FREE! How to make Shortcut Apple Pie (Galette) - Learn how to make this easy fall dessert that takes minutes to prepare but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen! Join me at Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, 10:30 am. No reservations needed.
August 9, 2021 - FREE! Shortcut Lunch Ideas for Back to School: For Both Kids and Parents.- How to pack a lunchbox (or lunch plate for home learners) with quick and easy choices for even picky eaters. I'll also have fast-fix ideas for parents working from home or struggling to have time to pack their own lunch for the office. Join me at Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, 6:30-7:30pm. No reservations needed. Door prize given.
June 21, 2021 - FREE! How to make Shortcut Summer Desserts- A lively and entertaining demonstration. I'll show you how to make 3 super easy summer desserts with shortcuts. Perfect for your 4th of July gathering, backyard cookout, pool party, lake or beach trip, or simply enjoy at home. Join me at Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 995 Rocket Way, Gardendale AL, 6:30-7:30pm. No reservations needed. Door prize given.
February 15 - King Cake Banana Pancakes- Tall and fluffy stacks of banana pancakes, drizzled with icing and decorated with purple, gold, and green sanding sugar to resemble Mardi Gra's King Cake. Join me on Gardendale Alabama Public Library Facebook page, 7:00pm. I'll make this Southern shortcut recipe and show you how to adapt it any holiday or special occasion. I will share it on my Grits and Gouda Facebook page later on that day. FREE!
December 14, 6:30pm- Jarcuterie: Charcuterie Board in a Jar!- On Facebook Live via Gardendale Public Library page. Jarcuterie is a play on the words charcuterie board. All the cured meats, cheese, and sweet and salty party snacks that are arranged on a charcuterie board are artfully stacked in a small Mason jar to create individual charcuterie servings. These jars eliminate guests (or family members) touching spreaders and serving utensils and perfect for portion control. I'll show you how to start with what you already have in your fridge and pantry.
August 10- Back to School Snacks- Some healthy, some simply yummy but all are easy and pantry/fridge/freezer friendly. It will either be at the Gardendale Public Library or via their Facebook Live page. TBD
July 16- Don't Have That? Use This! A pantry-friendly lesson in what to substitute when you don't have an ingredient in a recipe via Gardendale Alabama Public Library Facebook page, 7:00pm. I will share it on my Grits and Gouda Facebook page later on that day. FREE!
June 8- Beginner Air Fryer Class-FACEBOOK LIVE via Gardendale Alabama Public Library Facebook page, 6:30pm. I will share it on my Grits and Gouda Facebook page later on that day. How to cook with an air fryer. I will have 3 different styles/brands of air fryers. If you are thinking about anair fryer for a Fathers Day gift, this intro class is perfect! It does more than heat up French fries-you can bake in it! 30 minute class. FREE!
May 13- Beginner Instant Pot Class- FACEBOOK LIVE via Gardendale Alabama Public Library Facebook page, 2pm am. I will also share it on my Grits and Gouda Facebook page later on that day. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing a one dish pasta meal. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. If you are thinking about an Instant Pot for a Fathers Day gift, this intro class is perfect! 30 minute class. FREE!
April 28- Beginner Air Fryer Class- Clay Public Library, 6pm. How to use an air fryer. I will have 4 different styles/brands of air fryers. It does more than heat up French fries! Door prize. 6757 Old Springville Rd, Pinson, AL. (205) 680-3812. FREE! Canceled due to Covid-19
March 17- Beginner Instant Pot Class- Clay Public Library, 6pm. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing a one dish pasta meal. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. 6757 Old Springville Rd, Pinson, AL. (205) 680-3812. FREE! (Cancelled due to Corvid-19)
March 9- Intermediate Air Fryer Class- Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 6pm. No registration needed. Already taken the Beginner Air Fryer class and want to know more? We will dive a little deeper into what and how to cook in air fryers. Lots of time for your specific questions about how to use your own air fryer. You don't have to have taken the Beginner class! You will learn lots if this date works better for your busy schedule. Door prize. 995 Mt. Olive Road, Gardendale Alabama. FREE!
March 5- Beginner Instant Pot Class- Trussville Public Library, 6pm. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing a one dish pasta meal. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. 201 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL. (205) 655-2022. FREE!
March 2- Beginner Air Fryer Class- Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 6pm. Held at the Gardendale Civic Center! No registration needed. How to use an air fryer. I will have 4 different styles/brands of air fryers. It does more than heat up French fries! Door prize. 857 Main Street, Gardendale Alabama. FREE!
February 15- Home and Garden Show-Birmingham- Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center 2:30pm Cooking Stage. How to cook with an Air Fryer. Free with cost of admission to Home and Garden Show. Discount tickets available. Click here for more information on the show. Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs is this year's guest on main stage.
January 23- Beginner Instant Pot Class- Warrior Senior Center, 6pm. Call Robbie Oaks Long to register at 205-514-3434. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing a one dish pasta meal. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. 100 Church Street, Warrior Alabama. FREE!
January 13- Beginner Air Fryer Class- Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 6pm. No registration needed. How to use Did Santa give you an air fryer but you don't know how to even turn it on? It does more than heat up French fries! Come learn how to cook in an air fryer. 995 Mt. Olive Road, Gardendale Alabama. FREE!
January 6- Beginner Instant Pot Class- Gardendale Alabama Public Library, 6pm. No registration needed. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing a one dish pasta meal. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. 995 Mt. Olive Road, Gardendale Alabama. FREE!
NOVEMBER 14, 2019- 2nd Annual HOLIDAY COOKING SHOW: 6:30 pm, Gardendale Alabama Civic Center exhibition hall. Last year we sold out! The Holiday Cooking Show benefits Outdoor Ability Foundation. Tickets go on sale SEPTEMBER 6, 2019. Click HERE to purchase tickets and get more information. VIP tickets SOLD OUT! General seating $15.
November 7, 2019- Beginner Instant Pot Class- Alabaster Public Library, , 6pm. No registration needed. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing Teriyaki Chicken Thighs and rice. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. 100 9th Street Northwest, Alabaster, Alabama. FREE!
October 5, 2019- Southern Women's Show-Birmingham- Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center 4:30pm Cooking Stage. How to cook with an Instant Pot. I will be making Boiled Peanuts and Fettuccini Alfredo. Free with cost of admission to SWS.
August 5, 2019- Advanced Instant Pot Class with beginner refresher, Gardendale Alabama Public Library, , 6pm. No registration needed but we had to add an extra row for the Intro class so come early to ensure a seat. We will be making Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cheesecake in the Instant Pot. Samples will be provided. 995 Mt. Olive Road, Gardendale Alabama. FREE!
August 1, 2019 -6pm-Basic Instant Pot Class, Market Cafe at the UAB Hilton hotel, 808 South 20th Street, Birmingham, AL. Class includes dinner! More information and registration on Eventbrite or contact UAB Hilton. $$
June 17, 2019- Beginner Instant Pot Class- Gardendale Alabama Public Library, , 6pm. No registration needed. How to use your Instant Pot from taking it out of the box to preparing a one dish pasta meal. Learn Instant Pot tips and hacks whether you are a beginner or already use an Instant Pot. 995 Mt. Olive Road, Gardendale Alabama. FREE!
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