RSTO_1041_20 - Jasmine Parsons

Join Rachel Esquivel and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for a Certified Food Manager Course covering key food safety practices. There is a $125 fee, which includes instruction, materials, and the exam. Call the AgriLife Extension Office to pay. A valid photo ID is required to take the exam.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco, Texas

AVC_1930_47 - Jasmine Parsons

Executive Chef Delsia Contreras guides students through espagnole, a rich brown mother sauce. Learn to develop depth using dark roux, aromatics, tomato, and stock while understanding the layering process behind its signature flavor. Students also explore how espagnole becomes the base for hearty sauces and braised dishes.

AVC_5193_25 - Lisa Scott

Learn how to reduce inflammation and support overall health with nutritionist Lisa Scott. This course covers the basics of anti-inflammatory diets, including key foods to include and avoid, simple meal ideas, and practical strategies for everyday life. Gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed, health-supporting choices.

AVC_1930_48 - Jasmine Parsons

Join Executive Chef Delsia Contreras to prepare a classic tomato mother sauce. Students build flavor using tomatoes, aromatics, herbs, and proper simmering techniques while learning how to balance acidity and richness. This hands-on class strengthens core skills for creating a versatile sauce used across many cuisines.

AVC_1930_39 - Jasmine Parsons

This is a healthy cooking workshop to help you put your electric pressure cooker to work. Join Rachel Esquivel to better understand and use the Instant Pot to prepare nutritious and fast meals for the entire family. By the end of this course you will be able to better familiarize the pressure cooker by using the pre-set settings. You will also learn to manually program the cooker for other settings.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco, Texas

AVC_5023_09R - Jasmine Parsons

This 2-day program introduces the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and teaches participants how to incorporate these principles into their kitchen. Through two lessons, participants will: learn about simple swaps and additions to familiar recipes to make them healthier; practice making healthy choices through hands-on activities; and explore recipes inspired by the Mediterranean diet.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive

AVC_1930_49 - Jasmine Parsons

Master the delicate emulsion of hollandaise with Executive Chef Delsia Contreras. Students learn to whisk egg yolks and butter into a smooth, stable sauce while controlling heat and consistency. The class also covers common mistakes and variations, making it easier to confidently serve hollandaise with brunch dishes, vegetables, and seafood.

AVC_1930_50 - Jasmine Parsons

Executive Chef Delsia Contreras teaches the fundamentals behind authentic pork carnitas. Students learn proper seasoning, slow-cooking methods, and finishing techniques that create tender meat with crisp edges. This hands-on class highlights traditional methods while giving practical skills for recreating bold, flavorful carnitas at home.

AVC_5026_09 - Mina Yeon

Join Professor Mina Yeon for a fun, hands-on Korean cooking class. Learn to make authentic dishes like bulgogi, kimchi, bibimbap, japchae, and kimbap while exploring their history and key ingredients. Pick up simple Korean expressions along the way. No experience needed-just come ready to cook, taste, and enjoy.

AVC_1667_15 - Alice Shilling

Learn the art of professional cookie decorating with cookie expert, Alice Shining! This session will cover piping, flooding, and essential tools needed to create stunning cookies. Practice your skills on your own cookies in this hands-on workshop.

Project: Football

AVC_1930_57 - Jasmine Parsons

This food preservation workshop will teach you to prepare and safely can food in a water bath canner and pressure canner from home. Instructor Rachel Esquivel with Texas A&M AgriLife will teach you how to prepare food in jars. You will learn about different types of canners and how to prepare for home canning with your own produce. In this hands-on workshop you will can vegetables and fruits through safe canning practices.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs

AVC_1930_51 - Jasmine Parsons

Explore traditional pozole with Executive Chef Delsia Contreras. Students build a rich, aromatic broth, prepare tender chicken, and layer authentic seasonings. The class also covers traditional garnishes and serving techniques, creating a complete dish that reflects culture, comfort, and the importance of shared meals.

AVC_1930_52 - Jasmine Parsons

Cook classic Southern pork dishes with Executive Chef Delsia Contreras in this hands-on class. Students prepare smothered pork chops with rich gravy, along with traditional sides like seasoned greens and cornbread. The class focuses on layering flavor, proper cooking techniques, and the history behind these comforting, time-honored dishes.

AVC_5324_19 - Sarah Aynesworth

Learn how to host with ease and confidence with etiquette expert Sarah Aynesworth. This course covers planning gatherings, setting the table, managing timing, and creating a welcoming environment for guests. Gain practical skills to host both casual and formal events without feeling overwhelmed. Finger foods provided. Participants must be 21+ to register.

LOCATION: Northwood House

AVC_1930_59 - Jasmine Parsons

Join Rachel Esquivel from Texas A&M AgriLife for this four-session series designed to help older adults live healthier, more informed lives. Topics include healthy lifestyle choices, understanding Medicare, communicating with healthcare providers, managing medications safely, and finding reliable health information online. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are also encouraged to attend. Virtual option avalible.

Location: Texas AgriLife Extension Office 4224 Cobbs Dr, Waco, TX 76710

AVC_5026_10 - Mina Yeon

Join Professor Mina Yeon for a fun, hands-on Korean cooking class. Learn to make authentic dishes like bulgogi, kimchi, bibimbap, japchae, and kimbap while exploring their history and key ingredients. Pick up simple Korean expressions along the way. No experience needed-just come ready to cook, taste, and enjoy.

AVC_1667_16 - Alice Shilling

Learn the art of professional cookie decorating with cookie expert, Alice Shining! This session will cover piping, flooding, and essential tools needed to create stunning cookies. Practice your skills on your own cookies in this hands-on workshop.

Project: Spooky Halloween

AVC_1930_53 - Jasmine Parsons

Join Executive Chef Delsia Contreras to prepare Southern chicken favorites from scratch. Students learn techniques for crispy picnic-style fried chicken, creamy baked mac and cheese, and a quick peach cobbler. This class blends practical skills with tradition, focusing on texture, seasoning, and the flavors that define classic comfort food.

AVC_5324_20 - Sarah Aynesworth

Build confidence in any dining setting with instructor Sarah Aynesworth. This practical course covers place settings, restaurant etiquette, business meals, tipping, and handling common situations. Designed to be approachable and useful, you'll feel comfortable and prepared when dining out or attending events. Meal provided. Participants must be 21+ to register.

LOCATION: Northwood House

AVC_1930_54 - Jasmine Parsons

Executive Chef Delsia Contreras leads this in-depth gumbo class focused on Louisiana tradition. Students learn to make a properly developed roux, build flavor with aromatics and spices, and combine ingredients into a balanced, hearty gumbo. This class emphasizes patience, technique, and the roots of Southern coastal cooking.

RSTO_1041_21 - Jasmine Parsons

Join Rachel Esquivel and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for a Certified Food Manager Course covering key food safety practices. There is a $125 fee, which includes instruction, materials, and the exam. Call the AgriLife Extension Office to pay. A valid photo ID is required to take the exam.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco, Texas

AVC_1930_58 - Jasmine Parsons

Strong Hearts, Healthy Pressure is a two-day program led by Rachel Esquivel with Texas A&M AgriLife. Learn practical nutrition, physical activity, and self-management strategies to help prevent or manage high blood pressure. Whether you're at risk or already living with hypertension, you'll gain tools to support a healthier heart and lifestyle. Virtual option avalible.

Location: Texas AgriLife Extension Office 4224 Cobbs Dr, Waco, TX 76710

AVC_3085_13 - Danielle Fleming

Learn to make mead with a 3-time Texas State Honey Show award-winning mead maker, Danielle Fleming! In this hands-on class, you'll discover the secrets to crafting this delicious honey-based drink and take home your own gallon of fermenting mead. All materials and ingredients are provided-no experience needed. Sign up and start your mead-making journey today! Ages 21+.

AVC_1930_41 - Jasmine Parsons

Join us for a one-day workshop on making your holiday baked goods healthier! Led by Rachel Esquivel, this workshop will cover various methods and ingredients to transform your favorite dishes into healthier versions just in time for the holidays. By the end of the course, you'll be able to bake a variety of desserts using sugar alternatives like non-caloric sweeteners and sugar alcohols. You'll also learn which ingredients to substitute to create healthier baked goods. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your holiday baking skills!

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco, Texas

AVC_1930_43 - Jasmine Parsons

Cooking with Cultures, led by instructor Rachel Esquivel, fosters curiosity and promotes health awareness through the exploration of traditional Italian foods. Participants will discover the richness of Italian cuisine while learning how cultural dishes can support a healthy lifestyle. Join us as we celebrate diverse flavors and their role in enhancing overall well-being.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco, Texas

AVC_1930_55 - Jasmine Parsons

Executive Chef Delsia Contreras introduces essential pasta-making techniques in this hands-on class. Students learn to mix, roll, and shape fresh pasta while preparing simple, well-balanced sauces. The class focuses on timing, texture, and flavor, giving participants the confidence to create authentic Italian-style dishes from scratch at home.

AVC_1667_17 - Alice Shilling

Learn the art of professional cookie decorating with cookie expert, Alice Shining! This session will cover piping, flooding, and essential tools needed to create stunning cookies. Practice your skills on your own cookies in this hands-on workshop.

Project: Cozy Fall

AVC_1930_56 - Jasmine Parsons

Join us for a hands-on chocolate workshop with Executive Chef Delsia Contreras. Learn essential techniques for melting, tempering, and dipping while creating treats like strawberries and pretzels. Explore flavor pairings, simple decorating, and presentation skills. A fun, practical class designed for all skill levels looking to build confidence working with chocolate.

AVC_6143_71R - Jasmine Parsons

This is a sourdough baking class for beginners. This class will review the nutritional benefits of sourdough baking. Join Rachel Esquivel with Texas A&M AgriLIfe to review techniques of making your own sourdough starter and using that starter to make delicious breads and other baked goods.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive

AVC_1930_44 - Jasmine Parsons

Cooking With Cultures: Holidays Around the World is a one-day hands-on cooking series consisting of lessons on the food practices of Italy, the Mediterranean, India, and the Interior Mexican region during the holiday season. The program introduces new recipes and cooking techniques and aims to improve the health knowledge and confidence level of participants in cooking diverse foods with a festive twist for exquisite holiday dishes.

Location: AgriLife Extension Office at 4224 Cobbs Drive