About us

CookUp offers cooking and baking classes for ages 3 and up. The fun doesn’t end there, we also offer private parties to celebrate any occasion, big or small! We strive to make memories, one kitchen at a time.

Our mission is to teach the life-long skill of cooking and baking to children and young adults in the Central Valley of California by hands-on learning.

Empowering Young Chefs through Cooking Classes

Are you looking for an exciting and educational activity for your kids? Look no further than CookUp cooking classes! Our hands-on and interactive culinary experiences are designed to empower young chefs and ignite their passion for cooking.

Why Choose CookUp?

At CookUp, we believe that cooking is a life skill that every child should develop. Our classes are carefully crafted to provide a fun and safe environment where kids and people with special needs can explore the world of flavors, textures, and techniques. Here's why you should choose CookUp for your participant's culinary journey:

  • Expert Instruction: Our experienced chef is passionate about teaching kids the joy of cooking. They provide step-by-step instruction, ensuring each participant learns valuable culinary skills while having fun.

  • Educational Experience: Our classes go beyond just recipes. We teach everyone about nutrition, food safety, and the importance of using fresh and healthy ingredients. Your participant will gain essential knowledge while having a blast in the kitchen.

  • Hands-On Learning: We believe in learning by doing. Everyone will get their hands dirty as they measure, chop, mix, and cook their way through our classes. This hands-on approach fosters creativity, motor skills, and confidence in the kitchen.

  • Variety of Themes: Our classes cover various themes, from global cuisines to baking, desserts, and healthy snacks. Whether your participant is a budding pastry chef or an adventurous eater, we have the perfect class to cater to their interests.

  • Build Lifelong Skills: Cooking is more than just following a recipe. It teaches teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and creativity. By enrolling your participants in CookUp classes, you're giving them skills that will last a lifetime.

What Sets CookUp Apart?

Our commitment to excellence and the success of each child or person with special needs sets us apart from other cooking classes. Here are some additional reasons why CookUp is the premier choice for a cooking adventure:

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our kitchen is equipped with child and special needs-friendly utensils, appliances, and safety measures, ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment for all participants.

  • Small Class Sizes: We believe in personalized attention. Our small class sizes allow instructors to work closely with each participant, answering questions, providing guidance, and fostering a sense of community.

  • Social Interaction: Cooking is a social activity, and we encourage everyone to connect, collaborate, and make new friends in a nurturing environment. 

  • Flexible Schedule: We understand that everyone has a busy schedule, so we offer flexible class options to fit your needs. From weekday classes to private lessons, we have a range of time slots available.

Enroll Today and Unleash Your Culinary Potential!

At CookUp, we believe that everyone has the potential to become an amazing chef. Our cooking classes offer a unique opportunity for children and people with special needs to learn essential life skills while discovering the joy of creating delicious meals. Invest in your participant's future and enroll them in CookUp cooking classes today! Contact us to secure a spot and let the culinary adventure begin. Together, we will unlock their culinary potential and create a lifelong love for cooking.

  • Chef Laurel

    Chef Laurel has always had a passion for cooking and baking since she was in elementary school. She attended culinary school as a high school senior at 16 years old in Rhode Island at Johnson & Wales University. She graduated with an Associates of Science in Baking & Pastry Arts and a Bachelors of Science in Culinary Nutrition. She has over 20 years of professional experience in the food industry at a variety of establishments. Chef Laurel has been a high volume caterer, a culinary nutrition instructor for a weight loss academy, the manager for a healthy fast casual restaurant, the staff chef at a private golf club, and has worked in a Teahouse, a BBQ restaurant, a college bakery, a gourmet coffee shop, a prestigious country club, as a guest instructor for children and adult cooking classes, and has made wedding cakes. The kitchen has always been her playground, and her favorite part of cooking is recipe development. She hopes to instill a love of cooking and baking in everyone who takes classes with her. CookUp brings together her love of delicious food, working with people and sharing her knowledge.

See what others have to say…

  • “My 3 kids (6-11) love the CookUp classes. They all have such a great time and ask to go back. I love that they always come home excited and eager to share what they learned and made that day. Laurel is really easy to work with too. I've had to reschedule or cancel classes and she is always super gracious and helpful. The only hard part is trying to decide which classes to sign up for because we want to do them all!”

    Megan Z.

  • "My kids had a great time and learned skills they can use at home. 5/5 would recommend!"

    Amanda P.

  • "I highly recommend CookUp. My daughter really loves the classes and what she learns. Chef Laurel is nice, kind, and very patient with the kids. If you are looking for an activity that your child will have fun, practice team work, and get delicious recipes, you are in the correct place! You will not regret it!"

    Karla V.

  • "Love the recipes, and opportunities for the kids to practice knife skills, kitchen skills, and listening."

    Marini M.

  • "My daughter and I loved the class! Everything was delicious and engaging."

    Edgar S.

  • "Fun bonding time with my daughter. Super tasty too!"

    Kate

  • "I think that these cooking classes are great! You get to meet other kids, make friends, and make delicious savory and sweet dishes! 100% recommend CookUp!”

    Gavin H. -11 years old

  • "My 10 year old just completed her first class and had a wonderful time. it's definitely nurtured her interest in cooking and she cannot wait for her next class."

    Berretta M.

“Cooking is at once child’s play and adult joy.

And cooking done with care is an act of love.”

— Craig Claiborne