Cooking Classes | Learn New Skills!
If you're just getting started in the kitchen or looking to spice things up, Just Maika Cooking offers hands-on cooking classes designed for all ages and levels. Held at our Fort Lauderdale location, these classes explore global cuisines, build kitchen confidence, and celebrate seasonal ingredients in a fun, supportive space. From kids' workshops and family sessions to adult cooking nights, there’s always something flavorful happening.
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Sistrunk Marketplace in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Looking for a delicious way to welcome summer in Fort Lauderdale? Join us on Saturday, June 1st at 2 PM for the Lemon & Basil Affair: A Summer Cooking Class—an interactive experience that’s fresh, fun, and full of flavor, hosted by Chef Maika at Sistrunk Marketplace.
Whether you’re cooking with your kids, a foodie looking for your next culinary escape, or simply someone who enjoys seasonal ingredients, this class is designed with you in mind. Each class in the series focuses on seasonal recipes, the balance between healthy eating and indulgence, and dishes that both kids and adults can create side by side.
Friends and Family
This two-hour hands-on class is open to ages eight and up. We’ll prepare a complete three-course menu using fresh summer herbs and ingredients that celebrate the brightness of lemon and the aromatic charm of basil.
If you’re from Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, or Hollywood, this class is a must-do summer experience for families and food lovers. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
The Menu
After class, guests can enjoy their freshly made meal right inside the lively Sistrunk Marketplace food hall, where there’s something for everyone—from arcade games and a full bar to boutique shops, local restaurants, and even an axe-throwing lounge, all under one vibrant roof.
Appetizer
Mini Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, finished with flaky sea salt.
Main Course
Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables
Pasta tossed with sautéed squash, bell peppers, and juicy chicken in a light lemon-basil sauce. A satisfying, well-balanced dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful. Vegetarian option available.
Dessert
Lemon Mousse with Basil Sugar Dust
An airy mousse blended with lemon curd and topped with basil-infused sugar. Optional shortbread cookie crumble for added texture and sweetness.
Bonus Beverage
Fresh Basil Iced Tea
A naturally sweetened, chilled herbal tea steeped with fresh basil and lemon slices.
Event Details
Spend your Sunday afternoon cooking, eating, and connecting at Sistrunk Marketplace with this hands-on summer cooking class designed for kids and adults alike.
Date
Sunday, June 1st
Time
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location
Sistrunk Marketplace, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tickets
$55 per person
Ages
8 and up
Don't Miss Out on New Classes
We’re always cooking up something new! Keep an eye on this page for upcoming class announcements, seasonal workshops, and special events. Each class is posted as a blog entry so you can get all the juicy details before signing up.
Upcoming Classes
Frequently Asked Questions
All classes are held at our Fort Lauderdale kitchen location. We currently do not offer in-home sessions.
Yes! We design each session with flexibility, so whether you're brand new or have some experience, you'll feel comfortable and supported.
Yes! You can book a private class for your group — ideal for birthdays, team-building, and special occasions. Contact me at [email protected].
Absolutely. We love helping young chefs build confidence, learn basic skills, and get excited about trying new foods. Contact me at [email protected].
Online Instructional Classes
How it Works
- Contact Chef Maika
Express your interest by filling out the contact form. - Free Consultation
Discuss your cooking interests, skill level, specific goals, dietary preferences, and any particular techniques you wish to learn by phone or online survey. - Customized Lesson Plan
Based on the consultation, the chef will create a customized lesson plan tailored to your goals and preferences. This plan outlines the topics to be covered, the structure of each session, and any required materials. - Confirmation and Payment
Once the schedule is confirmed, you'll receive an invoice for the classes. Payment can be made via secure online payment methods.
Advantages of Cooking Classes
Get the boost that you need to be the best you want to be in your own kitchen.
Personalized Instruction
Cooking classes provide personalized instruction to address your specific needs, questions, and cooking goals, ensuring you get the most out of each session by focusing on techniques and recipes most relevant to you or your group.
Flexible Scheduling
Individual sessions offer greater flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to choose times that fit best with your busy lifestyle. This convenience makes it easier to commit to learning and improving your culinary skills without conflicting with other commitments.
Customized Learning Pace
With personalized classes, you can learn at your own pace, spending more time on challenging techniques and moving quickly through areas where you are more comfortable. This adaptability helps you master each skill thoroughly before moving on to the next.
In-Depth Feedback and Support
Receive immediate, detailed feedback and support from your Chef Maika. This real-time guidance helps you correct mistakes and refine your techniques more efficiently, accelerating your learning process and boosting your confidence in the kitchen.
Class Examples
There are many areas to discover, and classes are customized to fit your needs and meet you where you are. So, let's build those skills together; here are some examples below:
Introduction to Knife Mastery
Description: Learn essential knife skills, including how to hold a knife, basic cuts (dice, slice, julienne), and proper chopping techniques. This class will help you improve your efficiency and safety in the kitchen.
Skills Covered: Knife handling, chopping techniques, vegetable preparation.
Simple Sauces: Marinara and Alfredo
Description: Elevate your pasta dishes with homemade sauces. Learn how to make a classic marinara and a creamy Alfredo sauce from scratch.
Skills Covered: Sauce preparation, seasoning, simmering techniques.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Description: Create a delicious and healthy vegetable stir-fry. Learn how to select, chop, and cook vegetables quickly while preserving their flavor and nutrients.
Skills Covered: Stir-frying techniques, vegetable selection, seasoning.
Learn a New Technique
Perfecting Sautéing Techniques
Description: Explore the fundamentals of sautéing, focusing on achieving the right balance of heat, timing, and seasoning for vegetables, meats, or seafood.
Skills Covered: Sautéing, seasoning, heat control.
Salad Making Masterclass
Description: Elevate your salad game by learning how to create delicious and visually appealing salads. This class covers the basics of salad composition, dressing making, and ingredient pairing.
Skills Covered: Salad composition, dressing preparation, ingredient pairing.
Introduction to Global Sauces and Marinades
Description: Discover the secrets behind popular sauces and marinades. Learn how to make spicy, tangy sauces to complement your dishes.
Skills Covered: Sauce and marinade preparation, flavor profiling.
Learn New Recipes
Soup and Stew Making
Description: Learn the basics of making hearty and flavorful soups and stews. This class covers stock preparation, ingredient selection, and cooking techniques.
Skills Covered: Stock preparation, ingredient selection, simmering techniques.
Indoor Grilling Techniques
Description: Master the art of indoor grilling your favorites to perfection. Learn how to prepare, season, and grill various foods for delicious and healthy meals.
Skills Covered: Grilling techniques, vegetable and meat preparation, seasoning.
Introduction to Spice Blends
Description: Discover how to create and use spice blends from different cuisines to enhance your dishes. Learn about the origins and uses of various spices.
Skills Covered: Spice blending, flavor profiling, seasoning techniques.
Get Insights on the Many Possibilities
Gluten-Free Cooking Basics
Description: Learn the fundamentals of gluten-free cooking, including how to identify gluten-free ingredients, avoid cross-contamination, and adapt your favorite recipes.
Skills Covered: Ingredient selection, gluten-free cooking techniques, recipe adaptation.
International Vegetarian Cooking
Description: Explore global vegetarian cuisines and learn how to prepare dishes from different cultures. This class covers recipes from various countries, highlighting unique flavors and ingredients.
Skills Covered: International cooking techniques, ingredient sourcing, cultural recipes.
Dairy-Free Basics
Description: Learn the fundamentals of dairy-free cooking, including how to identify dairy-free ingredients, avoid cross-contamination, and adapt your favorite recipes to be dairy-free.
Skills Covered: Ingredient selection, dairy-free cooking techniques, recipe adaptation.
Explore Recipes
Recently uploaded recipes from Chef Maika on Just Maika Cooking.
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- Haitian Djon Djon Rice Recipe (Diri Djon Djon)
- 4 Must-Try Tacos Recipes to Inspire Your Next Craving
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Cooking Tips and Tutorials
Learn the latest cooking techniques, ingredients, and cooking methods.
