Demo + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage

Spend a flavorful Saturday with Chef Nela Blanco as she brings the vibrant tastes of Latin America to your plate—and your glass!

In this sunny, summer-inspired class, Nela will teach you how to prepare two refreshing styles of ceviche—a bright, peppery version from Costa Rica and a bold, citrusy classic from Peru. You’ll also learn how to make crispy, golden tostones (twice-fried plantains) and shake up a homemade margarita using only the freshest ingredients.

Menu:

• Costa Rican Ceviche – Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with sweet peppers, cilantro, and onion.

• Peruvian Ceviche – A zesty, citrus-marinated seafood dish with a little kick.

• Tostones – Twice-fried green plantains, crisped to perfection and served with savory dipping sauces.

• Fresh Margaritas – Balanced, citrus-forward, and totally refreshing.

Perfect for summer entertaining or a relaxing afternoon with friends—come sip, snack, and soak up the inspiration for your next patio dinner party!

Class taught by Chef Nela Blanco.

Demonstration + Tasting at

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Welcome the arrival of summer with a celebration rooted in Nordic flavors and festive simplicity. In this demonstration-style class, we’ll explore a menu inspired by Midsummer traditions—perfect for long, light-filled evenings and leisurely gatherings.

We’ll begin with a traditional Pickled Herring Canapé, followed by a refreshing Cherry Aquavit Tonic—a bright cocktail made with Aquavit, cherry syrup, lime juice, and tonic water.

For the main dish, we’ll demonstrate how to make Salmon “En Papillote”—a stunning oven-poached preparation sealed in parchment and served with a creamy Mustard Dill Sauce. On the side, a colorful Beet and Orange Salad adds a fresh, citrusy note.

To finish, we’ll indulge in Kladdkaka—a rich, gooey Swedish chocolate cake—elevated with Sunday Night Foods' chocolate and caramel sauces and a touch of finishing salt.

Join us for this flavorful journey through Scandinavian summer cuisine—no passport required. You’ll leave with recipes, entertaining inspiration, and a taste of the season.

Class taught by: Chef Cherry Madole

Demo + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Beat the heat and treat yourself to a deliciously cool experience in our Homemade Ice Cream class featuring the Ankarsrum Ice Cream Maker! Whether you're already an Ankarsrum owner or have been curious about this powerhouse kitchen machine, this demonstration-style class is your perfect scoop.

You’ll learn how to make Vanilla Bean and Raspberry ice cream recipe along with one sorbet flavor: Espresso Sorbet- Yes, you can make delicious sorbet with the taste of Espresso. Believe us, this is a true favorite.

Sign up now! This class will sell out quick.

Farmer’s Market Tour + Hands On + Tasting

Location: Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust Street | Des Moines, IA 50309

Join Chef Nela and Teresa for a deliciously immersive experience that starts at the heart of the Downtown Farmers Market. You'll meet at 8:00 AM (location will be provided after signing up) where Teresa will guide you through the bustling market. We will select the freshest seasonal produce, discover hidden gems from the locals, and gain insight on what to look for.

After gathering your market finds, we will return to Kitchen Collage with our purchases to cook up a meal you’ll want to share with friends and family. Be inspired by Chef Nela's guidance, you'll prep, cook, and enjoy a menu that celebrates the best of what Iowa’s farmers have to offer—all in a relaxed, hands-on cooking class.

Come hungry and curious—this is farm-to-table at its most interactive!