Access At CVUHS

The exquisite éclair. The classic profiterole. The addictive gougère. All of these famous French snacks have something in common; they’re made from choux pastry. The strange, gummy dough resulting from water, flour and eggs mixed together and cooked twice creates a wonderfully airy and crunchy casing begging to be filled with chocolate, pastry cream, cheese or anything the heart desires. These wonders of the pastry art can seem as daunting as building a croquembouche, but with practice and the right technique, delicious crunchy treats are only an oven away. Learn how to perfect your choux dough and assemble classic pastries, how to use craquelin to make your creations even crunchier, and practice famous fillings such as crème légèar, beurre au chocolate, and of course cheese. Join us for an evening of choux pastry delight and bring home the joys of a French Patisserie to your own home kitchen. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipes on the night's menu. "Jacob is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and good with cooks of all skill levels. He really exemplifies what CVU Access courses are all about!"

Celebrate the joy and traditions of the Lunar New Year with Evelyn in this engaging and flavorful cooking class. The evening begins with Yee Sang, also known as the prosperity tossed salad—a vibrant and symbolic dish popular in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Evelyn will guide you through the colorful array of ingredients that make up this festive salad, each carrying its own special meaning of abundance, health, and good fortune. Together, you’ll learn how to prepare and assemble Yee Sang before joining in the fun tradition of tossing it high for prosperity. To finish the evening on a sweet note, you’ll enjoy Taiwanese baked mochi, made with coconut milk for a rich and chewy texture. This comforting treat pairs beautifully with the celebration, offering a taste of another cherished Asian tradition. Throughout the class, Evelyn will share captivating stories about Lunar New Year customs, exploring how different cultures across Asia celebrate with unique foods, rituals, and delicacies. Whether you’re curious about the traditions or simply love trying new dishes, this class promises an evening filled with culture, flavor, and festive cheer. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu. "Evelyn is an amazing instructor. She’s passionate about food from her native country and excited to share her knowledge."

Want to learn more about Vermont cheese? Join Amy, an expert in food and beverage tasting, and taste your way through five different styles of cheese made in Vermont. You’ll start by discussing the difference between taste and flavor, helping you learn to describe what you experience during our tasting. For each cheese, we’ll explore the type of milk used, its production location, techniques, and where to buy it locally. Amy will provide resources, including books and a list of local shops, so you can continue enjoying Vermont cheese after our tasting. Amy wants to make the world of artisanal cheese accessible to everyone.

Spend an enjoyable evening with Evelyn as you explore the art of creating delicious noodle dishes, beginning with a classic favorite: Chicken and Shrimp Lo Mein. In this hands-on class, you’ll discover the variety of ingredients that can be used to build flavor and texture in lo mein, as well as learn about different noodle types and easy alternatives you can use at home. Evelyn will guide you through techniques that make this dish both approachable and versatile, giving you confidence to recreate it in your own kitchen. To end the evening on a sweet note, you’ll prepare Mango Sago Pomelo Pudding—a refreshing dessert that originated in Hong Kong and has become a modern Asian favorite. This creamy, fruity treat combines the brightness of mango with the delicate textures of sago pearls and pomelo. Along the way, you’ll learn how to properly handle and prepare these delicate ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and consistency. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this class is designed to expand your skills while treating you to a delicious cultural experience. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu. "Evelyn is an amazing instructor. She’s passionate about food... and excited to share her knowledge."