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BabyLove08
Love her!
Member since 2/08 3673 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by shaleywhale
Personally, I would find this much more fun - and useful - than a paint party! Especially if some of the options for what you can learn are vegetarian!! And I know my 12 year old daughter would like to do something like this.
Seriously, I have so many of those paintings from going to paint parties. I suck at painting, lol, so none of them are getting hung up or anything. But I love going to those parties and having fun with friends and wine lol.
I think if you market this well, it could be a really fun idea! Good luck, and your facebook page sounds cool.
Yay!! I am happy to hear this! I thought it would be such a good idea because it's a no pressure, fun, learning experience. No obligation to buy things, not a huge time commitment and someone would be taking the class because they genuinely want to as opposed to feeling obligated to like a direct sales party.
If you want to take a look at my FB page just do a search for Kristen's Kitchen. It's a closed group but I can add you if you want.  If you can't find it, just PM me your info and I'll add you to the group.
Sounds amazing! I'm going to send a request to join your group too if that's ok with you
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Posted 9/6/16 9:33 PM  |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by BabyLove08
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by shaleywhale
Personally, I would find this much more fun - and useful - than a paint party! Especially if some of the options for what you can learn are vegetarian!! And I know my 12 year old daughter would like to do something like this.
Seriously, I have so many of those paintings from going to paint parties. I suck at painting, lol, so none of them are getting hung up or anything. But I love going to those parties and having fun with friends and wine lol.
I think if you market this well, it could be a really fun idea! Good luck, and your facebook page sounds cool.
Yay!! I am happy to hear this! I thought it would be such a good idea because it's a no pressure, fun, learning experience. No obligation to buy things, not a huge time commitment and someone would be taking the class because they genuinely want to as opposed to feeling obligated to like a direct sales party.
If you want to take a look at my FB page just do a search for Kristen's Kitchen. It's a closed group but I can add you if you want. If you can't find it, just PM me your info and I'll add you to the group.
Sounds amazing! I'm going to send a request to join your group too if that's ok with you
Absolutely!!!!
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| Posted 9/6/16 9:34 PM |
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Maybe-Baybe
My Sunshine
Member since 7/12 3415 total posts
Name:
My only Sunshine
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
My girlfriends and I had a chef do exactly what you're talking about a few years back. She brought all the ingredients to my house and taught us some techniques. She also gave out the recipes for the dishes we made. I don't remember exactly how much we paid, but it was per person and I feel like it was about $30 per person and we didn't even have meat (all vegetarian). There were 6 of us.
I feel like you can definitely charge a good amount for an experience like this. Especially because ingredients alone can cost a lot. I made a simple tray of baked ziti for a friend a few weeks ago and ingredients alone cost almost $30. You have to figure meat dishes will run you more plus you need to have a little money as your earnings.
I don't have a set amount in mind for what you should charge, but maybe you can have some menu choices made up with prices based upon ingredients used. In any case, good luck, sounds like a great idea.
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| Posted 9/6/16 9:40 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by Maybe-Baybe
My girlfriends and I had a chef do exactly what you're talking about a few years back. She brought all the ingredients to my house and taught us some techniques. She also gave out the recipes for the dishes we made. I don't remember exactly how much we paid, but it was per person and I feel like it was about $30 per person and we didn't even have meat (all vegetarian). There were 6 of us.
I feel like you can definitely charge a good amount for an experience like this. Especially because ingredients alone can cost a lot. I made a simple tray of baked ziti for a friend a few weeks ago and ingredients alone cost almost $30. You have to figure meat dishes will run you more plus you need to have a little money as your earnings.
I don't have a set amount in mind for what you should charge, but maybe you can have some menu choices made up with prices based upon ingredients used. In any case, good luck, sounds like a great idea.
Thank you for your input, I appreciate it!! 
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| Posted 9/6/16 10:06 PM |
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LIRascal
drama. daily.
Member since 3/11 7287 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
I think it sounds like it's too little... It takes a lot of preparation and hit-or-miss sales for this to be profitable. I think you should make at least $100/hour
 am I nuts?
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| Posted 9/7/16 12:22 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
I think its great that you are following your passion and taking it further!
I cook a lot as well so I would only take a class like this if it were with friends. But I know MANY people would love to learn how to cook, especially nutritious meals and would be interested. I cant comment on price but maybe you should price out other vendors? Ala Stacey is a chef that goes to your home and brings ingredients and cooks a few meals i think. Look into other cooking class vendors and price from that.
If i were looking for a class i would call around and compare costs.
GL!
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| Posted 9/7/16 6:54 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by stinger
I think its great that you are following your passion and taking it further!
I cook a lot as well so I would only take a class like this if it were with friends. But I know MANY people would love to learn how to cook, especially nutritious meals and would be interested. I cant comment on price but maybe you should price out other vendors? Ala Stacey is a chef that goes to your home and brings ingredients and cooks a few meals i think. Look into other cooking class vendors and price from that.
If i were looking for a class i would call around and compare costs.
GL!
Thank you!!!! I've been looking around to get an idea of what the going rate is, I'm going to take a look at Ala Stacey. Thanks for the suggestion!!
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| Posted 9/7/16 8:39 AM |
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AudioLoveStory
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/10 538 total posts
Name:
Lindsay
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
A restaurant near us does this and it's awesome! They do either private cooking classes, in home or at the restaurant, or group classes at the restaurant. They also have a groupon for the group classes.
Here is their website for an idea on prices:
Thai Fresh
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| Posted 9/7/16 8:46 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Are there any courses you can take that would give you a certification or some sort of official credentials. I think that would be something I would look for if I'm hiring someone to teach me a skill.
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| Posted 9/7/16 9:13 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by ap123
Are there any courses you can take that would give you a certification or some sort of official credentials. I think that would be something I would look for if I'm hiring someone to teach me a skill.
Maybe but I don't think it's something that is critical for what I would like to do.
With cooking, unlike other professions, it's absolutely a skill where you can be self taught and be REALLY good at it. That's NOT to say that training to become a professional chef isn't important and necessary, especially if you plan on working in the field, but you can pick up a ton of knowledge and skills just from cooking in your own kitchen. Famous cooks like Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, and even Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) have never attended a formal cooking school and look at how successful they are!
Down the road, I'd like to go to culinary school (mostly for myself to learn more and better myself) but in the meantime, I've been teaching myself as I go for the last 20 years and I'd like to turn my love for cooking/baking into something more.
There are so many people that could use a little help in the kitchen whether it be to understand a recipe, learn to cook something new, or even understand how to use various kitchen tools and that's where I would come in. Right now, I'm studying the textbook they use at the Culinary Institute of America and I'm working through recipes and practicing techniques so that I can be a better COOK, not a chef. I'm just a home cook looking to share my passion with others and my guess is, based on people I've spoken to, there is a market for that without the need for specific culinary training.
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| Posted 9/7/16 9:30 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
I think many people could benefit from this type of service, me included! I just lose focus and even with my best efforts I can never manage to have all the ingredients I need. Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll do great since you have such a passion for cooking!
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| Posted 9/7/16 10:19 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by ap123
I think many people could benefit from this type of service, me included! I just lose focus and even with my best efforts I can never manage to have all the ingredients I need. Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll do great since you have such a passion for cooking!
Thank you so much
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| Posted 9/7/16 10:22 AM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
I think this is a great idea, would be a nice way for friends to get together and not have to sit through a sales party or anything like that. I would go if it was $50pp... maybe you can raise the price if you start to get more demand.
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| Posted 9/7/16 10:24 AM |
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frosty
LIF Toddler
Member since 5/05 462 total posts
Name:
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POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little
I'll chime in and say that I love this idea too (so much better than a painting party!). This is something I would be interested in. I'm an okay cook, but not creative at all. Sounds like fun. Good luck!
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| Posted 9/7/16 10:39 AM |
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JSDB
<3
Member since 1/13 1329 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
I agree with everyone that this seems like a better idea than a painting party (i love to paint but dont want to display the stuff you make at those parties) and whatever you make gets eaten so no clutter. I think it sounds like a lot of fun.
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| Posted 9/7/16 11:19 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Thanks everyone for all of the input!! I really appreciate all of it!!
Another question, if you don't mind.
What types of foods would you be interested to see in a cooking class?
I want to structure classes for your average home cook, moms who are busy and have picky eaters in the house, quick and fast dinners, easy holiday treats, etc............real food for real people. Not some complicated dish with weird ingredients that cost a fortune. Does that sound appealing to most?
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| Posted 9/7/16 11:25 AM |
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MrsDrMatt
Live and RUN like a Ninja!
Member since 5/06 3104 total posts
Name:
MrsDrMatt
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Wouldn't you need the Department of health approval? Yep, I am pretty much sure of this.
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| Posted 9/7/16 12:05 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by MrsDrMatt
Wouldn't you need the Department of health approval? Yep, I am pretty much sure of this.
From what I have read, no I would not.
You only need permits and inspections if you're using your home kitchen to prepare, package, and then commercially sell your home cooked goods. Going into someone's home (or having people at your home) to teach them how to cook doesn't require any type of permit or inspection. It's really no different then showing up at someone's house for a Pampered Chef party, cooking a pizza together, and then eating it. You don't need a license for that, KWIM? It's only a health issue or concern if you plan to commercially sell what you're cooking which is NOT my intent. If it were, then yes, I would need permits.
ETA - If I had an actual storefront and was running a commercial kitchen, then that would be a different story.
Message edited 9/7/2016 12:30:24 PM.
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| Posted 9/7/16 12:29 PM |
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MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Sounds like a great idea! So many options... beginner's, advanced, budget meals, moms, girl's night, etc. You have a teaching background if I recall correctly? I think you'd be great teaching kid's cooking classes for birthday parties! It's something fun and different for kids to do.
Good luck!
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| Posted 9/7/16 12:41 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by MC09
Sounds like a great idea! So many options... beginner's, advanced, budget meals, moms, girl's night, etc. You have a teaching background if I recall correctly? I think you'd be great teaching kid's cooking classes for birthday parties! It's something fun and different for kids to do.
Good luck!
Thank you so much! And yes, I have my Masters in Elementary Education. I stopped teaching when my DD was born.
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| Posted 9/7/16 12:44 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
This sounds like a lot of fun. I've taken a class at Sur la Table, and I enjoyed it except for the fact that we were with a bunch of strangers. I enjoy cooking, am pretty good at it, but am always looking to expand my skills and go outside my comfort zone.
Some things to consider:
-Space. Classes at restaurants offer large work areas and multiple ovens, stoves, grills, etc. This helps keep the class flowing.
- Usually there are assistants helping move things along so there was not a lot of waiting around, which could lead to awkwardness. Depending on the group size you could get stretched thin.
- Price. I'd start at no more than $50 per person initially. Personally, any more would turn me off especially when you're just starting out and working out the kinks.
Also, just wanted to mention that no, you don't need to be professionally trained to know how to cook, but just keep in mind that there are certain skills and techniques that you might want to avoid unless you're sure. At Sur la Table the chef taught us how to properly hold and use a knife and I've never really seen anyone IRL holding a knife "correctly", but there apparently is a "right" way to do it nevertheless. This is just an example and something to keep in the back of your mind. Probably not a big deal and may not apply.
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| Posted 9/7/16 1:13 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Also want to add:
As a working mom, I'd like to learn some more quick meals that look and taste a few steps up from basic, KWIM? And I'd like to learn more skills and techniques that would allow me make more elaborate weeknight meals quicker. Those kinds of classes would appeal to me if I was going to take another class.
I also might be interested in classes that include the whole family including DH and the kids.
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| Posted 9/7/16 1:13 PM |
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JSDB
<3
Member since 1/13 1329 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
Posted by Hofstra26
Thanks everyone for all of the input!! I really appreciate all of it!!
Another question, if you don't mind.
What types of foods would you be interested to see in a cooking class?
I want to structure classes for your average home cook, moms who are busy and have picky eaters in the house, quick and fast dinners, easy holiday treats, etc............real food for real people. Not some complicated dish with weird ingredients that cost a fortune. Does that sound appealing to most?
I am a pretty good cook myself so for me, I would want to either learn some things I currently dont know how to do (like how to cut up a whole chicken -- I have no idea what to do and just buy breasts or pre cut pieces) and then use them in a recipe, or something outside of my area of expertise -- like ethnic food (but the kind of stuff that can be made easily at home if you just know what to do). I would probably still go to anything for a fun night with friends, but would be less interested in "quick and easy dinners" or basics like mac and cheese, chicken cutlets, stir fry, etc. I really do want to learn something, although exposure to new ideas would be fun too like well flavored sauces, etc
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| Posted 9/7/16 1:17 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
You'd also have to be aware that many homes don't have a kitchen set up for something like this. Either a kitchen laid out so people can't see what you're doing, insufficient equipment/workspace, etc.
In general, I think it's a good idea, though.
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| Posted 9/7/16 1:22 PM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: POLL - Need some input..........help me with a little "research" please
I would actually love a class hosted in someone else's kitchen space for Christmas cookies. If I could pay someone to give my child the joy of holiday cookie making without the mess I would be thrilled! I'd rather get a half dozen of 10 different types of cookies than a huge batch of one type, which is what I end up with when I do it. Just an idea!
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| Posted 9/7/16 1:49 PM |
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