Discover Cooking Classes with Chef Clay Smith in Hamilton, Ontario

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Unlock Your Culinary Potential with Hamilton’s Premier Cooking Classes

Embark on a culinary adventure in Hamilton, Ontario, with Chef Clay Smith’s dynamic and hands-on cooking workshops. Designed to cater to culinary enthusiasts across all levels — from novices looking to gain confidence in the kitchen to seasoned cooks eager to explore new cuisines and techniques. Our diverse array of classes harnesses the power of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to craft exquisite, mouthwatering dishes.

Elevate Your Cooking Today

Whether your goal is to dazzle with your pizza-making skills, embrace the healthful allure of plant-based cuisine, or conquer the realm of BBQ and grilling, Chef Clay Smith’s cooking classes in Hamilton are your gateway to a world where cooking is not just about food, but about passion, joy, and the community.

Classes are conveniently available across Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Brant, and Niagara, offering flexible opportunities to enhance your culinary skills in a fun, engaging environment.

    • Diverse Culinary Experiences: From mastering the art of artisanal pizza in our “Home Oven Pizzeria” class to exploring vibrant plant-based dishes and dominating the grill, our curriculum offers an enriching experience for every palate and interest.

    • Expert Guidance: Learn from Chef Clay Smith, a seasoned chef known for his passion, expertise, and ability to transform any cooking session into a memorable journey of flavors.

    • Hands-On Learning: Dive into the essence of culinary arts with practical, interactive sessions that promise not just to instruct but to immerse you fully in the cooking process.

    • Local Flavors: Celebrate the bounty of Hamilton, GTA, Brant, and Niagara areas with classes that emphasize the use of fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and rooted in the community.

Home Oven Pizzeria Workshop: Mastering Homemade Pizza with Chef Clay Smith

  • Craft Pizzeria-Quality Pizza in Your Own Kitchen

    • Discover the art of pizza making with Chef Clay Smith and unlock the secrets to creating pizzeria-quality pizza in your very own oven. This hands-on workshop is designed for pizza lovers of all skill levels, offering a deep dive into the world of homemade pizza. From dough to delicious, you’ll learn everything you need to know to impress your friends and family with your pizza-making prowess.

    • Perfecting Pizza Dough: Begin with the basics of crafting the perfect pizza dough from scratch. Gain insights into the science of yeast fermentation, dough kneading, and proofing to achieve that ideal crust - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

    • Sauce and Toppings Galore: Explore the art of balancing flavors with homemade pizza sauce and a variety of toppings. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or looking to experiment with gourmet combinations, learn how to layer flavors like a pro.

    • Oven Techniques: No pizza oven? No problem! Learn techniques to mimic the high heat of a professional pizza oven using your home oven, ensuring your pizzas are perfectly baked every time.

    • Interactive and Engaging: Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a fully interactive experience. You'll mix, knead, top, and bake, with Chef Clay guiding you every step of the way.

    • Pizza Party Finale: The workshop concludes with a pizza party, where you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Share stories and slices with fellow participants in a fun and relaxed setting.

  • 3 hours – This includes dough preparation, topping selection, pizza baking, and the pizza party.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $120 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for a personalized session focused on your dietary needs and culinary interests

Chicken Mastery Workshop: A Journey Through Flavor with Chef Clay Smith

  • Maximize Flavor, Minimize Waste

    Join Chef Clay Smith for a culinary deep dive into one of the most versatile proteins in the kitchen: chicken. The Chicken Mastery Workshop is designed for cooks of all levels who want to unlock the full potential of chicken through a variety of cooking techniques and flavors. Learn how to transform a single chicken into multiple, mouthwatering dishes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

    • Whole Chicken Utilization: Discover the art of butchering a chicken to maximize every part. From breasts to thighs and even the carcass for stock, learn how to use each piece in creative and delicious ways.

    • Diverse Cooking Methods: Master several cooking techniques including roasting, braising, frying, and grilling. Chef Clay will guide you through the process, teaching you how to achieve perfect results every time.

    • Global Flavors: Explore the global versatility of chicken by preparing dishes from different cuisines. Whether it's a comforting French coq au vin, a spicy Indian chicken curry, or a classic American fried chicken, expand your culinary horizons.

    • Substitute Poultry Options: For those interested in exploring beyond chicken, learn how these techniques and dishes can be adapted for duck, goose, or rabbit, offering even greater diversity in your cooking (available for an additional charge).

    • Hands-On Experience: This workshop is all about hands-on learning. You'll be actively involved in preparing and cooking all the dishes, with personalized guidance from Chef Clay

  • Duration: 4 hours – This includes preparation, cooking, and enjoying your chicken creations in a communal dining experience.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $140 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for an exclusive session focused on honing your skills with Chef Clay's full attention.

Kitchen Efficiency Workshop: Mastering Knife Skills and Prep Techniques with Chef Clay Smith

  • Transform Your Cooking with Precision and Speed

    Elevate your home cooking with the essential skills taught in Chef Clay Smith’s Kitchen Efficiency Workshop. Designed for cooks of all levels, this class focuses on the foundational culinary skill of knife work, alongside effective food preparation techniques. Learn how to chop, dice, and slice with confidence and precision, streamlining your cooking process and making meal preparation quicker, safer, and more enjoyable.

    • Professional Knife Skills: Gain hands-on experience with professional knife techniques, including the proper ways to hold, use, and care for knives. Master the art of finely chopping vegetables, expertly slicing meats, and more.

    • Efficient Food Prep: Discover strategies for efficient meal prep that can save you hours each week. Learn to plan and prepare ingredients in advance, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.

    • Healthy Eating Made Easy: By learning to prep your meals more efficiently, you'll find it easier to stick to healthy eating habits and dietary goals. Say goodbye to last-minute takeout and hello to nutritious home-cooked meals.

    • Safety and Maintenance: Understand the importance of knife safety and how to maintain your tools to keep them sharp and effective. A well-maintained knife is a chef’s best friend.

    • Hands-On Experience: This workshop is designed to be interactive, with participants practicing their new skills in real-time. Chef Clay Smith will provide personalized feedback and guidance to ensure you leave the class with confidence in your knife skills and prep techniques.

  • 3 hours – Includes hands-on instruction, practice time, and discussions on how to integrate these skills into your daily cooking routine.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $120 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for a tailored, in-depth learning experience focusing on your specific needs and goals.

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Whole Foods Cooking Workshop: Nourish and Flourish with Chef Clay Smith

  • Elevate Your Meals with the Power of Whole Foods

    Dive into the world of whole foods with Chef Clay Smith, and discover how to transform simple, unprocessed ingredients into vibrant, flavorful dishes. This engaging workshop is perfect for anyone looking to enrich their diet with the health benefits of whole foods — think colorful vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and more. Learn how to make whole foods the star of your meals, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.

    • Whole Foods 101: Begin with an introduction to what whole foods are and why they’re essential for a healthy lifestyle. Understand how to select and use a variety of whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

    • From Market to Table: Gain insights on how to shop for whole foods, including tips for choosing the freshest produce and the best cuts of meat. Learn how to read labels and avoid common processed food pitfalls.

    • Creative Cooking Techniques: Explore cooking methods that preserve or enhance the nutritional value and flavor of whole foods. From roasting and steaming to fermenting and raw preparations, discover new ways to enjoy these ingredients.

    • Flavorful Meal Planning: Learn how to build delicious, nutrient-rich meals centered around whole foods. Chef Clay will guide you through crafting balanced dishes that satisfy both the palate and the body.

    • Hands-On Experience: This workshop is fully interactive, inviting you to chop, mix, cook, and taste alongside Chef Clay. Experience the joy of cooking with whole foods as you prepare a variety of dishes in a supportive, fun environment.

  • 3 hours – Including hands-on cooking and a sit-down meal to enjoy the dishes you've created.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $120 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for a personalized session focused on your dietary needs and culinary interests

BBQ and Grilling Masterclass with Chef Clay Smith

  • Ignite Your Passion for Outdoor Cooking

    Elevate your grilling game to new heights with Chef Clay Smith's BBQ and Grilling Masterclass. This comprehensive workshop is designed for enthusiasts of all levels who wish to master the art of grilling and smoking. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just starting out, you'll discover the secrets to selecting the best cuts of meat, crafting the perfect marinades, and achieving that irresistible smoky flavor.

    • Meat Selection & Preparation: Learn how to choose the best cuts for grilling and smoking. From beef brisket to tender ribs, understand how to prepare your meat for the ultimate barbecue experience.

    • Grilling Techniques: Master the techniques of direct and indirect grilling, controlling temperature, and managing flare-ups to ensure perfectly grilled dishes every time.

    • Smoking Secrets: Delve into the world of smoking, exploring various types of wood and smoking methods to infuse your dishes with deep, complex flavors.

    • Sauces and Rubs: Create your signature barbecue sauce and rubs from scratch. Learn how to balance flavors to complement your grilled and smoked creations.

    • Hands-On Experience: This workshop is all about getting your hands dirty. Under the guidance of Chef Clay, you'll grill and smoke a variety of dishes, gaining confidence and hands-on experience.

  • Duration: 4 hours – Including preparation, cooking, and enjoying the fruits of your labor with a sit-down barbecue feast.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $150 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for an exclusive, personalized session focusing intensely on your grilling and smoking skills.

Ultimate Breakfast Masterclass with Chef Clay Smith

  • Elevate Your Mornings: A Culinary Journey from Classic to Contemporary

    Begin your day with a feast that energizes and excites! Chef Clay Smith invites you to an extraordinary Breakfast Masterclass designed to transform your morning meals into culinary delights. From the luxurious eggs Benedict to the vibrant flavors of international breakfast staples like shakshuka and Japanese tamagoyaki, this workshop is a celebration of the most important meal of the day.

    • Global Breakfast Tour: Embark on a culinary journey that spans continents, learning to prepare iconic breakfast dishes from around the world. Discover the secrets to perfecting each dish, bringing global flavors right to your table.

    • Eggsquisite Techniques: Master the art and science of cooking eggs to perfection in various styles – poached, fried, scrambled, and more. Eggs Benedict, anyone?

    • Sweet and Savory Creations: Explore a balanced mix of sweet and savory breakfast recipes. Learn to make fluffy pancakes, waffles, and artisanal breads that pair perfectly with savory sides.

    • Hands-On Experience: This interactive class ensures you'll be actively involved in cooking, tasting, and tweaking recipes under the expert guidance of Chef Clay. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, gain valuable skills and confidence.

    • Personalized Learning: With a focus on personalized attention, Chef Clay ensures that each participant can learn at their own pace, making adjustments to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

  • Duration: 3 hours – This includes preparation, cooking, and enjoying your breakfast creations in a sit-down meal.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $120 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for an exclusive, personalized session with Chef Clay.

Artisanal Pasta Workshop: From Dough to Delicious with Chef Clay Smith

  • Craft Your Own Culinary Masterpiece

    Embark on a journey into the heart of Italian cuisine with Chef Clay Smith's Artisanal Pasta Workshop. This hands-on experience in Hamilton offers you the unique opportunity to dive deep into the traditional art of pasta making. From kneading the perfect dough to cutting and shaping a variety of pasta types, you'll uncover the secrets behind making fresh pasta from scratch.

    • The Perfect Dough: Begin with the basics of mixing and kneading to achieve the ideal pasta dough consistency. Chef Clay will share expert tips to ensure success every time.

    • Shape and Form: Explore the fascinating world of pasta shapes – from the elegance of fettuccine to the intricacies of farfalle. Learn techniques to shape your dough into beautiful pasta by hand and with specialized tools.

    • Sauce Pairings: What's pasta without the perfect sauce? Discover how to complement your pasta with simple yet robust sauces. Whether it's a classic tomato basil or a rich and creamy Alfredo, learn how to create sauces that elevate your dish.

    • Interactive and Engaging: This workshop is designed for participation. Roll up your sleeves, get flour on your apron, and enjoy the process of crafting pasta alongside fellow culinary enthusiasts.

    • Tasting and Enjoyment: The workshop concludes with a sit-down meal where you'll savor the fruits of your labor. Enjoy your handmade pasta in a communal dining experience, celebrating your new skills with great company.

  • Duration: 3 hours – This includes dough preparation, pasta shaping, sauce making, and dining.

  • In Home
    Discover the convenience and comfort of Chef Clay Smith's in-home cooking classes, designed to bring professional culinary instruction into your own kitchen. By using your kitchen setup and tools, you'll learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes in the space where you cook every day, enhancing your skills in a familiar environment. Available in Hamilton, Ontario, and surrounding areas, these classes offer a personalized, hands-on experience that leverages the benefits of learning in your home.

    • Groups: $120 per person, starting at 2 participants.

    • One-on-One Experience: $200 for a personalized, deep dive into pasta making with Chef Clay's undivided attention.