LEARN TO COOK WITH more CONFIDENCE!
Cooking with Confidence Level II
Took Cooking with Confidence course and loved it? Ready to take the next step in your cooking journey?
Cooking with Confidence Level II builds on the skills taught in our best-selling 4-part Cooking with Confidence course for beginners and helps you become a more capable, intuitive home cook. You already know how to decipher a recipe, sauté, sear, roast, simmer, season, and put together a meal. Now we’ll go a little deeper—learning how to better control heat, moisture, texture, timing, and doneness, and how to tackle foods and techniques that require a bit more judgment.
As in Level I, the goal isn’t to memorize recipes. Each dish is a way to learn transferable skills and cooking patterns that you can use again and again—with different ingredients and flavors and in entirely different meals.
In our four hands-on, small-group classes, you’ll learn:
How to cook eggs in very different ways, from highly versatile frittata and braised eggs to a chocolate soufflé—learning how temperature and technique transform the same basic ingredient.
How to roast with greater confidence, including preparing, roasting and carving a whole chicken; making crispy roasted vegetables; steaming vegetables perfectly; and turning the flavorful drippings into gravy.
How to cook fish and seafood without overcooking them, learning to recognize doneness, get a good sear, make a quick pan sauce, and coordinate fast-cooking seafood with vegetables.
How to work with yeast dough through an adaptable focaccia, and how fermentation, proofing and hydration affect bread.
How to stuff and fill foods successfully, coordinating ingredients that cook at different rates through dishes such as stuffed peppers, stuffed squash and a classic apple pie.
How to rely more on your senses and judgment—looking, touching, tasting and checking temperature rather than assuming that a recipe’s cooking time will always be right.
How to improvise and make substitutions, applying the same cooking method to different vegetables, proteins, grains, seasonings and flavor profiles.
By the end of Level II, you’ll have more than another collection of recipes. You’ll be better at recognizing what food needs while it cooks: when to raise or lower the heat, when something is browned enough to turn, when meat or fish is done, when a dough has proofed, when something needs more moisture, and when it simply needs to be left alone.
Most importantly, you’ll continue moving from following instructions to making cooking decisions for yourself—using recipes as guides while becoming increasingly comfortable adapting them to your ingredients, your kitchen, and your taste.
Improved skills. Better judgment. More confidence in the kitchen.
NOTE: While you don’t have to take Level I to enjoy this course, it is recommended since there is a clear continuity of the curriculum and the progression in skill building. If in doubt, please contact us at info@food-first.com.
Photos by FoodFirst of food cooked on premises
© 2026 FoodFirst LLC
Upcoming Cooking with Confidence Level II course:
October/November Tuesdays: 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, and 11/10, 6 pm to 8: 30 pm Register here.
We are happy to accommodate the vast majority of allergies and dietary preferences in all of our classes
Current offerings do not fit your schedule? Fill out our form and let us know what day/time works best for you, and we will do our best to accommodate!
Not ready for Level II? Check out our Cooking with Confidence course! New classes coming in the winter term starting early December.
Still struggling with food prep? Sign up for our very popular knife skills class! You will learn how to dice and slice common ingredients effortlessly and safely.
Testimonials for Cooking with Confidence Level I (from Google Maps reviews):
“I had such a delight taking Elena’s cooking class! I first took the one-off knife skills class and then the 4-session Cooking with Confidence course. The lessons were very comprehensive and I was impressed with how much attention, time, care, and thoroughness that Elena puts into each one. I had so much fun while also learning skills that I’ll use for a very long time. There were three other people in my course, and I really enjoyed learning alongside them. This experience is encouraging me put more effort and care into cooking while also having fun and learning. Very much recommend!” (Natalie R.)
“As someone who has always dreaded cooking, [Cooking with Confidence course] was the PERFECT class to learn the fundamentals. This is truly an amazing place, and Elena is absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn the foundations of cooking.” (Thomas L)
“I took the Cooking with Confidence classes with Elena and couldn’t be happier! She is very knowledgeable about food and makes you feel right at home. Values communication, collaboration, and having fun! Elena prioritizes educating inside and outside the class, with an easy to follow recipe card you can take home to replicate what you did that day. I can’t wait to sign up for my next master class! 10/10 recommend!!“ (Nicole M.)
“The knife skills class is great and a must for any cook looking to improve their knife skills. I found the class informative and Elena is so attentive to improving your techniques. For example, she noticed that I speed up my knife once the initial cut has been made and that isn't a good thing. I mentioned that I bought cut gloves and her class has given me the confidence to cut without needing the gloves. I also discovered that you don’t need to tire yourself out when doing a lot of chopping as long as you’re using the proper technique. Who knew! Elena is fantastic! I highly recommend any class that she offers.“ (Kenneth D.)
“Elena and her Cooking with Confidence class are phenomenal: The homey kitchen and small class size maximize hands-on learning time and Elena has an incredibly versatile culinary background. She is a wealth of knowledge, answers every question soundly and effortlessly, and is remarkably kind, personable, and funny and has great stories! Everyone leaves the class a better cook. The four classes were well worth the price and will be signing up for more classes.” (Matthew M.)
“The beginner’s course was great for inspiring me in the kitchen. I don’t love cooking–I see it as another chore–but Elena’s course helped drag me out of a slump. I learned the basics and beyond. I’ve never cooked with eggplant before, and couldn’t get a handle on slicing onions properly, et voila, 4 weeks later, I’m making new stuff in the kitchen, and enjoying it instead of dreading it. Not only do you learn cooking techniques, but Elena also walks you through smart grocery shopping, kitchen equipment, and cookware. If you are new to cooking or need a reset, I recommend this class. Plus, each class includes a full meal at the end, and sometimes, dessert!“ (Adriana C.)
(see more reviews on Google Maps)
Ready for more?
Check out our Master Chef classes and our baking classes!