Class sizes are limited, please RSVP by email, calling the store or letting us know you would like to attend on your next shopping trip. Notify us if you cannot attend within 24 hours. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health or exercise regime as the views presented in our classes do not substitute for licensed medical care. The views presented in classes are not necessarily the views of Wheatsfield Co-op or its members. Class fees are non-refundable.

For instructor bios download our May / June class flier. Want to teach a class? Read over our instructor guidelines to see if you are a good fit.

Tuesday, May 21, 7pm
Darlene Sousa

Darlene will  walk us through the steps of making baklava, a honeyed Mediterranean dessert which layers nuts between sheets of phyllo dough, at home.  We’ll also make a traditional tabouleh salad made from bulgur wheat and herbs.  This dish is great for summer suppers, potlucks or picnics.

Tuesday, May 28, 7pm
Jana Hagen, MCEP, AmeriCorps Member

Whether you are planning a family trip, walk in the park or just just need something to hold you over between meals, learn which healthy snacks are best for you. Jana will offer an overview of different parks and walking trails in the area and review how much and what kind of exercise you should be fitting into your weekly routine.  Summer is a great time to get out and get fit!

Tuesday, June 4, 7pm
Becky Ringsby, Savor Specialty Chef Services

Come and indulge yourself in rich, creamy, chocolate decadence!  Gelato is a delectable Italian ice cream dessert that you can easily make at home.  And in honor of the season, we will top off our creation of chocolaty-goodness with a bright and fresh homemade strawberry sauce.  Yum!

Tuesday, June 11, 7pm
Nancy Beatty, Clinical Herbalist

We’ll meet at Ames’ North River Valley Park (on East 13th St.) for this year’s Wheatsfield Herb Walk.  Wondering just what a “herb walk” is?  Think of it as a guided tour of our local weeds and trees.  Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; apply insect repellent if bugs bother you.  Bring your curiosity and questions. Keep in mind we will be walking off trail for some parts of the walk.   

Tuesday, June 18, 7pm
Judy & Dean Henry, Berry Patch Farm

If you’ve been to The Berry Patch, chances are you’ve met Judy and Dean Henry at the farm stand or directing pickers out in the fields.  Come to Wheatsfield to hear Dean tell us about their farm and the strawberry cultivars they grow.  Judy will share share recipes that are easy and fun.  You’ll have lots of ideas for what to do with this year’s harvest as there will still be time to get out of town and to pick your own!

Tuesday, June 25, 7pm
Connie Lawrance, Wheatsfield Cheese Buyer

Whether you are new to the world of cheese or a seasoned connoisseur, you will enjoy this class designed much like a blind wine tasting. Working in small groups, attendees will sample a wide variety of cheeses, exploring each characteristic and trying to identify the cheeses. Cheese novices may ask for some definitions whereas cheese aficionados will want to approach the tasting with experience as their sole guide.  After the tasting Connie will reveal the names of each cheese, discuss the subtle differentiations between them and help us tally our sheets to see which novice and which  aficionado guessed the most correctly. There will be prizes for the two winners. 

$10 Fee, non-refundable

Tuesday, July 9, 7pm
Whitney Ferrara, Wheatsfield Deli Staff

Whitney will take us on a world coffee tour defining the variables that contribute to finding a cup of coffee you like.  She will explain how the region a coffee bean comes from and the roast team together to create different flavors.  Move beyond dark, medium or light and learn which roasts work best with which coffee.  A review of grinding and brewing techniques will lead us to a cupping – where you can put your taste buds to work.  Before we leave Whitney will even share ideas for using leftover coffee and all those grounds!