CALLING ALL LITTLE CHEFS. The Menomonie Market Food Co-op is hosting kid-friendly cooking classes this spring.

On a scale of zero to Hell’s Kitchen, this is more of a Ratatouille. Translation: Kids with little to no cooking experience can all have fun while picking up new tips and tricks thanks to the Menomonie Market Food Co-op in downtown Eau Claire.

This spring’s “Just the Basics” kids cooking series – a brand-new offering from the co-op – will launch on Thursday, Feb. 27. Hosted at the Eau Claire store’s second level from 4:30-6pm, kids ages 9-13 will learn a bunch of beginner-friendly and important cooking skills with Menomonie Market Chef Michelle Thiede and Education Coordinator Measha Vieth.

The first series event will focus on pasta, resulting in a colorful salad with two vinaigrettes and a main-course meal of baked chicken parmesan and homemade marinara sauce. Kids will learn kitchen essentials and safety skills; how to measure dry and liquid ingredients like a pro; safe knife-handling skills; time management, and more chef skills.

Participants don’t need to bring anything with them to the class, and guardians are welcome to sit in on the class to observe if they’d like. An online class waiver will need to be filled out beforehand, and the cost per class is $25. There are just 15 spots per class, so sign up today to snag your little chef’s spot!

The cooking series will continue later this spring with breakfast, soup and bread, and casseroles and crockpots classes slated for March 27, April 24, and May 29, respectively.

Learn more about and sign up for the upcoming Feb. 27 cooking class at Menomonie Market Food Co-op (206 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire) online.