Classes


Cooking classes are so fun!

Before relocating to Illinois, I led fermentation and pickling workshops at the Staten Island Museum. We preserved our summer harvests together while learning the agricultural history of Staten Island, making new friends, and sharing plenty of laughs.

I have also taught numerous kids’ cooking classes, including a year of Kids Cooking Club at a New York City after-school program. This was a memorable opportunity, as many kiddos bravely tried new textures and flavors, sometimes discovering new favorites! We even produced cookbooks at the end of our class sessions.

My specialties include kids’ cooking, fermentation, pizza and focaccia, cake decorating, and vegan baking classes. Please stay tuned- I plan on creating a workshop in our new storefront where I will offer baking & cooking classes and other special events!

  • “I had the privilege of working with Jo on two successful workshops at the Staten Island Museum in 2016 and 2017. These programs were designed to connect participants with the agricultural history of Staten Island. Jo led courses in both pickling and fermentation. She is a born educator with soul and presence. Her warmth, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit radiate. She was able to make participants feel at ease working with materials and processes they didn’t have experience with. But more than that, they were inspired. Her workshops are still brought up to me by participants who continue to use the skills they learned.”

    – Rylee Eterginoso
    Public Programs Manager, Staten Island Museum

  • ”I am lucky to have enjoyed Jo Colagiacomi's culinary talents for several years, first when my daughter was invited to her childrens’ birthday celebration and we first experienced her vegan chocolate cake, and later, when she taught a cooking club for students at my daughter's school. Jo is a gifted educator who connects with her students on several levels. I was amazed to watch her take a simple lessons on making your own guacamole and assembling vegetarian tostatas and reach children who originally wouldn't even touch a tomato on the first day, and ending up with EVERY student trying out their culinary creations week after week. Whether taking familiar foods and introducing new ways to use them or making an old favorite and adding unexpected ingredients (avocado chocolate pudding!), Jo was able to bring real food to life for students who may not have those opportunities elsewhere.”

    – Meggin Juraska
    Kids Cooking Club Coordinator