Teaching Kitchen

Teaching Kitchen

The Teaching Kitchen at The Sampson Family YMCA was established between 2012 and 2014, with the generosity and vision of the Sampson and Eden Hall Foundations, in order to provide healthy cooking classes to the community. It is one of a handful of teaching kitchens in Pennsylvania that operates as part of the nationwide Teaching Kitchen Collaborative and the first community-based organization to join that initiative, created by The Culinary Institute of America and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, to promote healthy living.

Our programming is safe, accessible, exciting and educational for individuals at every stage of life and prioritizes overall health and wellness, disease prevention and management, and delicious and nutritious meal creation on limited budgets.


Cooking & Canning: Preserving the Harvest

Sampson Family YMCA
6/16/26 - 8/25/26
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Join us in the kitchen as we explore tasty ways to preserve the summer harvest. Canning will be led by our very own Laura Hamilton, who will show us how to safely use a water bath to can and seal our delicious creations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
4/30/26 12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
06/16/26
Strawberry Jam and Cloud Pies - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
07/21/26
Zucchini Relish, Dilly Beans & Asparagus Spears - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
08/11/26
Garden Fresh Hot Sauce & Sweet Chili Sauce - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
08/25/26
SALSA! Pico De Gallo and Peach Salsa - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  

Cooking Duos! Family Friendly Cooking Class!

Sampson Family YMCA
6/18/26 - 8/6/26
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Are you a parent and child that want to take a class together? Or perhaps two friends, a couple or other cooking Duo? This class is for you! Come cook with us in the Teaching Kitchen as we celebrate the beginning of Spring with delicious opportunities to cook together (with a special welcome to young chefs.) This class is recommended for cooks of all ages who can handle tasks like whisking, stirring, cutting with child friendly knives and following instructions around a hot stove with relative ease, so please be mindful when registering.

Individuals, Friends, Couples, Parents and kids are encouraged to register

Each Registration covers the cost of two attendees.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
3/4/26 12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
06/18/26
Strawberry Cloud Pie - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
07/09/26 - 07/16/26
Lemon Blueberry Cream Parfaits - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
07/23/26
Pork Chops with Zucchini Salsa - Mo - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
08/06/26
Cold Sesame Noodles & Vegetable Salad - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  

Food as Medicine with Dr. Eric Biseca

Sampson Family YMCA
6/3/26 - 7/7/26
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“Nutritional habits for foodies” – Wednesdays 10am to Noon June 3rd to July 8th

We all love to eat.  Sometimes unfortunately we think not eating or eating healthy means not enjoying life.  Learn about ways to enhance the nutritional value of your food so that it’s tasty and provides more of what you need while tasting delicious.

Week 1: “Garden to table ideas”

Week 2: “I love to eat but I can’t stop my cravings”

Week 3: “I want to make more nutrient-dense food for myself and my family.”

Week 4: “I want my kids to eat healthier but have few options that they like.”

Week 5: Food Prep:  Meat or Veggie? The future of food and food choices

“Eating Right for your type” –Thursdays 10am to Noon, June 4th to July 9th

Do you think you know what’s good for you?  You maybe surprised to find out that certain foods have been working against you for a long time and others would really give you a boost.  Join us for this program as we explore a deeper level of our relationship with food.

Week 1: “Knowing your type”

Week 2: “Autoimmune diets”

Week 3: “Eating to combat IBS and colitis”

Week 4: “Eating for heart and brain health”

Week 5: “Fasting and who it benefits”

Certified “foodie” and naturopathic doctor, Eric Biseca, (Ph.D) has not only studied nutrition for decades, but has collaborated with hundreds of patients in discovering what foods, diets and or nutritional adjustments best suit their needs.  Dr. Biseca has served as in-house practitioner at wellness centers overseas and currently assists those with chronic conditions while facilitating a meditation circle in Murrysville (“The Sacred Circle”).  He brings culture, flavor and unique perspective to the world of wellness through both simple and exotic foods as well as innovative nutrition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
4/30/26 12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
06/03/26
Nutritional Habits for Foodies - “Garden to table ideas” - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/04/26 - 06/09/26
Eating Right for Your Type - "Knowing Your Type" - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/10/26
Nutritional Habits for Foodies - “I love to eat but I can’t stop my cravings” - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/11/26 - 06/16/26
Eating Right for Your Type - “Autoimmune diets” - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/17/26
Nutritional Habits for Foodies - “I want to make more nutrient-dense food for myself and my family.” - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/18/26 - 06/23/26
Eating Right for Your Type - “Eating to combat IBS and Colitis” - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/24/26
Nutritional Habits for Foodies - “I want my kids to eat healthier" - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
06/25/26 - 06/30/26
Eating Right for Your “Eating for heart and brain health”Type - - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
07/01/26
Nutritional Habits for Foodies - Food Prep:  Meat or Veggie? The future of food options" - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
07/02/26 - 07/07/26
Eating Right for Your Type - “Fasting and who it benefits” - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  

Grilling and Chilling, Poolside

Sampson Family YMCA
6/5/26 - 8/21/26
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Join us Poolside for good eats, grilled meats, and a great way to beat the heat!

For additional questions, diet or allergen concerns, or accessibility needs, please contact Chef Oliver at [email protected].



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
4/30/26 12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 10.00$ 20.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
06/05/26
Tiki Night: Cocktails and Pulled Pork Sliders - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
06/08/26
Cajun Seafood Boil - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
06/26/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
07/03/26
Tiki Night: Cocktails and Grilled Skewers - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
07/07/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
07/24/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
08/03/26
Watermelon Margaritas Poolside - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
08/04/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
08/14/26
End of Summer Garden & Pool party - Fr - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  
08/21/26
Tiki Night: Grilled Peach Waffles, Ice Cream & Punch - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10 - $20 Register  

Italian Cuisine 101: Pasta, Meatballs & More

Sampson Family YMCA
5/26/26 - 5/26/26
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Taste the flavors of Italy with us as we hand craft authentic Italian pastas, sauces, meatballs and more this Spring! We will be led by member Elisa More, former restaurateur and chef, in some of these classes, where she will teach us from her wealth of culinary tradition and knowledge.

By the end of each class, you will have gained a wealth of tips and tricks to try at home, as well as have prepared two servings or more of pasta, accompanying sauce, meatballs and more.

If you have any questions or want to make special dish requests, email Chef Oliver at [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
4/6/26 12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
05/26/26
Meatball Master Class - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  

Lunch and Learn with CCAC’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program

Sampson Family YMCA
10/6/26 - 10/13/26
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Join the CCAC Dietetics program in the Teaching Kitchen for snacks, occasional hands-on making, or visual food demonstrations, and discussion of the nutrition behind eating for the management of health conditions. We will also discuss core food groups to learn more about why your trainer or doctor is always telling you to add more protein or fiber to your diet. 

January 20 – Eat your Protein!

February 3 – Eating to Manage Inflammation

February 17 – Eating for Blood Pressure Management

March 3 – Eating for Bone Health and Osteoarthritis Management

March 17 – Eating for Diabetes Management

April 7 – Eat your Fiber!

Members: $10 Class

Non-Members: $25/class

For information or questions about dietary restrictions message Chef Oliver at [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Members and Non-members 12/15/25
@ 06:00 AM
12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 10.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
10/06/26
Cancer & You: Eliminating Risky Foods, Increasing Protective Foods - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
10/31/2026
10/13/26
Managing Osteoporosis with Diet - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
10/31/2026

Master Chef Kids: Creative Cooking for Your Kid Chef

Sampson Family YMCA
5/28/26 - 6/11/26
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Is your culinary creative kid the next Junior Master Chef? This class is for them! Kid Chefs! Join us in the Teaching Kitchen as we learn the FUN-damentals of cooking through a variety of recipes including quick breads, seasonal snacks, meals and surprising flavors from around the world. 

For information or questions about dietary restrictions message Chef Oliver at [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Members and Non-members 12/15/25
@ 06:00 AM
12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
05/28/26
Cheeseburgers (Beef or Vegetable Burgers) - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Session is Full
06/04/26
Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Session is Full
06/11/26
Chocolate Frosted Chocolate Cupcakes - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Session is Full