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.


Charcuterie Centerpieces for the Holiday Table

Sampson Family YMCA
12/3/26 - 12/7/26
VIEW

Join us in the Teaching Kitchen as we put together celebratory charcuterie boards guaranteed to astound your family and guests this holiday season.

We will explore two styles of charcuterie board: Savory and Sweet.

Our Savory boards will feature traditional elements such as cold cuts, cheeses (regular and vegan), fresh and pickled vegetables, nuts and dried fruit, while our Sweet boards will be an exploration of crackers, crisps and cookies, select jams, soft cheeses, fresh and dried fruit and chocolates. You will learn how to make quick-pickled veggies, whipped butter, and a cheese ball to complement the store-bought items as well as how to plate, style and garnish your finished boards.

Participants will receive one of each platter to take home. Complimentary mocktails will be served, bring a friend and enjoy some early holiday cheer! 

Kidzone Childcare is available for each session!



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
9/20/26 12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
12/03/26
Charcuterie Boards Two Ways (Savory & Dessert Sweet) - Th - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
Closed
Opens on 09/20/26
12/07/26
Charcuterie Boards Two Ways (Savory & Dessert Sweet) - Mo - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Registration
Closed
Opens on 09/20/26

Cooking & Canning: Preserving the Harvest

Sampson Family YMCA
8/25/26 - 8/25/26
VIEW

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
@ 08:00 AM
12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
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
8/13/26 - 8/27/26
VIEW

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
@ 08:00 AM
12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
08/13/26
Charred Shrimp with Shimi Sauce and Chickpea Rice - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
08/20/26
Key Lime Bars - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35 Register  
08/27/26
Chicken and Waffles with Peach Salsa - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$25 - $35
Registration
will open on
08/24/2026
@ 08:00 am

Easy One Pot Meals

Sampson Family YMCA
9/9/26 - 12/9/26
VIEW

Half the joy of a meal is sharing it with others; the other half is sharing the work of cooking together! Come meal prep with us in the Teaching Kitchen and explore delicious ways to easily create simple dishes that you can either set and forget or whip up in one pot. We will explore cooking a variety of ingredients and practice some easy prep to help when you just don’t feel like cooking but want to eat something tasty and nutritious.

Every week, we’ll make or prep a dish you can easily finish or warm at home in the oven, crock pot or Instant Pot, or freeze to finish another day from frozen. You always take home at least two servings just in time for dinner!

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
Members & Non-members 8/2/26
@ 08:00 AM
12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
09/09/26
Lemon Chicken Piccata - We - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
09/16/26
DIY Salad Kits - A Week's Worth of Lunches - We - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$20 - $30 Register  
09/23/26
Moroccan Chickpea and Rice Casserole (Tagine) - We - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
10/07/26
Pork Tenderloin in Creamy Dijon Sauce - We - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
10/14/26
Chicken and Vegetable Casserole - We - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
10/21/26
Risotto Milanese with Garlicky Shrimp - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
10/28/26
Chicken Paprikash - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
11/04/26
Lentil Stew with Coconut Rice - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
11/11/26
Pork Stew with Root Vegetables - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
11/18/26
Sausage and Fennel Dressing aka Stuffing - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
11/25/26 - 12/01/26
Feta & Cranberry Phyllo Pockets (Perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner) - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
12/02/26
Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Casserole - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  
12/09/26
Lasagna - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register  

Food as Medicine - “All About Gut Health”

Sampson Family YMCA
9/14/26 - 10/7/26
VIEW

Join us as we discuss how to heal, care for and support your gut. From day-to-day care and management of illnesses to keeping things regular and easy!

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
@ 08:00 AM
12/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
09/14/26
Session 1 - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Register  
09/16/26
Session 1 - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Register  
09/21/26
Session 2 - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Register  
09/23/26
Session 2 - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Register  
10/05/26
Session 3 - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Register  
10/07/26
Session 3 - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Register  

International Flavors: Foods from Around the World

Sampson Family YMCA
9/8/26 - 12/15/26
VIEW

Join us this Fall for an exploration of cuisines from around the world. Each week we will craft dishes in the kitchen from a sample of other countries, cultures, and culinary traditions, starting in Italy and ending in France. If the cost of airfare is keeping you stateside this year, don’t fret, join us in the kitchen as we taste the world. Each class, you will make and take home a meal of 2 or more servings.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Fall I - Members 8/3/26
@ 08:00 AM
8/9/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00-
Fall I - Members & Non-Members 8/10/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00
Fall II - Members 9/21/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/27/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00-
Fall II - Members & Non-Members 9/28/26
@ 08:00 AM
12/6/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
09/08/26
Sundried Tomato and Olive Focaccia with Caprese Salad - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
09/15/26
Sushi Rolls and Onigiri (Rice Balls) - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
09/22/26
Earl Grey Souffle - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
10/06/26
Thai Shrimp and Vegetable Curry - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
10/13/26 - 10/19/26
Trinidadian Stewed Chicken and Potatoes - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
10/20/26
Golden and Red Beet Borscht - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
10/27/26
Beef Empanadas - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/03/26
Bison and Three Sisters (Corn, Squash and Beans) Stew - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/10/26
Potato Samosas - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/17/26
Zwiebelkuchen (German Bacon & Onion Pie) - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/24/26
Wild Rice, Sausage and Chestnut Casserole - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
12/01/26
Malva Pudding - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
12/08/26
Meat and Vegetable Pasteles (Caribbean Tamales) - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
12/15/26
Yule Logs with Chocolate Bark - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am

Italian 101: Gnocchi, Tiramisu, Meatballs & More!

Sampson Family YMCA
9/14/26 - 12/7/26
VIEW

Join us this Fall as we continue our exploration of the flavors of Italy crafting more authentic Italian dishes this time Gnocchi, Tiramisu, Meatballs and More. Led again by member Elisa More, former restaurateur and chef, 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 to take home.

If you have any questions email Chef Oliver at [email protected].


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Fall I - Members 8/10/26
@ 08:00 AM
8/16/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00-
Fall I - Members & Non-Members 8/17/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00
Fall II - Members 9/21/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/27/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00-
Fall II - Members & Non-Members 9/28/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/29/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
09/14/26
MmmMeatballs! - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
09/21/26
Gnocchi! - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
10/12/26
Wedding Soup - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register  
11/02/26
Cannolis - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/16/26
Tiramisu - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
12/07/26
Holiday Biscotti - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am

Lunch & Learn with Trained Nutrition & Dietetics Educators

Sampson Family YMCA
10/6/26 - 10/13/26
VIEW

Join us in the kitchen with Nutrition and Dietetic Educators for snacks, occasional hands-on making, or visual food demonstrations, and discussion on 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.

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



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Fall I - Members 8/10/26
@ 08:00 AM
8/16/26 Online / Front Desk $ 10.00-
Fall I - Members & Non-Members 8/17/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 10.00$ 15.00

Available Sessions

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

Master Chef Kids: Creative Cooking for Your Kid Chef

Sampson Family YMCA
9/10/26 - 12/31/26
VIEW

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
Fall I - Members 8/10/26
@ 08:00 AM
8/16/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00-
Fall I - Members & Non-Members 8/17/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00
Fall II - Members 9/21/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/27/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00-
Fall II - Members & Non-Members 9/28/26
@ 08:00 AM
12/6/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
09/10/26 - 10/22/26
Entire 6-Week Session Fall 1 - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
$90 - $150 Register  
09/10/26 - 10/30/26
Summer Garden Pizzas - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Register  
09/17/26
Korean Style Sushi (Kimbap) - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Register  
09/24/26
Mini Angel Food Cakes with Lemon Glaze and Berries - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Register  
10/08/26
Vegetable & Noodles Lo Mein - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Register  
10/15/26
Creamy Chicken Alfredo - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Register  
10/22/26
The Omelette from Ratatouille - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Register  
10/29/26 - 12/11/26
Entire 6-Week Session Fall 2 - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
$90 - $150
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
10/29/26 - 12/31/26
Spooky Cookies! 👻 - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/05/26
Ragu with Buttered Noodles - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/12/26
Potato Samosas - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
11/19/26
Apple or Pear Cranberry Pastry Pies - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
12/03/26
Holiday Pinwheel Cookies - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am
12/10/26
Lasagna! - Th - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration
will open on
09/21/2026
@ 08:00 am

Slovak Cooking: Pierogis and Cold Dough Pastry (Kolache)

Sampson Family YMCA
10/19/26 - 11/30/26
VIEW

Come learn the secrets to making Pittsburgh’s favorite dumpling, the wonderful Pierogi, with Master Pierogi maker Kathy Sutek! In this hands-on workshop dedicated to the delectable Slovak staple, you will learn to craft authentic, handmade pierogi from scratch. We will also be making a delicious holiday pastry, Kolache, a little later in the fall. Kolache is affectionately referred to as “cold dough” pastry, it is a fruit or nut filled pastry that Kathy’s family has made for generations. Traditional flavors include apricot, cherry, pineapple, strawberry or walnuts.
What to expect in each class:
  • The Perfect Dough: Learn the secrets to mixing and kneading tender doughs that are easy to roll and seal.
  • Filling Mastery: Prepare traditional fillings for Pierogi like creamy potato, savory sauerkraut and even a sweet fruit option. And for Kolache: fruit and cheese.
  • Shaping & Sealing: Practice rolling out the dough and master techniques to create beautiful, leak-proof seals.
  • Cooking Techniques: Discover how to perfectly boil your pierogi and when to give them a final pan-fry in butter for that classic golden-brown finish. Also how to shape and bake your Kolache for tender crumb perfection.

Take home a dozen of your own handmade pierogi after our pierogi class and a dozen pieces of Kolache after our pastry class in different flavors, detailed recipes, and of course we’ll have Pierogis and Pastries for tasting.

If you have any questions or dietary needs email Chef Oliver at [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Fall I - Members Only 8/10/26
@ 08:00 AM
8/16/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00-
Fall I - Members & Non-Members 8/17/26
@ 08:00 AM
9/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 25.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
10/19/26
Learn to Make Pierogis - Mo - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Register  
11/30/26
Cold Dough Pastries (Kolache) - Mo - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Register