Teaching Kitchen

Teaching Kitchen


Chai and Chaat (Indian Tea and Snacks) with Jayashree Iyengar of Popping Mustard Seeds

Sampson Family YMCA
2/5/26 - 5/7/26
VIEW

Lead by Jayashree Iyengar of the Pittsburgh famous Popping Mustard Seed Indian meal kits, participants will learn how to make Masala Chai (Indian spiced tea) and Chickpea Chaat. Masala chai is an everyday beverage in northern India, known for its comforting blend of black tea, milk, and warming spices.
Chaat refers to a variety of crispy, savory Indian snacks made with aromatic spices and tangy sauces—bursting with flavor and texture. It’s a versatile, customizable dish commonly enjoyed as street food across India.
The Chickpea Chaat in this class will be prepared as a nutritious salad—with a satisfying crunch and dressed in classic chaat spices for a refreshingly flavorful dish.

For subsequent sessions we will continue to explore South Indian Cuisine with Jay.

For more information or if you have any questions about diet and etc., please email Chef Oliver at [email protected]



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Members 12/15/25
@ 06:00 AM
4/30/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
02/05/26
Indian Tea & Snacks - Th - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/03/2026
02/05/26 - 05/07/26
Entire 4-week session registration - Th - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$45 - $75 Register  
Closes
02/03/2026
03/05/26
Indian Tea & Snacks - Th - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/03/2026
04/02/26
Indian Tea & Snacks - Th - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/31/2026
05/07/26
Indian Tea & Snacks - Th - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
05/05/2026

Eat This Not That! A Delicious and Nutritious Take On Your Fave Dishes!

Sampson Family YMCA
1/26/26 - 3/2/26
VIEW

So, you’re sticking to your health goals for 2026 but want a cheeseburger…This class is for you!

Join us as we discuss ways to tweak your tasty faves at home so that you satisfy your tastebuds even when you don’t feel like cooking! We’ll explore affordable substitutions and practice rituals around cooking that will celebrate your experience of food and why it is so inextricably tied to joy and pleasure.  This class will also prioritize low carb, natural sweeteners and lower calorie substitutions as much as possible.

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



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Members & Non-members 12/15/25
@ 06:00 AM
3/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/26/26
Mediterranean Kofta Kabobs with Pita, Hummus and Quick Pickled Veggies - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
01/26/2026
01/26/26 - 03/02/26
Entire 6-week session registration - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$65 - $95 Register  
Closes
01/26/2026
02/02/26
Thai Vegetable Curry with Coconut Jasmine Rice - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/02/2026
02/09/26
Moroccan Lamb (or Vegetable) Tagine with Chickpeas and Couscous - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/09/2026
02/16/26
Louisiana Style Jambalaya - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/16/2026
02/23/26
Chicken and Waffles with Mushroom Gravy (Vegan Option available) - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/23/2026
03/02/26
Hearty Cobb Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Herbed Chicken or Tofu - Mo - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/02/2026

Herbs for Health: A Total Healing Solution

Sampson Family YMCA
1/26/26 - 3/2/26
VIEW

This series curated by Dr. Heather Setzenfand focuses on supporting your body & improving your healthy Lifestyle. Participants will learn practical tools and knowledge to strengthen immunity,
regulate stress, improve sleep, and support the nervous and hormonal systems naturally.

Week 1 – Cold and Flu: Prevention and Rapid Recovery

Week 2 – Immunity Support: When You’ve Been Exposed or Run Down

Week 3 – Sleep: Deep Rest and Recovery

Week 4 – Stress and Anxiety: Calming the Mind and Body

Week 5 – Nervous System Regulation

Week 6 – Happy Hormones: Supporting Adrenal and Hormone Balance

Pricing below is per class $20 Member and $35 Non-Member.  Entire Session cost is $95 Member and $195 Non-Member.

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



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Members & Non-members 12/15/25
@ 06:00 AM
2/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 20.00$ 35.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/26/26
Cold and Flu: Prevention and Rapid Recovery - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
01/27/2026
01/26/26
Cold and Flu: Prevention and Rapid Recovery - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
01/27/2026
01/26/26 - 03/02/26
Herbs for Health Entire 6-week session - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$95 - $195 Register  
Closes
03/02/2026
01/26/26 - 03/02/26
Herbs for Health Entire 6-week Session - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$95 - $195 Register  
Closes
03/02/2026
02/02/26
Stress and Anxiety: Calming the Mind and Body - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
02/02/2026
02/02/26
Stress and Anxiety: Calming the Mind and Body - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
01/22/2026
02/09/26
Nervous System Regulation - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
02/09/2026
02/09/26
Nervous System Regulation - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
01/22/2026
02/16/26
Happy Hormones: Supporting Adrenal and Hormone Balance - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
02/16/2026
02/16/26
Happy Hormones: Supporting Adrenal and Hormone Balance - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
01/22/2026
02/23/26
Immunity Support: When You’ve Been Exposed or Run Down - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
02/23/2026
02/23/26
Immunity Support: When You’ve Been Exposed or Run Down - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
01/22/2026
03/02/26
Sleep: Deep Rest and Recovery - Mo - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
03/02/2026
03/02/26
Sleep: Deep Rest and Recovery - Mo - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$20 - $35 Register  
Closes
03/02/2026

Learn to Make Soups & Serve the Community

Sampson Family YMCA
1/16/26 - 3/5/26
VIEW
Do you like volunteering your time and LOVE to cook? Want to learn how Chef Oliver makes the yummy soups we share on a Friday AND help feed your fellow members at the same time?
Join Chef Oliver in the kitchen from 9:00am to 11:30am to:
  • help prepare the soups we share with the community
  • help set up the space for the meal
  • help clean up after we cook

OR

from 11:30am to 2pm to:

  • help serve members
  • help clean up
  • hand out recipes and engage with members

Get a chance to learn how to make large batches of tasty and nourishing food for your community and take some home too! If you can only join for part of the time, still register and simply email Chef Oliver at [email protected] so we know when to expect you.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
12/30/25 3/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/16/26 - 01/22/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
01/16/26 - 01/22/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  
01/23/26 - 01/29/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
01/23/26 - 01/29/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  
01/30/26 - 02/05/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
01/30/26 - 02/05/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  
02/06/26 - 02/12/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
02/06/26 - 02/12/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  
02/13/26 - 02/19/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
02/13/26 - 02/19/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  
02/20/26 - 02/26/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
02/20/26 - 02/26/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  
02/27/26 - 03/05/26
Make Soup & Prep/Clean Up - Fr - 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
02/27/26 - 03/05/26
Serve and Clean-up - Fr - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Register  

Lunch and Learn with CCAC’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program

Sampson Family YMCA
2/3/26 - 4/7/26
VIEW

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
4/30/26 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 10.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
02/03/26
Eating to Manage Inflammation - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
04/11/2026
02/17/26
Eating for Blood Pressure Management - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
04/11/2026
03/03/26
Eating for Bone Health and Osteoarthritis Management - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
04/11/2026
03/17/26
Eating for Diabetes Management - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
04/11/2026
04/07/26
Eat your Fiber! - Tu - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 Register  
Closes
04/11/2026

Master Chef - Junior: Creative Cooking for Your Kid Chef

Sampson Family YMCA
1/22/26 - 2/12/26
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 from knife skills, quick breads and pasta making to exploring 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
2/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/22/26
Easy Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Session is Full
01/29/26
Let's Make Mozzarella Cheese and use it on Margherita Pizzas! - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
01/22/2026
02/05/26
Breakfast for Dinner! Huevos Rancheros (Mexican Eggs) - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
01/29/2026
02/12/26
Carrot Cake Muffins Your Way - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/05/2026

Nutritious Bites for Fuel on the Go!

Sampson Family YMCA
1/14/26 - 3/4/26
VIEW

This class is for anyone looking for more protein packed and nutrient dense meals, snacks and supplements, to fuel their bodies and workouts on the go.

IDEAL for:

  • Parents of Young Athletes looking for quick and easy meals on the go before a game or to pack for a meet. 
  • Athletes looking for easy ways to get more whole foods in the mix in addition to supplements.
  • Anyone with a regular workout practice looking for more ways to build nutrients and protein in their diets in delicious ways.
  • Anyone looking for more nutrient dense snacks and quick bites to grab on the go and skip the vending machine.

Come make these recipes with us in the kitchen and take several servings home to supplement your meals and workouts for the week.

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
2/27/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/14/26 - 02/18/26
Entire 6-week session registration - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$65 - $95 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
01/28/26
Quinoa, Red Pepper, Zucchini and Black Bean Casserole Squares - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
02/04/26
No Bake Granola Bars - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
02/11/26
Make Your Own Sushi Rolls (Gluten Free, No Raw Fish) - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
02/18/26
Vegetable Rolls & Protein Packed Wraps - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
02/25/26
Veggie Packed Fruit Smoothies - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
03/04/26
Feta, Sundried Tomato & Spinach Egg Bites - We - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
03/06/2026

Set It and Forget It! Easy One Pot Meals

Sampson Family YMCA
1/27/26 - 2/17/26
VIEW

Half the joy of a meal is sharing it with others! 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 eating to support issues like diabetes and osteoarthritis, and practice some easy hacks to help when you just don’t feel like cooking but want to eat something tasty and nutritious.

We heard through the grapevine that there will also be snacks! 😉

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 12/15/25
@ 06:00 AM
2/24/26 Online / Front Desk $ 15.00$ 25.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/27/26
Hungarian Style Goulash - Beef & Vegetable Stew (Mushrooms Substitute for Vegans) - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
01/27/2026
02/03/26
Tex-Mex Fajitas with NA Margaritas - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/03/2026
02/10/26
Tunisian Slata Mechouia (Grilled Vegetable Salad) with Feta & Toasted Sourdough - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/10/2026
02/17/26
Quinoa, Sundried Tomato, & Vegetable Casserole - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$15 - $25 Register  
Closes
02/17/2026

Soups for Immunity and Community!

Sampson Family YMCA
1/23/26 - 2/27/26
VIEW
Join us on Fridays as we continue to build community by sharing a meal together. We will bring the soups; delicious and nutrient rich, guaranteed to boost your immune system and keep you in fighting form for flu season. You bring smiling faces, kind words for each other and a spare moment to sit and break bread together. We will use fresh ingredients with a focus on flavor and powerhouse vitamins and antioxidants to warm and nourish you.
01/09 – Lemony Potato Leek with Veggies


Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/23/26
Minestrone - Fr - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Closed
01/30/26
Southwest Chicken and Vegetable Soup - Fr - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Closed
02/06/26
Stuffed Pepper Soup - Fr - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Closed
02/13/26
Carolina Shrimp, Kale and Black Eye Peas Soup - Fr - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Closed
02/20/26
Cabbage Roll Soup - Fr - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Closed
02/27/26
Lentil Soup - Fr - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration
Closed