Culinary Demonstration Class
Photo by istock/jenifoto
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, 10 a.m.-noon
$85 member/$105 non-member, includes Arboretum admission plus all supplies and ingredients.
WAITLIST ME Sold out.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - Kitchen Classroom (Myers Education Center)
Adult 18+
Class Overview:
Prepare to impress your guests this holiday season. Chef Beth Fisher and introducing Chef Cheo Smith will make an array of delicious side dishes and a tasty, easy dessert that will all complement (or replace!) your turkey. In this class, you'll learn how to create classic and modern recipes designed to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner. From savory stuffing and a rich seasonal tart, you'll discover all the essentials to help you craft a memorable feast.
In this demonstration class you will learn:
- Essential knife skills to master cutting techniques that make prep faster, safer and more efficient for any recipe.
- Foundational cooking techniques you’ll use well beyond the holiday season, from roasting to seasoning.
- Creative, hearty side dish recipes that can shine as mains or sides — plus tips to adapt them year-round.
- Shortcuts and planning strategies to make your holiday meal stress-free and seamless.
Menu:
- Squash, Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tart
- Wild Rice, Brussel Sprout Salad with Kale, Pomegranate &
Roasted Pecans - Savory Buttery Biscuit Pull Apart Stuffing
- Spiced Cranberry Chutney
- Pumpkin Mousse
Taste and sample as the chef demonstrates recipes and kitchen skills that will increase your confidence in preparing a holiday meal in new ways.
Instructors:
Chef Beth Fisher is thrilled to bring her experience to her role as Culinary Manager at The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Known for her years of teaching at various cooking schools and creative culinary work at several popular Twin Cities restaurants, Beth is now focused on enhancing the Arboretum's fast growing culinary offerings including Rootstock and kitchen classroom educational experiences. Join Beth and discover the joy of learning and cooking in the kitchen!
Chef Cheo Smith brings a wide range of culinary experience to the Farm at the Arb — from home cooking and working in professional kitchens — to preparing hundreds of school lunches each day. A Minnesota native, Cheo is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. He is passionate about bridging the gaps in access and knowledge that prevent many people from bringing farm-fresh ingredients to their tables. His mission is to make healthy, great-tasting food easy to prepare and accessible to every home cook.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: 3210 W 82nd St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.