Davis Food Co-op Teaching Kitchen brings more than just ingredients together

PHOTO: Davis Food Co-op Teaching Kitchen

By Juna Brothers

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

Several times a month, a small group gathers at the Davis Food Co-op Teaching Kitchen, just across the street from the Co-op grocery store on G street.  

Since the program’s conception in 2000, the building has hosted hundreds of cooking classes.

Christine Ciganovich, the Co-op’s Marketing Specialist, has taught and assisted in many of these hands-on classes. 

“It’s the community’s kitchen and everyone should feel comfortable here. I want people to feel at home…I love them coming into my kitchen (and) spending some time making some food together,” Ciganovich said. 

From the Kids Cooking Classes to the new Young Chefs Series to higher-level cooking classes, there is space for all ages, skill levels and tastes. 

“We do a lot of ‘healthy’ classes. But we also do a lot of classes (like) sticky buns and foods that are good for our souls. And there’s room for everyone,” Ciganovich said. 

Laura Doyle taught the sticky bun class on Nov. 3. Doyle strives to make the baking process more approachable. During the class, she demonstrated how to mix the dough without a stand mixer and gave in-depth responses to the attendees’ questions, ranging from the differences between baking powder and baking soda to why it was necessary to use softened butter instead of melted butter. 

Wes Burge and Lauren Libero attended the sticky bun class, having also attended several classes in the past. 

“It’s a great way to spend a date night,” Burge said. 

After learning that it was Libero’s birthday, Ciganovich went across the street to the Co-op grocery store and purchased all of the ingredients to make the sticky buns at home as a present for the couple.