June Classes
Mastering Almond Cream Croissants
In this workshop, you'll master the art of creating delicate almond cream (frangipane) and learn professional techniques for filling, finishing, and baking these beloved treats. Chef Kyoko will share her secrets for achieving that perfect balance between the buttery flakiness of a croissant and the rich, aromatic almond filling that makes this pastry a café favorite worldwide. You'll discover the composition of traditional frangipane, proper consistency and piping techniques for filling croissants, and methods for transforming day-old croissants into luxurious almond pastries.
You'll take home six freshly baked almond cream croissants of your creation and the confidence to recreate these delicious pastries again.
Chef Kyoko has been baking for many years and previously worked in the bakery at Nell's Gourmet. She now runs her own home bakery and has built a devoted following through her engaging baking and pastry videos on social media, where she shares techniques and tips.
The class is limited to 8 participants for personalized instruction. All ingredients and equipment are provided, with complimentary coffee, tea, and sparkling water served throughout the class. This workshop is suitable for intermediate home bakers with some baking experience.
Instructor:
Chef Kyoko Mumm
Saturday, June 7
10-noon
$85 per seat
At Nell's Table on Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Instructor:
Marinell Simpson
Thursday, June 12
6-8:30 pm
$90 per seat
At Nell's Table on Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Perfect Picnics & Dining al Fresco
Love to eat outdoors? Join Marinell, owner of Nell's Gourmet, for an inspiring and hands-on cooking class dedicated to creating your perfect summer picnic. Discover the secrets to preparing delicious, make-ahead dishes that travel beautifully and shine under the open sky.
In this engaging session, you'll learn to craft a complete picnic menu featuring Marinell's signature herbed roast chicken alongside three vibrant seasonal sides: a fresh Garden Pasta Salad brimming with summer vegetables, comforting Calico Baked Beans and a zesty Greek Potato Salad. For dessert, Berry Crumble.
Marinell will guide you through each step, sharing practical tips for preparation, transport, and charming outdoor presentation. All skill levels are welcome, and you'll leave with recipes and the confidence to elevate your summer gatherings.
Instructor:
Chef Jen Glover
Tuesday, June 13
6-9 pm
$90 per seat
At Nell's Table on Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Quick Pickling
Ready to get your pickle on? Join Chef Jen Glover for a fun and interactive class where you'll learn the secrets to quick pickling! Chef Jen will guide you through the simple steps of transforming fresh vegetables into tangy, flavorful delights in no time. Get ready to chop, spice, and jar your way to delicious homemade pickles you can enjoy right away. All materials will be provided, and you'll leave with jars of your own creations and the know-how to pickle just about anything!
Father's Day Cake Decorating
Join Chef Hayley as she instructs the class on decorating a cake just for Dad!
You will learn how to level, fill, crumb coat, frost and decorate a two-layer, 6” chocolate cake that serves 4-6 people.
Instructor:
Chef Hayley Johnson
Saturday, June 14
9-11 am
$85 per seat
At Nell's Table on Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Instructor:
Carey Denman
Tuesday, June 17
6-8 pm
$85 per seat
At Nell's Table on Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Black Hills Workshop
The Black Hills are a dynamic source of plants that can be used as both food and medicine. Learn how to identify, ethically harvest, and use some of the plants that might already be growing in your own backyard. Want to know which multi-talented plant can almost-instantly relieve the pain of a bee sting and make a tasty pesto? Or which flower has the ability to reduce a fever and become a delicious wine?
Join hobby herbalist Carey Denman for a workshop that will delight your senses and help you transform so-called “weeds” into unforgettable food and powerful medicine.
Instructor:
Suzette McCully
Friday, June 27
6-8 pm
$100 per seat
At Nell's Table on Mt. Rushmore Rd.
Ombre Rosette Cake Decorating
Piece of Cake bakery's talented former cake decorator, Suzette McCully, returns to guide you through the stunning Ombré Rosette piped cake.
In this intermediate cake decorating class, you'll learn the art of creating a beautifully textured two-layer, 6-inch vanilla cake adorned with elegant ombré rosettes. Suzette will share her expert piping techniques to achieve a seamless color gradient and perfectly formed buttercream rosettes, transforming a simple cake into a show-stopping centerpiece.
This class is perfect for those with some prior cake decorating experience or anyone who has enjoyed Nell's Table's previous cake decorating sessions. Get ready to expand your skills and create a truly impressive cake!