Classes & Programs
Our core mission is to expand education in the greater Lake County area. We offer an array of engaging and exciting classes offered by both our internal team members, as well as guest educators. Enroll in a class today, and enjoy a wealth of educational experiences at Elawa Farm.
Cooking & Tasting Classes
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Chocolate Desserts
Monday, February 10, 2025
12:30 pm & 6:30 pmLove is in the air! Join Chef Gale Gand for a class full of chocolate desserts just in time before Valentine's day. Chef Gand will teach you 3 chocolate dessert recipes perfect to celebrate the holiday. You will also learn how chocolate is grown, harvested, and how it goes from bean to bar, and what some of the best brands are.
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Taco Tuesday
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
6 pm - 8:30 pm
Join award-winning chef and founder of Libertyville’s Milwalky Taco, Chef Lee Kuebler, along with Chef Mickey Knutson, as they take you on a culinary journey through Mexico’s vibrant taco culture. You’ll learn to make tortillas from scratch and create three delicious taco varieties—Baja style, Al Pastor, and grilled skirt steak—paired with a selection of homemade salsas. Plus, enjoy a special guest presentation on tequilas, complete with a tasting and a handcrafted margarita! -
Sourdough 101
Saturday, March 1, 2025
9 am - 12:30 pmJoin our Pastry Chef Maggie Logan, in exploring the benefits and ease of making "good for you" bread the old fashioned way. This class will feature how to make and use sourdough fermentation as a core ingredient of a healthy, delicious bread. Class participants will make and take home three types of bread all produced with sourdough, as well as some leaven to get the baking started in your own kitchen.
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Bright & Bubbly: A Spring Tasting of Rosé & Sparkling Wines
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:30 pm - 8 pmJoin us for a delightful evening celebrating spring with an exquisite selection of Rosé and sparkling wines. Experience a curated wine journey brought to you by Oakwood Vines, Lake Forest’s trusted wine partner, proudly representing over 30 globally acclaimed wineries and estates.
The tasting will feature Rosés and sparkling wines from both French and California regions, showcasing the refined elegance of French Rosés and the bold, fruit-forward profiles of California. Learn how these wines complement spring dishes, from light salads and seafood to brunch classics and desserts, while exploring the art of Rosé from two renowned wine regions. Toast to the season with vibrant wines that celebrate the beauty of spring!
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Traditional Oaxacan Mole with El Molcajete Sauces
Saturday, March 8, 2025
6 pm - 8:30 pmJoin Chef Ernesto and his family for an unforgettable Mole Making Class! This immersive, hands-on experience will not only teach you the art of preparing this rich and complex Mexican dish but also offer you a glimpse into the vibrant Oaxacan culture, where mole is a true celebration of life.
During this class, you will learn step by step how to create traditional mole sauce, discovering why Oaxaca is affectionately known as "The Land of the 7 Moles." You'll get the chance to roast and grind an array of ingredients, including chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, chocolate, and fruit. It's a fantastic opportunity to master the art of balancing flavors, from smoky and spicy to subtly sweet, achieving the perfect thickness for your mole.
As the mole simmers to perfection, we'll also prepare some delicious accompanying dishes such as chicken, rice, and beans. To enhance the experience, we'll sip on Oaxacan-style cocktails and delve into discussions about the rich culture and culinary heritage of Oaxaca, often hailed as the food capital of Mexico.
This class is more than just a cooking lesson; it's about embracing the joy of creating a deeply flavorful and complex sauce that has been passed down through generations. By the end of this session, you'll have a greater understanding of this essential part of Mexican culinary tradition and how food plays a pivotal role in our celebrations. -
Schnitzel Fest with Chef Gale Gand
Monday, March 10, 2025
12:30 pm & 6:30 pmJoin Chef Gale Gand as she teaches you how to make a classic German meal of Chicken Schnitzel, Chive and Mustard Spaetzle, Sauteed Purple Cabbage with Prunes, Bacon and Balsamic, and Apple Pear Strudel for dessert.
Tasting will be provided at the end of class.
Garden, Farm & Art Classes & Programs
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Discovering the Beauty of Holland Tulips
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
10 am - 11 amJoin Eileen Weber, AAF of Lake Forest Flowers for an engaging floral design workshop. Explore the stunning variety of Holland tulips—from the bold, textured charm of parrot tulips to the delicate elegance of frill tulips. Learn how each unique bloom adds life, color, and character to floral arrangements.
Participants will enjoy hands-on guidance in crafting their own custom spring bouquet, perfect for bringing seasonal beauty into your home. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistry of floral design and the timeless appeal of tulips! -
Seed Starting with Elaine
Saturday, February 22, 2025
10 am - 11 amIt’s that time of year again—time to start seeds indoors and prepare for the upcoming growing season! In our Seed Starting class, Elaine, Elawa Farm's Director of Farm Operations, will guide you through the process of selecting the right seeds to start indoors, when to plant them, and how to create the perfect environment for them to thrive. You’ll also learn about the materials you'll need and the essential steps to ensure success. By the end of the class, you’ll take home your very own starter container of onion seeds.
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Hooves & Hugs
Saturday, February 22, 2025
10 am & 11 am & 12 pmImmerse yourself in the playful charm of our new goats! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can cuddle, pet, and interact with our loveable goats
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Floral Watercolor Painting with Evelyn Phelps
Friday, March 7, 2025
1 pm - 4 pmEnjoy a Friday afternoon painting loose flowers with watercolor. The class will begin with a brief introduction to watercolor painting and an overview of the materials. We will then set up our individual flowers and begin sketching and painting. Throughout the class, Evelyn will provide individual feedback and offer tips and techniques for improving painting skills. By the end of the class, students will have completed a beautiful watercolor painting.
All materials will be provided.
Youth Classes & Programs
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Jamberry
Every Friday
10 am & 11:15am
In this class, Nicole will lead you and your little ones in 45-minutes of collaborative music making. We will connect through music while we sing, dance, move, play and pretend. -
Adventures at Elawa
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
12 pm - 1 pmCome join us for a Valentine's celebration at Adventures at Elawa. Kids will be making personalized cards and putting together their very own mini bouquets to take home to their loved ones.
This is a drop off class from 12-1pm. In the meantime parents are welcome to visit our cafe during class or walk around the farm. See you there! -
Adventures at Elawa
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
12 pm - 1 pmGrab your aprons and get ready to Knead! Bring your little chefs to Adventures at Elawa where they will get to make their own bread and butter. Each kids will go home with a jar of fresh butter made in class and warm bread.
This is a drop off class from 12-1pm. In the meantime parents are welcome to visit our cafe during class or walk around the farm. See you there!
View all of our upcoming classes & programs on our Tock page