Mother’s Day. So many bad gifts out there, so little time remaining to find the perfect thing for that amazing mom and/or mother-in-law in your life. This year skip the decorative hand towels, the verbena-scented candle, and the plate decorated by the kids. Show her you care by creating memories, not clutter, by taking a class together.

Here in Orange County there are so many great options for cooking classes available in private session formats or in larger groups. Prices vary depending on the instructor or class, but it’s easy to find something for every wallet if you know where to look.

The family that cooks together stays together – Perhaps the best bargains can be found at A Southern Season’s cooking school. As of this morning, plenty of room was still available in the upcoming Tasty Thai (Tuesday, May 24th, $35 per person) and Classic French Cuisine (Wednesday, June 1st, $35 per person) classes. Be sure to check the online schedule and call to check on availability before getting excited about the listings, popular classes like the Southern Biscuits series sell out quickly (877) 929-7133.

Something special for mamma mia – Another great option is a private pasta making class for your mom and her closest friends with Carmella from Melina’s Italian Kitchen. She takes her pasta making party into your home, complete with traditional pasta making tools from Italy, and she’ll teach your group how to make pasta by hand. Tortellini, ravioli, garganelli, gnocchi – you want it, she’ll teach it, customizing menus based on the party and number of people. She explained to me via email that “Italian wine pairings and education can be included. During the class I will share information about Italian cooking traditions and distinguish them from the Italian-American tradition it has evolved to in this country.” Interested in tasting the goods before you book a class? You can meet Carmella and sample her finest raviolis on Saturday mornings at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, she’s one of several new producers at market this year. Contact her via email at carmella@melinaskitchen.com or by calling (919) 429-9850.

Share some of your thoughts for delicious, memorable Mother’s Day gifts to savor together!

Related Stories
‹
Local Government Meetings: February 2-6, 2026
This week in local government: Durham considers the RTP's long-term development plans, and Carrboro gets an update on its comprehensive plan.
Orange County Governments Share Service Delays, Facility Closures Following Weekend Snow
Following inches of snow, local governments in Orange and Chatham counties alerted residents to how their operations are affected for Monday and Tuesday.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: Early Road Conditions Poor on Sunday Following Snow Storm
Following Saturday's snowfall in the Triangle on Saturday, law enforcement and government agencies are updating road conditions on Sunday.
Ross Found Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder of Clark; Mistrial In Death Of Woods
Issiah Ross was found guilty of second degree murder of Devin Clark in 2022 but was not convicted for the shooting of Lyric Woods.
Former Town Councilor, Pastor María Palmer Details Orange County Commissioner Campaign
María Palmer's campaign for a District 1 Orange County Commissioner seat is built around championing equity and improving affordability.
Orange County: Winter Weather Response, Upcoming Commissioners Meeting
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, January 28, discussing county news and events. She discussed the county's response to the recent winter storm, and how her role as chair of the commissioners meant more involvement in the various aspects of the county's response. She also talked about the potential for more winter weather this weekend, previewed the next commissioners meeting, and more.
Issiah Ross Completes Testimony, Prosecution And Defense Deliver Closing Arguments In Woods/Clark Trial
Thursday saw the end of testimony and the closing arguments in the case against Issiah Ross in the shooting deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark.
Issiah Ross Argues Self-Defense In Double Murder Trial; Prosecution Wraps Testimony
Issiah Ross took the stand Wednesday to share his own testimony and defense in the trial over the 2022 deaths of two teens in Orange County.
Lawyer Lori Russell Details Run For Orange County Schools Board Of Education
Russell, an Orange County-based lawyer working in biotechnology, is one of six candidates vying for a seat on the board of education.
A Star Witness, Snapchat Messages and Phone Records: Prosecution Advances Testimony in Issiah Ross Trial
Information critical to the prosecution's first-degree murder case against Issiah Ross was shared during Tuesday's testimony.
›