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
‹
Labor Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County Community (2025)
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, September 1, […]
Orange County: Displaced Residents Funding, Tax Appraisal Work Group
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, August 27, discussing county news and events. She talked about the board of commissioners unanimous vote to further fund housing for residents displaced by Tropical Depression Chantal. She also updated other items from the meeting, including the proposal of a Tax Appraisal Work Group. She talked about the UPROAR Festival which came to a close this past weekend, and more.
Facing End of Temporary Shelter, Displaced Camelot Village Residents Lament Landlord Inaction and Limited Options
Some flood victims from Camelot Village have not received July rent or security deposits back even as they face financial and housing strains.
Triangle Land Conservancy Files Lawsuit Against Union Grove Farm
Triangle Land Conservancy has filed a lawsuit against Union Grove Farm for alleged violations to the nonprofit’s conservation easement.
Conversations We Need to Have: Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack
Orange County's Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 11. They discussed recent work his office has been engaged in.
Orange, Chatham Counties Receive Expansion Funding from Great Trails State Program
Among the 37 trail development and restoration projects in the Piedmont region are trails in Orange and Chatham counties.
Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests, Charges Alleged Construction Material Thieves
After sharing photos of suspects in a theft investigation, the Orange County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged them on Wednesday.
Orange County: Ongoing Flood Recovery Efforts + Uproar Festival Underway
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell for an interview Wednesday, August 6.
Latest Declaration by Gov. Stein Opens More Relief Opportunities for Orange County Flood Victims
Nearly a full month removed from Tropical Depression Chantal's significant rain and subsequent flooding, victims in Orange County and other impacted regions have a new way to seek individual relief.
Orange County Arts Community Set for Uproar Festival Despite Recent Flood Damage
Orange County's Uproar Festival of Public Art returns on Aug. 1 – and it comes as the arts community recovers from catastrophic flooding.
›