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
‹

Orange County Arts Commission, Philanthropy Organization Debut Unified 'ArtsOrange' BrandThe Orange County Arts Commission and the Orange County Arts Alliance recently came together as one unified brand.
![]()
The Morning News: Rani Dasi, Faith Hedgepeth, and Bobby PetrinoIn today's news: Rani Dasi discusses her impending move from the CHCCS school board to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Rani Dasi Prepares to Close Chapter of CHCCS Leadership, Take On County Commissioner RoleRani Dasi visited 97.9 The Hill for an exclusive interview about her appointment, her legacy during three terms on the school board, and more.
![]()
On Air Today: Orange County Commissioner-Elect Rani DasiOrange County Commissioner Select and outgoing Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Member Rani Dasi joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey in studio on Thursday, July 30. She discussed her recent selection to fill a term on the Orange County Board of Commissioners. She talked about her legacy on the school board, why now seemed like a time to make the move, what her priorities are for the Orange County Commissioners, and more.
![]()
Orange County: Welcoming Rani Dasi, Consent Agenda Items, Eno Arts MillChair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 29, discussing county news and events. She talked about the appointment of Rani Dasi to the board of commissioners, the strengths Dasi brings to the role, and her take on the process of naming a replacement. She also went through a few items from the consent agenda at Tuesday's board meeting, discussed the reopening of the Eno Art Mill, and more.

Red Cross Declares Blood Crisis: Here's Where You Can Donate LocallyThe American Red Cross is calling for immediate blood donations, declaring a national blood crisis for the second time in history.

Orange County Board of Commissioners Unanimously Votes for Rani Dasi to Fill District 1 SeatRani Dasi is poised to join the Board of Orange County Commissioners this summer, earning a short-term selection by unanimous vote.

Orange County Issued Tornado, Thunderstorm Warnings As Storm Cell Rolls Through PiedmontUPDATE: Hillsborough and Rougemont in Orange County are under a tornado warning through at least 9 p.m., says the National Weather Service. Tornado Warning continues for Hillsborough NC until 9:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/G2JMfYgKJF — NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) July 29, 2026 Below is our original story. Central and southern Orange County is under a tornado warning […]

Could An Orange County Railroad Become A Public Trail? Ongoing Study Seeks Answers, Community FeedbackThe J Branch Rail Trail Feasibility Study is underway, as Orange County's local entities hear the community's vision for the rail corridor.

Heavy Rains, Flash Flooding Lead to Interstate 40 Closure and Delays in HillsboroughUPDATE: As of 10:30 a.m., the closure at the I-40/I-85 split has reopened and Interstate 40 West at Exit 261 reopened at 9 a.m. Flash flooding from early morning rain developed on parts of Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 in Orange County on Thursday, leading to lane closures and significant traffic delays. The North Carolina […]
›