Comfy in the Kitchen

kids cooking class nell

The Little Nell is sharing the secrets for warm hospitality and delicious food with the next generation of Aspen by partnering with chef/cookbook author Helen DeFrance to teach kids basic cooking skills.

Comfy in the Kitchen will be a series of four cooking classes this summer for children age 4 and up.

“Each class will feature lessons on how to create both savory and sweet items,” said DeFrance, who helps guide kids on the importance of a balanced meal as she also trains them how to properly use cooking tools and stir up something new each class. “It’s all about being comfortable in the kitchen. Kids will learn to follow recipes, measure, mix and chop, and they will bring home fun and delicious recipes the whole family will love.”

DeFrance will be joined by special guests from The Little Nell kitchen, including Pastry Chef Danielle Riesz and Executive Chef Robert McCormick.

Classes will be held at The Little Nell from 3:30-5 p.m. on May 24, June 19, July 11 and August 21. Each class will feature a different theme.

Cost is $30 per class, or the entire series can be purchased in advance for $100. Space is limited and is open to all. Two spots per class will be donated to participants of The Buddy Program.

Interested individuals should contact PJ Johnson to reserve their spot at 970-920-6360 pjohnson@thelittlenell.com. Gift certificates are also available.

About Helen DeFrance
Helen was born and raised in Jackson, MS. The fourth child in a family of six children, she learned the basics of cooking as a child from her grandmother.

Helen is a graduate of Mississippi State University and a Master’s Degree of Education at Pepperdine University. Helen credits her dynamic, hands-on approach to cooking with kids in part to her education background, where her emphasis was on Montessori training, a method of teaching based on hands-on, experiential learning. Helen understands the importance of engaging children in the learning process and brings this concept into the kitchen. Her cooking classes not only involve children in every aspect of planning the family meal, but also teach them the source of the ingredients and the steps it takes to make a successful meal.

She combined her two loves, teaching and cooking, and developed a curriculum for kids called “Thyme to Cook!” She has been teaching children’s cooking classes for ten years and discovering and encouraging mini chefs in the making, including creating and running the “Kitchen Full of Kids” program at the acclaimed Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. She is the author of two cookbooks At Home Café: Gatherings for Family and Friends and  At Home Café: Great Food and Fun for Everyone.  Her unique approach to cooking with children has been featured on the “Martha” show, on which she cooked with host Martha Stewart, and has been featured in Southern Living, Mississippi Magazine, and Delta Magazine.