Iowa Western Community College

Friday, June 13, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Indulge in the comforting yet intriguing flavors of Greek meatballs (soutzoukakia), a delightful blend of familiarity and novelty. Pair them with a versatile feta and green bean salad, perfect for picnics and easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables. For a touch of sweetness, try the Greek Semolina Cake or Ravani, a beloved sponge cake infused with citrusy notes and finished with a delicate syrup.
Menu • Greek Meatballs with Tomato Sauce • Feta & Green Bean Salad • Lemon Rice Pilaf • Semolina Cake with Pistachios 
 

Friday, June 27, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
The plant-forward movement is growing around the world, but the change starts with you by learning plant-forward recipes and moving vegetables from the sidelines to the center of the plate!
Menu • Avocado Toast with Grilled Asparagus and Tomato • Grilled Zucchini Kebib w/ Chamula • Honey and Cumin Roasted Carrots with Farro and Ricotta
 

Friday, August 1, 2025 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm
Summer is here, and pasta is the perfect light and easy meal for these warm days. In this hands-on class, Chef Tasos will show you how to turn a few simple ingredients into homemade pasta dough. While the dough rests, you'll whip up a quick and flavorful vodka sauce and a vibrant summer salad. Once the dough is ready, you'll use a pasta roller and gnocchi paddle to transform it into penne pasta. Chef Tasos will also share his recipe for mouthwatering garlic bread, a surefire hit with your family and friends.
MENU: •    Pasta Dough •    Hand shaped Penne Pasta with Vodka Sauce • Seasonal Summer Salad •    Chef's Garlic Bread
 

Friday, August 15, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Cajun and Creole Cuisine dazzles with bold flavors and simple techniques. Master the art of a flavorful Cajun Seasoning, a rich, dark Roux for Gumbo, and the fiery flair of Bananas Foster, a dessert that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Menu • Cajun Spice Blend • Dark Roux • Andouille Sausage Gumbo • Mardi Gras Chicken Fettuccini • Bananas Foster

Friday, August 22, 2025 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Enjoy a fun and delicious evening with this hands-on, three-course cooking class. Perfect for date nights or a girls’ night out, you’ll work in groups to create a mouthwatering menu featuring braised short ribs, creamy cheddar grits, and a sweet finish with Banana’s Foster Bread Pudding. Come hungry and ready to cook! Please bring your apron and a beverage of your choice.
Menu: • Apple Cider Salad • Braised Short Ribs | Caramelized Onions • Glazed Carrots • Banana's Foster Bread Pudding | Vanilla Cream Sauce

Friday, September 5, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
There is almost nothing better than fresh salmon on the dinner table. Most people enjoy eating it, however many are not comfortable cooking it at home. Join Chef Tasos, in this hands-on class, as he demystifies salmon by teaching you how quick and easy it is to prepare amazing, picture perfect salmon in your kitchen. You will also make a fresh grilled corn and summer vegetable succotash to accompany your salmon. Lastly you will learn to create a rustic berry galette for dessert.
MENU • Garlic Herb Salmon • Grilled Corn and Summer Vegetable Succotash • Rustic Berry Galette with Fresh Whipped Cream
 

Friday, September 12, 2025  6:00 am – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
If you enjoy partaking in all that a classic American steakhouse has to offer, then this class is for you. Rather than venturing out for an expensive steak dinner, come learn how to prepare a steak at home. In this hands-on class, you will learn to pan-sear the perfect steak and make complimentary sides for the perfect at-home date night or dinner party.
MENU • Classic Wedge Salad • Cornmeal Crusted Onion Rings with a Buttermilk Basil Dipping Sauce • Cast Iron Pan Seared New York Steak with Garlic Butter • Chocolate Molten Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
 

Friday, September 26, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm  Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
If you are a fan of potato gnocchi, allow us to introduce you to its cousin: ricotta gnocchi (no potatoes required!). Lighter and slightly chewy, ricotta gnocchi is a simple dish to make that doesn't compromise our love for the delectable, pillowy dumplings we are familiar with. Chef Tasos will instruct you on how to prepare perfect gnocchi and teach you different rolling techniques. Once you pair braised Italian sausage with the light ricotta gnocchi, you will be won over!
 

Friday, October 3, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
In this course you will learn, first hand, how to prepare a Neapolitan pizza. The secret of this world known Pizza Style is in the dough. You will learn how to prepare a perfect dough that is crunchy and airy. You will make homemade Pizza Sauce, and taste different pizzas. By the end of the class, you'll take home pizza dough ready for a second rise, along with your leftover pizza and calzone (if there are any!) and recipes to impress your family and friends.
Menu • Pepperoni Pizza • Caprese Pizza • Calzone with Ricotta filling
 

Friday, October 10, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of France and explore the art of making crêpes, beloved both as a street food and a sophisticated plated dish.
Crêpes offer a delightful versatility, catering to both sweet and savory palates. In this hands-on class, Chef Tasos will guide you through the process of crafting classic crêpe batters, unveiling his expert techniques for achieving a smooth, silky consistency every time.
You will have the opportunity to create the world-renowned Crêpe Suzette, an exquisite make-ahead dessert perfect for entertaining, as well as another sweet crêpe and several savory options. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of crêpe making!
Menu • Mushroom Béchamel Crêpes • Turkey Pesto Crêpes • Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Crêpes • Crêpe Suzettes
 

Friday, October 17, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
Celebrate Oktoberfest with an evening of German-inspired comfort food. In this hands-on class, you'll learn to make festive dishes perfect for fall gatherings. The instructor will also share optional beer pairing ideas to enjoy at home.
Menu – Skillet Beer cheese with Soft Pretzel Bites • Brats, Sauerkraut and Potato Bake • German Chocolate Truffles

Friday, October 24, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
There's nothing like fresh-baked bread, and it’s even better when it’s homemade! Chef Tasos will walk you through the process of making focaccia and Naan Bread; flavorful breads that are easy to make and endlessly versatile. The focaccia is pillowy soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside. You won’t be able to stop eating it. Perfectly soft and chewy, this homemade Naan Bread recipe comes together quickly and easily. 
Menu • Focaccia • Tomato | Cheese | Herbs • Olive | Rosemary • Naan Bread