Cooking & Culinary
Explore Culinary Arts at Iowa Western Community College!
Our hands-on cooking and culinary classes are designed for beginners, home cooks, and aspiring chefs who want to further develop their kitchen skills or to learn more about the culinary arts. Learn essential cooking techniques, baking fundamentals, food safety, and international cuisine in a professional kitchen environment. Whether you’re interested in professional culinary training or personal enrichment, Iowa Western offers flexible, affordable culinary programs that bring your passion for food to life!
Available Courses
Friday, June 26, 2026 6:00PM-9:00PM 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, August 14, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Master the art of authentic Argentinian cuisine in this hands-on cooking class. Chef Tasos will guide you through the intricate process of folding butter into empanada dough for a signature flaky crust and teaching the precise methods for searing steak to perfection. You will also discover how to utilize fresh vegetables and herbs to create vibrant side dishes. By the end of this workshop, you will possess the skills needed to bring the legendary tastes of Buenos Aires to your home table.
Menu
• Corn & Cheese Empanadas
• Salsa Criolla
• Flank Steak paired with Chimichurri
• Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Tuition is per person
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm IWCC Student Center
Move beyond store-bought alternatives as we invite you to master the craft of authentic pasta preparation. Explore techniques for creating herbed, stuffed, and traditional linguine varieties. Complement your handmade noodles with fresh summer ingredients to craft the perfect seasonal meal.
Menu
• Sweet Corn Ravioli with Tomato Butter Sauce
• Pesto Fettuccine
• Arugula salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Tuition is per person
Friday, September 11, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Master the art of authentic French cuisine in this hands-on workshop as you craft a full course meal from appetizer to dessert. Our instructor will guide you through professional techniques designed to elevate your home culinary proficiency, focusing on the utilization of fresh, seasonal ingredients. By the end of this immersive session, you will possess the expertise needed to bring the legendary tastes of France to your own table.
Menu
• Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini
• Salad – Niçoise-Inspired Summer Salad
• Salmon en Papillote
• Lemon & Almond Tartelette
Tuition is per person
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Enhance your culinary proficiency with our Beef Wellington masterclass, where you will acquire the expertise required to prepare this classic, centerpiece dish from inception to completion. Designed for home cooks seeking to elevate their dinner parties or special occasion menus, this hands-on course deconstructs the techniques necessary to make Beef Wellington both sophisticated and achievable. Chef Tasos will provide comprehensive guidance through each stage, including selecting the ideal cut of beef, preparing a savory mushroom duxelles, assembling with prosciutto and puff pastry, and mastering the technical requirements for achieving a perfectly golden crust.
Menu:• Classic Beef Wellington •Glazed Baby Carrots with Thyme and Honey• Cognac Cream sauce• Creme Brûlée
Tuition is per person
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Master the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza preparation in this immersive, hands-on workshop. Throughout the session, you will craft artisanal pizza sauce and sample a variety of traditional pizzas. By the conclusion of this class, you will possess the skills and recipes needed to impress your guests, and you will depart with pizza dough prepared for its second rise, alongside any remaining pizza and calzone to enjoy at home.
Menu
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Caprese Pizza
• Calzone with Ricotta filling
Tuition is per person
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Master the art of authentic French pastry in this immersive, hands-on workshop dedicated to the craft of eclairs and cream puffs. You will also discover the precise methods for using a pastry bag to pipe your creations with consistency and finesse. While your masterpieces bake, you will acquire the expertise needed to create vibrant glazes and velvet-smooth sweet creams for filling and finishing. By the end of this session, you will possess the professional skills required to bring the legendary tastes of a Parisian bakery to your own table.
Menu
• Eclairs
• Cream Puffs
• Vanilla Pastry cream
• Vanilla diplomat cream
Tuition is per person
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Embark on a sun-drenched culinary journey with vibrant coastal flavors from Greece, Tuscany, and Morocco, right here in Council Bluffs!
In this dynamic, hands-on adventure, Chef Tasos will lead you on a journey of vibrant spices, fragrant herbs, and authentic Mediterranean methods. Prepare for an immersive session filled with cooking, merriment, and exquisite tastes—and naturally, you'll savor every masterpiece you craft. This isn't just a lesson; it's a flavorful escape.
Menu
• Greek Zucchini Fritters
• Tzatziki Sauce
• Beef and Orzo Casserole – Giouvetsi
• Tahini Cheesecake
Tuition is per person
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm IWCC Student Center
Handmade pasta is the perfect centerpiece for a date night. Participants will master the techniques required to achieve the ideal dough texture, covering every stage from initial kneading to rolling precise, thin sheets. Additionally, you will refine your knife skills by practicing the preparation of classic pasta shapes. To complete the experience, you will learn how to enhance peak-season ingredients by preparing artisanal sauces, salads, and accompaniments.
Menu
• Fresh Egg Pappardelle and Tagliatelle
• Eggplant all Norma
• Hazelnut Pesto
• Heirloom Tomato Salad with Arugula
Tuition is per person
Friday, November 6, 2025 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Enjoy Rich flavors in the cold weather with classic French techniques. Pork Tenderloin is delicious and easy to prepare, with fresh herbs to brighten the flavors. Scalloped Potatoes are hearty and warming. Flourless chocolate cake is an elegant and delightful dessert.
MENU
• Pork w/ Herbs & Mustard
• Scalloped Potatoes w/Gruyere
• Flourless Chocolate Cake
Tuition is per person