The Essex Resort & Spa is excited to launch a hands-on Jr. Chef baking series designed just for middle school students (5th–8th grade; ages 10-14). Over six weeks, budding bakers will roll up their sleeves and dive into the building blocks of baking—butter, eggs, flour, and sugar.
Guided by a professional chef instructor in our Viking classroom kitchen, students will learn how to measure, mix, and master key techniques while creating a new baked treat each week. From planning and following recipes to experimenting with textures and flavors, this series is all about learning by doing.
Every class ends with students bringing home their own fresh-baked creations—plus the confidence and skills to recreate them in their own kitchens.
$80
10/14/25 - Week 1, Butter I - Pate Sucree (sweet dough).
Learn the basics of butter and the creamed technique of making pate sucree.
Leave with fresh cookies and your own pate sucree dough.
The Essex recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes to class and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment and have long hair tied back. Shorts, skirts, open-toed shoes, and flip flops are not allowed to be worn during any classes. The Essex will provide an apron to protect most clothing but, being a professional kitchen environment, spills do unfortunately happen.
- **KITCHEN SAFETY:** Participants assume and accept that they will be participating in cooking activities where there is a natural element of risk of injury with kitchen appliances, equipment, knives, allergic reactions, and other participants in the class. When you reserve your cooking class you acknowledge this level of risk to yourself while participating in the activities at The Essex.
Cancellation -
The Essex reserves the right to limit class sizes, revise any or all menus, substitute food items, cancel a class, change class time or location, and/or substitute instructors. If a class is cancelled, The Essex will contact the guests registered and arrange a credit or a refund. In case of inclement weather it is the responsibility of the guest to call for information regarding outdoor classes. Full refunds will be granted if cancellation is received 3 days or more prior to the cooking class or event. Exceptions may be made in cases of illness or flight delays. All cancellations must be made by phone: 802-878-1100. We will not accept email cancellation.
