Maryland cooking lesson near DC with a fun local

Meet Karen

Karen is a delightful, almost-retired nutritionist with a warm laugh and a deep love for culinary arts and the effect of food on health! Karen hosts along with her husband Doug from their home in University Park, on the outskirts of Washington D.C. Karen has been cooking since she was a child - every Saturday, her mother would let Karen have the kitchen to herself - but not before she first quizzed Karen about "menus and nutrition" from those sections in the classic cookbook, Joy of Cooking! At 12, Karen made a brioche that was so delicious that her parents told her, "You're going to be the next Betty Crocker!" With a Masters in Education and a BS in food science Karen has been teaching food and wellness for over 35 years. She started working as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the US Navy, then later migrated into businesses related to food and communications. She is an active member of Les Dames d'Escoffier International. Ask Karen about the competitions she entered, or about her research into inflammation and the immune boosting and inflammation reducing beverage she created for a Health Fair. She and her husband are delightful conversationalists, and between the two of them would be delighted to talk with you about traveling, food, art, birds, opera, ecology, history, classical music or where to hunt for salamanders. Her husband Doug is a retired professor from the University of Maryland. He has a keen interest in environmental issues and has traveled extensively "in the wilds and in wild searches for birds." They look forward to hosting guests at their home, which is a 30-min drive from DC or a 3-minute drive from the nearby Hyattsville Crossing Metro Station. If arriving by Metro, coordinate your arrival and they will happily pick you up.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal (1 - 6 guests) Enjoy talking with Karen and Doug over an "aperitif of the day" and an amuse bouche in their living room before joining them at the dining table for a gourmet East Coast meal. Karen offers a three-course meal paired with wine or beer. Dessert is accompanied by limoncello, herbal tea or coffee. The menu may be adjusted for seasonal availability, allergies, and special requests. Karen can make your meal gluten free or vegetarian so feel free to let her know if you have any dietary restrictions. Enjoy your meal over laughter and conversation with this delightful couple.

Cooking experience (1 - 6 guests) Begin with an "aperitif of the day" and some nibbles before joining Karen in the kitchen for your cooking demonstration. You'll discuss techniques used to prepare your meal, and learn about Maryland seafood, poultry and produce. Help Karen make a starter and main course before sitting down to enjoy the East Coast meal you cooked together. This is a cooking demonstration and not a hands-on cooking class. Since Karen is a registered dietitian (and member of Les Dames d'Escoffier), feel free to ask her questions about nutrition or food. Your meal includes a paired beverage (wine, beer or other) and concludes with a dessert accompanied by limoncello, herbal tea or coffee. Enjoy your meal with Karen and Doug at their dining table. Leave with a full stomach, a new local friend, and memories that last a lifetime.