The Natural Epicurean periodically offers a range of public classes and special events, including classes that will teach you vegan/vegetarian kitchen basics, cooking for the family, gluten free, raw food fun, and flavorful classes. Beginners are welcome, so get ready to cook up wholesome, healthy and delicious meals with the knowledge you gain from Natural Epicurean culinary courses at our new kitchen space at 1700 South Lamar in Austin, Texas.

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Texas Plant Based “Charcuterie”

Charcuterie is a culinary specialty that originally referred to the preserving of pork products such as salami and prosciutto. NE has taken the art and craftsmanship of the preservation process and developed an interesting and tasty way to apply this time honored tradition to a plant based diet. Participants will learn the secrets and techniques of creating rich pates, fresh smoked bean curd, Indian spiced pickles, Moroccan preserved lemons and other exciting appetizers and starters, while using local and seasonal vegetables.

Price: $69.00
2013 Dates:March 26
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Artisan Vegan Cheeses

Join Vegan Chef Inge Bothma for an exploration into the world of vegan cheeses.  This part demo & part hands-on class will walk you through the process of making plant-based cheeses as the perfect substitute for the less than healthy traditional cheeses. Participants will learn about making and using rejuvelac, the culturing process and fermentation, as well as making a quick & easy sun cheese, made with sunflower seeds and garlic.
Price: $69.00
2013 Dates:March 27
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Kitchen Basics: Beginning Knife Skills

It's no secret that the number one tool in the kitchen is the knife. And since knives provide the foundation for good food, it's essential for every cook to understand how to get the most from this indispensable tool. In this all-important class, you'll learn all about knife selection, maintenance, and usage. You'll also discuss and practice proper knife care, knife handling and safety, and knife cuts. From learning a simple dice to producing a chiffonade, you'll gain the skills you need to take your cooking to the next level.
Price: $69.00
2013 Dates:March 28, April 11, May 14
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Sweets :Vegan Baking

You can have your animal product free cake and eat it too! Learn how to create amazing desserts, without the usual eggs and dairy, by substituting whole and organic ingredients, and without sacrificing the decadence and flavor. In this hands-on class, students will learn to make vegan cupcakes, cookies and other assorted sinful tasting treats.
*The December class will focus on holiday sweets.
Price: $79.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: March 30
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Teens in the Kitchen: The Vegetarian Teen

Becoming a vegetarian is a big decision that affects all aspects of your life. In this hands-on class, NE will teach you how you can prepare healthy and delicious vegetarian and vegan meals - without sacrificing taste and flavor. You will learn some secrets in plant-based cooking on how to mix and match grains, fruits and vegetables to make 4 simple and delicious meals. There will be a tasting of all 4 menu items, prepared by the students, at the end of class.
Price: $59.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: March 9
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

The Healthy Chef Series: Intro to Ayurveda Cooking

Ayurveda is a centuries-old, holistic approach to health, which emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony by way of food and its six basic tastes: sweet, sour, salt, pungent, bitter and astringent. In this class, you will discover your personal Dosha and prepare a delicious dish designed to keep your Dosha balanced and in harmony.
Price: $79.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: January 26
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Kitchen Basics: Plating & Presentation

A fabulous meal doesn’t just appeal to the taste buds, but it makes the eyes smile, as well. In Plating & Presentation, NE will teach you how to plate your meals in order to give a visually impactful presentation. The course will cover the handling of food, tools that will aid in the presentation of the food, and the different plate and platter styles. Students are encouraged to take pics of their masterpieces for the chef to critique at the end of class.
Price: $69.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: February 1
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

The Healthy Chef Series: Healthy Meals for the Busy Cook      

Tired of saying, “to go, please?” This hands-on class is designed to show you how you can prepare a quick meal that is healthy and delicious. You will learn some secrets in plant-based cooking on how to mix and match grains, fruits and vegetables to make 4 simple meals—without sacrificing taste. There will be a tasting of all 4 menu items, prepared by the students, at the end of class.
Price:$79.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: February 8, April 16, May 7
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Kitchen Basics: Stocks & Sauces

How do you make a stock from scratch? What is a “Coulis?” In NE’s Stocks & Sauces, you’ll learn the techniques to create a fantastic vegetarian stock, as well as how to prepare both sweet and savory sauces to compliment a variety of dishes. After all, a good sauce can make almost anything taste fantastic!
Price:$69.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: February 16
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

The Healthy Chef Series: Intro to Macrobiotic Cooking

This introductory class is designed to teach you the basic principles of macrobiotic theory and practice, as well as the essential ingredients in macrobiotic cooking. You will learn the importance of using whole grains, root vegetables, miso and other health-supportive foods that are fundamental to the macrobiotic healing lifestyle. The class will culminate in a group effort to prepare and share healing foods.
Price: $79.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: February 23
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

The Healthy Chef Series:Understanding Raw & Living Foods

In this hands-on introductory course, you will discover the flavors and healing properties of raw and living foods. You will learn raw food preparation techniques such as sprouting, juicing and dehydrating, in order to nourish your body for optimal energy levels, balanced moods and a healthy well-being. At the end of class, students will enjoy a delicious raw foods meal that they have prepared.
Price: $79.00 and includes meal
2013 Dates: March 2
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here or call 512.476.2276 to register

Modular Programs

The modular program is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of individuals who are seeking the specialized education only available through our unique plant-based, health supportive culinary programs.

Now, for the first time, individuals who are not candidates for the full 900 hour professional program can participate in programs which meet their specific needs, personally and professionally.
Click here to learn more about our Modular Program.

*Public classes cancellation policy:

Cancellations 14 or more days prior to start of an event / class will receive a refund or future class credit.

Cancellations 8-14 days prior to start of an event / class can receive a future class credit.

No refunds are available for no shows or cancellations within 7 days of the start of the event / class.

You may transfer your reservation to another person by alerting us 24 hours in advance.

Please contact the school at 512-476-2276 or email us should you need to cancel.

The Natural Epicurean reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. If this is necessary, we will issue a full refund.