Zest Cooking School
Just 3 miles from downtown Lititz and the remarkable cooking supply store that bears the same name, lies Zest Cooking School. Opening in the winter of 2018, the school quickly became not only a local favorite, but one of students who came from as far as the Lehigh Valley to the east and Carlisle to the west, and even beyond.
I was privileged to come on board as an instructor in the fall of 2019 and the following spring I became Culinary Director, exactly one week before the pandemic hit. It was quite a bumpy ride with an uncertain view ahead, but thanks to the perseverance of owner Sharon Landis and the patient faithfulness of our students, we emerged still standing and 2021 was our best year yet.
It was in the fall of 2021 when I was introduced to Jenn Knepper through one of our instructors. When I obtained a copy of “Food is Love”, I was immediately excited to collaborate in some way, even though I wasn’t sure yet of what that might look like. Jenn was full of ideas and in February of this year, we held our first special event, an evening with Chef Oliver Saye, learning all about the West African Diaspora.
Students eagerly came and enjoyed an evening of food, wine, and education while Chef Oliver demonstrated the recipes and taught everyone how the diaspora influenced this cuisine. It was such a fulfilling evening for everyone who came that Jenn and I were quickly emailing each other about our next possible events. As her book title states “Food Is Love”. No matter where you came from or who you are now, food is a language we can all speak. And it’s beautiful!
This summer we’ve added two more special events with guests from Jenn’s book. On Saturday, July 23rd we will be welcoming Rebecca Bedenbaugh, owner of Lancaster Fellow Foodies. Rebecca specializes in connecting consumers with local farms and experiences, and she’ll be demonstrating a gorgeous, four-course menu sourcing local ingredients. Then on Thursday, August 11th we’ll be welcoming Pastor Matt Lenehan of Wittle Farm in Elizabethtown, along with Chef Diana Egnatz of Lancaster Local Provisions. This evening will hold another fantastic, local menu and a chance to hear about Wittle Farm’s monumental effort in ending hunger. Jenn Knepper will be on hand at both events with copies of her book.
At Zest Cooking School, we are certainly passionate about food, but also about people. It is so fulfilling to educate and inspire others. We hope you’ll join us for these special events, or maybe even check out our hands-on classes. Come for a good time (and good food!), but also leave with greater knowledge and confidence than you had before. Happy cooking!
