Do I need to have cooking experience to join?

No prior experience is required. The class is designed for all skill levels, with step-by-step guidance from experienced chefs.

Are all ingredients provided?

Yes, all ingredients for the recipes are provided during the class.

Can I take the food I make home?

Typically, the dishes are shared during the class; check with the organizers about take-home options.

Is there an age restriction for participants?

Participants should be aged 16 years or older to join the class.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Please notify the organizers in advance about any dietary restrictions so accommodations can be made if possible.

Where exactly is the cooking class held?

The class is held at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640, USA.

Cozy Bites Cooking Class in Midland: Celebrate Fall Flavors with Shari Smith & Timmi Boxey | Food Tour

Located in Midland, Michigan, this intimate cooking class offers a delicious way to embrace the flavors of fall while connecting with food’s comforting and healing qualities. Hosted by acclaimed chef Shari Smith and her daughter Timmi Boxey, Cozy Bites invites you to explore seasonal ingredients through recipes that highlight the best of autumn’s bounty. This experience unfolds at 5501 Jefferson Ave, a welcoming venue in Midland where food lovers can gather to learn, cook, and share in a community-focused setting.

Midland itself is known for its rich cultural scene and close relationship with the natural landscape of Michigan, making it a perfect backdrop for a seasonal kitchen adventure. Shari Smith, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and local culinary icon, pairs decades of experience with a passion for wholesome, accessible cooking. Timmi brings a generational connection and artistry to the class, fostering an atmosphere where cooking is both an act of creativity and nourishment.

The class centers on creating hearty, comforting dishes emblematic of fall: roasted squash soup topped with sautéed apple and onion, maple-glazed root vegetables, and a warm grain bowl drizzled with apple cider vinaigrette. These dishes use earthy, sweet ingredients that mirror the changing Michigan landscape—from crisp apples to fragrant sage and warming cinnamon.

What sets this class apart is its focus not only on flavor but on the healing power of food. Each step is designed to inspire mindful eating and community-building, with small class sizes ensuring personal interaction and plenty of hands-on guidance. Participants aged 16 and up are welcomed to enjoy this two-hour immersive session that brings joy and comfort to the cool October evenings.

Beyond the cooking itself, visiting Midland during fall offers an opportunity to engage with a region steeped in outdoor beauty, from nearby parks to riverside trails. The Cozy Bites class is an excellent complement for visitors wanting a warm, delicious indoor activity that connects them with Michigan’s seasonal rhythms.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this experience provides a unique taste of fall’s essence, sparked by expert instruction, community spirit, and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Booking ahead is essential, as spaces are limited, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience that leaves you ready to bring cozy autumn flavors into your own kitchen.