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Discover the joy of fall cooking with chef Shari Smith and Timmi Boxey in Midland, Michigan. Join their Cozy Bites class to learn comforting recipes featuring seasonal ingredients like squash, apples, and cinnamon.
Discover the joy of fall cooking with chef Shari Smith and Timmi Boxey in Midland, Michigan. Join their Cozy Bites class to learn comforting recipes featuring seasonal ingredients like squash, apples, and cinnamon.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
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.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels; mostly seated and standing cooking activity.
No prior experience is required. The class is designed for all skill levels, with step-by-step guidance from experienced chefs.
Yes, all ingredients for the recipes are provided during the class.
Typically, the dishes are shared during the class; check with the organizers about take-home options.
Participants should be aged 16 years or older to join the class.
Please notify the organizers in advance about any dietary restrictions so accommodations can be made if possible.
The class is held at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640, USA.
Midland is known for its role in Michigan’s industrial development and boasts a vibrant cultural scene supported by local artisans and culinary experts like Shari Smith.
The class emphasizes sustainable cooking practices by showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and minimizing food waste.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360