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Unlock the secrets of versatile global sauces with chefs Shari Smith and Timmi Boxey in Midland, Michigan. This hands-on cooking class teaches Italian marinara, creamy Béchamel, and more, perfect for elevating your home cooking.
Unlock the secrets of versatile global sauces with chefs Shari Smith and Timmi Boxey in Midland, Michigan. This hands-on cooking class teaches Italian marinara, creamy Béchamel, and more, perfect for elevating your home cooking.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
Midland, Michigan, is known for its charming community and vibrant local culture, and one unique experience that shines here is the Cooking w Shari Smith & Timmi Boxey: Sauce Building Basics class. Held at 5501 Jefferson Ave, this engaging cooking class invites food enthusiasts to explore the foundational art of sauce making with two passionate local chefs, Shari Smith and her daughter Timmi Boxey. The duo brings decades of culinary knowledge and a commitment to quality that transforms this local class into an indispensable culinary adventure.
Sauces are the heart of many world cuisines, and this class unpacks their secrets by focusing on the four cornerstones of flavor construction: fat, acid, spice, and texture. Over two hours, you’ll craft 3 to 4 intelligent, versatile sauces that not only elevate your cooking but also unlock global culinary traditions. The lineup includes Italian-style Marinara, creamy herb-streaked Béchamel, a peanut stir fry sauce perfect for Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, and an elegant Hollandaise.
Shari Smith, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and former owner of Shari’s at the Willard Hilton, brings professional expertise blended with a grounded, approachable teaching style. Her daughter Timmi has grown up steeped in her mother’s passion, nurturing a shared vision that intertwines artistry and community through food. Their collaborative teaching focuses not just on technique but on the deep connection between cooking and healing.
This hands-on class, limited to 12 participants, allows for personalized instruction and lively interaction. The environment encourages creativity and experimentation, making it an inviting choice for anyone eager to deepen their kitchen skills. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence or a seasoned cook eyeing global flavors, this class provides ample inspiration and practical know-how.
Midland itself complements the experience, offering a welcoming small-town feel with easy access to this culinary gem. Discovering how sauces marry ingredients and make dishes sing can enrich your travel and home cooking alike.
Book early to secure a spot and bring home skills that will elevate your meals beyond recipes. All ingredients are supplied, so just come ready to learn and savor the joys of cooking with two of Midland’s finest culinary educators.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical fitness required; suitable for all levels comfortable standing for the session.
No prior experience is required; the class is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
Yes, all ingredients for the sauces are provided during the class.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to join the class.
It’s best to inform the instructors ahead of time; the class uses common ingredients but can accommodate some restrictions.
Yes, spots are limited to 12 participants and require preregistration.
The class takes place at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI.
Midland has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong focus on community arts and culinary traditions influenced by Detroit and Midwestern flavors.
The instructors emphasize sustainability by encouraging the use of fresh, local ingredients and minimizing food waste in their classes.
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