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Good Thymes Cooking Classes at Arlington High School
Good Thymes Cooking Classes Through Arlington's Continuing Education Program
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Culinary Proficiency Cooking Classes by Personal Plates, LLC
Since 2023, Personal Plates is proud to have been one of the local small businesses providing classes through Arlington Central School District's Continuing Education Program, located at
Arlington High School
1157 State Route 55, Lagrangeville, NY 12540
Unlike the commercial style kitchens at the other locations, AHS provides a familiar kitchen environment with it's 'home-economics' style setting. Everyone is paired off for each station (which includes prep area, stove, and sink) and will make 2 servings of the recipe of the class per station unless otherwise specified, i.e.: cake classes.
Be sure to confirm the location and date when registering!
To Register: (click here to jump to class descriptions)
All registrations are processed directly through the Continuing Education Program - NOTE: gift certificates are not accepted. Visit https://arlingtonschools.revtrak.net/Continuing-Education/ to create an account and register for the Culinary Arts Class of your choice (see options below). Please visit website for class pricing. After the payment has been processed, please choose the appropriate Google Form to complete the waiver form before class:
Description of Class Series:
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina Pagan-Vazquez, owner of Personal Plates, LLC. Each month features different classes and each require pre-registration to ensure the minimum number of students are attending and proper ingredients are available. All students are asked to keep their station clean and dishes laid to dry at the end of the class.
There are different class series available. Recommended ages are based on experience in the kitchen.
*Chef & Chef Jr.: Young beginner chefs join the class with their guardian. Great for adults who are trying to encourage their younger chefs to learn new recipes while making delicious memories together.
*Adults Night Out: (Formerly Date Night Out) Adults over 18 (duos, singles, couples, family members, etc.) are welcomed to sign up. Leave the kids home and bond over a new experience or come and make a new friend. Bottled water is provided, however, you are welcomed to bring a beverage of your choice. (No alcohol allowed at AHS)
*Adults Night Out Plus+: For the seasoned chefs: Similar to the ANO classes, but for the home cooks with some experience in the kitchen is recommended as more steps are involved.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Chef Gina prior to registering. For private and group inquires (on-site, in-home, or remote), please send an email directly to chefgina@personalplatesllc.com to discuss scheduling.
Pre-registration is required. If cancelation is needed, please advise 48 hours prior to start of class as a courtesy to prevent purchase of excess food. To reschedule your class, reach out to be connected to the coordinator.
Gift Certificates are not available for Arlington!
January - June 2026 Class Descriptions
January 24
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Fresh Pasta: Shrimp Scampi with Bow Tie Pasta & Asparagus
Chef Jrs. will work together with their adult chef to create pasta dough from scratch then create bow tie shapes. While the dough is resting, we will go over shrimp cleaning techniques and prep remaining ingredients. Then we layer flavors (why is that important?) and combine the ingredients to create a memorable dish.
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Fresh Pasta: Pan Seared Pesto Shrimp with Ricotta Tortellini
Chefs will pair off and learn how to make tortellini pasta from scratch filled with a creamy ricotta mix. While the dough is resting, chefs will prep ingredients, learn how to clean shrimp, and make pesto from scratch.
February 14
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Valentine’s Special: Homemade Pop tarts & Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chef Jrs. and their adult partners will pair two easy recipes to make delicious, personalized Valentine's treats. Students will learn how and when (the benefit vs the downside) to use a pre-made ingredient (pie crust) and combine with fresh berries to create an easy pop tart and while it bakes, decorate beautiful chocolate covered strawberries.
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Valentine’s Special: Hand Rolled Chocolate Truffles
Learn how to make French style chocolate ganache truffles. All ingredients will be provided to make the personalized truffles with toppings including shredded coconut, assorted chopped nuts, sprinkles, and more.
February 28
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Winter Soups: Tomato Bisque & Grilled Cheese
One of Chef Gina’s Favorite Soup & Sandwich Combinations! Chef & Chef Jrs will cook together to make a tomato bisque from scratch. While it is simmering, the young chefs will carefully use the stove to pan-sear their cheese sandwiches – Mayo or Butter? A little basil garnish and it’s *chef’s kiss*!
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Winter Soups: Chicken Pot Pie with Jalapeño Cornbread
A delicious winter crowd pleaser. Chefs will learn easy knife skill techniques to prep the mirepoix (what is that?) and other ingredients then use a multistep cooking process to make a delicious chicken pot pie soup. While it is simmering, we will bake jalapeno (optional add on) cornbread from scratch.
March 14
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Snacks & Skills: Mac & Cheese Wontons
Mastering a cheese sauce in just a few steps, this class will teach Chef & Chef Jrs. how to make a delicious mac n’ cheese from scratch, better than boxed, and why is using block cheese better than pre-shredded. Then, they will also learn a new way to use leftovers, by turning them into wontons!
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Easy Meals: Low Carb GF: Butter Herb Chicken with Cauliflower Rice and Asparagus
Want to learn how to move through the meal prep portion of cooking with ease? This Butter Herb Chicken with Cauliflower Rice and Asparagus recipe will be one to add to your regular rotation. Learn how to efficiently use knife skills and kitchen tools to shorten your time in the kitchen. Note: this class will still allow time for all skill levels and questions.
March 28
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Let’s Bake: Banana Bread Muffins with Vanilla Icing
Chef & Chef Jrs. will learn this twist on the traditional banana bread: muffins! They are lighter and moister, and we will learn why it is important not to overmix. Top these with an easy vanilla icing to make them extra delicious!
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Let’s Bake: Berry and Lemon Bread Butter Pudding with Ice Cream and Raspberry Coulis
Join Chef Gina to make this nostalgic pudding dessert. First we’ll begin by making the ice cream from scratch. Using a combination of techniques, Chefs will combine a delicious fresh lemon curd, custard, berries and bread to make a Berry & Lemon Bread Butter Pudding.
April 11
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Empanadas: Pizza Style Fried Empanadas from Scratch
A fun twist to Chef Gina’s yummy empanadas: Pizza Style. Adult chefs will help their Chef Jrs learn how to make a buttery dough from scratch then make a simple marinara sauce. Then we’ll fill, fry, and enjoy!!
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Empanadas: Beef & Cheese Empanadas with Rice, Beans & Fried Plantains
The Party Favorite! But let’s make it a meal. Adults will learn how to make Chef Gina’s popular Empanadas from scratch. There are many components to this dish so be ready for so many smalls and flavors! While the dough rests, we’ll be making a sofrito from scratch followed by a picadillo (what is that?), get the beans and rice going, fry off the plantains, then back to finish off the empanadas.
April 25
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Multi-Cultural: Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice
It’s Knife Skills Day! Chef will help guide their budding Chef Jrs to begin to develop their knife skills safely with a choice of plastic or curved ended knives with finger guards. Students will prep vegetables and learn about cross contamination and meat safety.
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Multi-Cultural: Beef Stir Fry with Vegetable Fried Rice & Orange Ginger Salad
It’s Knife Skills Day! For this Adults Night Out class, we will work on our knife skills to create a recipe packed with Asian flavors. Learn new techniques to carry on with every meal prep.
May 9
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Easy Meals: One pot chicken orzo with mushrooms and baby spinach
A beginner meal for the young chef learning to cook, and it’s all in one pot! Adult Chefs will help the Chef Jrs with the meal prep and use of kitchen gadgets and tricks to avoid sharp objects.
Adults Night Out PLUS+ @ 4pm
Seasoned Home Chefs: Creamy Risotto with Pan Seared Scallops, Pancetta, Sage & Walnuts and Spring Strawberry Salad
For the home chefs with a bit of experience as there are many components, but it’s going to be a good one! Join Chef Gina to perfect your risotto techniques, learn how to properly prep scallops and combine with rich flavors for the perfect dish! We’ll Pair this with a fresh spring strawberry salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Recipe is Gluten-Free.
May 30
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Fresh Pasta: Cheese Ravioli with fresh Marinara
Chef Jrs. will work together with their adult chef to create pasta dough from scratch then fill to make raviolis. While the dough is resting, we will make an easy marinara sauce they can make again, and again!
Adults Night Out @ 4pm
Fresh Pasta: Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs w Arugula Pappardelle
Join Chef Gina to learn how to make pasta from scratch as well as techniques to make pan-seared chicken thighs to perfection.
June 13
Chef & Chef Jr @ 1pm
Fresh Pasta: Ricotta Marinara Meatballs and Spaghetti
Kid and parent favorite! Chef Gina’s meatball recipe has often become the new favorite in the home after a class. Chef & Chef Jrs will learn how to make pasta from scratch as well as how to make juicy meatballs and a delicious yet simple marinara sauce.
Adults Night Out PLUS+ @ 4pm
Season Home Chefs: Steakhouse pasta with fresh pappardelle and Creamy Caesar Salad
Its another delicious pasta night! Learn how to make pasta from scratch as well as techniques for purchasing a flavorful steak and how to remove the silver skin (what’s that?) Are you a well-done kind of person? Did you know the red isn’t blood? How about knowing when to stop if you don’t want your steak well? Join Chef Gina for the last cooking class of the 2025-2026 year!
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