Register for in-person classes today!
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Pre-register for On-Site Classes!
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Culinary Proficiency Cooking Classes by Personal Plates, LLC
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC), Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF), and at Arlington High School (AHS); please take note of location when registering.
*River Valley Arts Center
9 S Mesier Ave, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
*Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory
8 N Cherry St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
*Arlington High School - during school year
1157 State Rte 55, Lagrangeville, NY 12540
Classes are available through Arlington Central School District's Continuing Education Program.
Scroll down for more information!
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 minimum number of students are attending and proper ingredients are available. Registration link with more details and required waivers for Winter/Spring 2025:
AHS returning in the fall
Description of Classes:
There are different classes 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.
*Chef Jr.: Beginners: Those who have a bit of experience and are at least 10 years old should register! Class recipes focus on either cooking or baking. Parents are welcomed to join for these classes however, not required if child is over 10 years old, has an interest in the kitchen and has assisted somewhat in the past.
*Adults Night Out: (Formerly Date Night Out) Adults over 21 (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)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Chef Gina prior to registering. Please be sure to select which class(es) you are registering for. If you are interested in booking a private group class (on-site, in-home, or remote), please send an email directly to chefgina@personalplatesllc.com to discuss scheduling.
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, Cash or Gift Certificate
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.
Gift Certificates are available!
Learn More
Please send an email if you have any questions or if you would like to book for a private group.
Good Thymes Cooking Classes Calendar
Summer 2025 @ River Valley Arts Center
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC), Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF) or Arlington High School (AHS); please take note of location when registering.
*Jun 28 @ RVAC, 1:00-3:00PM: Chef & Chef Jr.
Let’s Bake! Fourth of July Theme
Apple Pie Crisps with Homemade Ice Cream - $75 pp
*Jun 28 @ RVAC, 4:00-7:00: Adult Night Out
All About The Sides!
A 4th of July Special- $95 pp
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Jul 19 @ RVAC, 1:00-3:00PM: Chef & Chef Jr.
Let's Cook!
Handmade Pizza with Marinara - $75 pp
*Jul 19 @ RVAC, 4:00-7:00: Adult Night Out
Summer Carbonara
with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs - $115 pp
Citrus Salad, and Tiramisu
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Aug 2 @ RVAC, 1:00-3:00: Chef Jr. Beginners
Let's Bake!
Watermelon Cupcakes $85 pp
*Aug 2 @ RVAC, 4:00-7:00: Adult Night Out
Spanish Tapas -
Small Plates style - $115 pp
Cheese Empanadas, Churrasco & Guac Plantains, Patatas Bravas, Flan
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
~~~
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Register For Winter/Spring 2025 @ RVAC
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
Spring 2025 @ River Valley Arts Center
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC), Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF) or Arlington High School (AHS); please take note of location when registering.
*Mar 29 @ RVAC, 2:00-4:00: Chef Jr. Beginners
Empanadas!
Cheese Empanadas for beginners - $80 per person
*Mar 29 @ RVAC, 5:00-8:00: Adult Night Out
Empanadas!
Beef Empanadas with White Rice & Pink Beans - $95 per person
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Apr 12 @ RVAC, 2:00-4:00pm: Chef & Chef Jr.
Easter Special
Bunny Cookie Baskets - $140 per duo
Bunny shaped Linzer cookies with strawberry filling.
Chef Jrs. will also create baskets to bring the cookies home
*Apr 12 @ RVAC, 5:00-8:30: Adult Night Out
Spring Pasta Night
Garlic & Herb Shrimp with Pesto Pasta - $95 per person
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*May 31 @ RVAC, 2:00-4:00pm: Chef Jr. Beginners
Knife Skills
Recipe Pending - $90 per person
*May 31 @ RVAC, 5:00-8:00pm: Adult Night Out
Knife Skills
Vegetable Spring Rolls (GF) - $100 per person
Join Chef Gina for a lesson on knife skills! We will use our prepared items to create spring rolls with a nut-free dipping sauce and salad.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
~~~
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Register For Winter/Spring 2025 @ RVAC
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
Winter/Spring 2025 @ River Valley Arts Center
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC), Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF) or Arlington High School (AHS); please take note of location when registering.
*Feb 15 @ RVAC, 1:00-3:00pm: Chef & Chef Jr.
Valentine's Special
I-Heart-Pizza with Marinara, Cheese & Pepperoni - $140 per duo
*Mar 1 @ RVAC, 2:00-4:30: Chef Jr. Beginners
Pasta From Scratch
Cheese Ravioli with Fresh Marinara Sauce - $80 per person
~~~
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Register For Winter/Spring 2025 @ RVAC
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
November & December 2024
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC), Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF) or Arlington High School (AHS); please take note of location when registering.
*Nov 2 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Fresh Pasta Favorites
Mac & Cheese Farfalle & Tenders - $130 per duo
Bring your young chefs along to make pasta and cheese sauce from scratch, learning some great techniques along the way. We’ll also sear off some chicken tenders to make this a kid favorite!
*Nov 2 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Fresh Pasta Night
Roasted Butternut Squash Tortellini - $85 per person
Along with this delicious stuffed pasta, we will be tossing
with a pancetta & kale brown butter sauce.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Dec 7 @ RVAC, 3:00-5:00: Chef & Chef Jr.
Classic Dessert
Berry & Lemon Curd Bread Pudding with Ice Cream - $130 per duo
Finger-licking good dessert! With a little exercise, we will begin with the ice cream from scratch - different flavor options will be available. Then we’ll work on some techniques to make the delicious bread pudding.
*Dec 7 @ RVAC, 6:00-9:00: Adult Night Out
Latin Night - Let's Bake!
Chimichurri Churrasco & Flan Crème Caramel - $85 per person
For this class, we begin with the dessert! Learn the tricks to a balanced flan with caramel from scratch. Option to take yours home! Then, we will create a flavor packed Chimichurri sauce, learn how to remove that chewy, fibrous part of the steak (and what it’s called), and work on some knife skills for our roasted vegetables.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Dec 21 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef Jr. Beginners
Let's Bake!
Holiday Surprise Chocolate Cupcakes - $65 per person
After baking our cupcakes and making a yummy buttercream, we will create a little surprise before bringing it all together.
*Dec 21 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Knife Skills
Vegetable Spring Rolls (GF) - $90 per person
Join Chef Gina for a lesson on knife skills! We will use our prepared items to create spring rolls with a nut-free dipping sauce and salad.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
~~~
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Register For November & December Classes Here
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
August, September & October 2024
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC), Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF) or Arlington High School (AHS); please take note of location when registering.
*Aug 24 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef Jr. Beginners
Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs from Scratch - $65 per person
Fresh Pasta for beginners
This class is all about making it from scratch! From
the pasta, to the marinara, to the meatballs! However,
it is still beginner friendly and perfect for inspiring
your young chefs.
*Aug 24 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Marinated Shrimp & Pesto Pasta - $85 per person
Fresh Pasta Night
Another pasta night! This time we are pairing with a fresh
made pesto and flavorful garlic & herb marinated shrimp.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Sep 7 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
French Onion Soup & Pull Apart Bread - $130 per duo
Trendy Recipe!
We will make a yummy French onion soup, pour
into a bakery fresh bread loaf, top with cheese
then melt to perfection!
*Sep 7 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Vegetable Spring Rolls (GF) - $90 per person
Knife Skills
Join Chef Gina for a lesson on knife skills! We will
use our prepared items to create spring rolls
with a nut-free dipping sauce and Asian salad.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Sep 21 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Dessert Empanadas (Guava, Apple, +more) - $130 per duo
Hispanic Heritage Month
After making the empanada dough from scratch
and letting it rest, we will create savory fillings
and fry to crispy perfection.
*Sep 21 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:30: Adult Night Out
Beef Empanadas with White Rice & Pink Beans - $85 per person
Latin Night - Hispanic Heritage Month
Learn to make a fresh empanada dough from scratch.
While the dough rests, we will make a flavor packed beef
filling with a Puerto Rican-style sofrito, white rice and pink beans.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
*Oct 5 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef Jr. Beginners
Turkey & Zucchini Enchiladas - $65 per person
Homestyle Recipes - Hispanic Heritage Month
After prepping the ingredients, we will create a delicious
enchiladas dish. While it bakes off, we will make a simple yet
flavorful pico de gallo.
*Oct 5 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Homestyle Recipes - Hispanic Heritage Month
Pollo Guisado y Arroz (Stew Chicken and Rice - GF) - $85 per person
Delicious Spanish flavors come together for this stew. While
it simmers, we will make simple sides that bring this dish
together: white rice, fried plantains and a side salad.
-Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!-
~~~
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Register For August, September & October Classes Here
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
April 2024
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC) or Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF); please take note of location when registering.
*April 6 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Pan Fried Dumplings - $130/duo
Beginner Knife Skills Techniques
Bring your favorite Chef in training and work on your dumpling techniques after making your dough from scratch and filling with an Asian flavored chicken and vegetable mixture. This is a perfect recipe to make ahead and freeze to enjoy later.
*April 6 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Pasta Primavera - $80 per person
Fresh Pasta Night!!
For Pasta Night this month, we will welcome spring with a
delicious Pasta Primavera full of fresh vegetables. Served
along with a spring salad and homemade balsamic
vinaigrette, and fresh bread from Katie Rose Bakery. Bottled
water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!
*April 7 @ RVAC, 1:30-3:00: Chef Jr.: Let's Bake!
Raspberry Cupcakes & Buttercream Frosting - $70 per person
New Recipe!
Beginner friendly recipe: we will work on our
baking techniques to create vanilla cupcakes from scratch and
fill with raspberry preserves. While the cupcakes cool, we will
make buttercream frosting from scratch, with a choice of
color and added flavoring.
*April 7 @ RVAC, 3:30-5:00: Chef Jr: Let's Cook!
Cheeseburger Fried Raviolis - $70 per person
Trendy Recipe!
For this beginner style class, we will create a cheeseburger filling
with Chef Gina's favorite enhancements then repurpose wonton wrappers to make stuffed raviolis.
*April 20 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Beef & Cheese Empanadas - $130 per duo
A Party Favorite!
Work together with your younger Chef & learn to make a fresh empanada dough from scratch. While the dough rests, we will
make a flavor packed beef filling with a Puerto Rican-style
sofrito and add cheese. Option to use cheese only if desired.
*April 20 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Adult Night Out
Shrimp Mofongo - $80 per person
Latin Night
Let's create one of Chef Gina's Puerto Rican favorites! Learn
how to make a shrimp mofongo with white rice and red beans
followed by an easy to make at home guava and cheese empanadas. Bottled water is provided, however you are welcome to BYOB!
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Register For April Classes Here
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
March 2024
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC) or Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF); please take note of location when registering.
*Mar 10 @ RVAC, 1:30-3:00: Chef Jr.: Let's Cook!
Chicken Parm Sliders - $70 per person
New Recipe!
Although this is a beginner class, let's work on a few techniques: breading station, sauce making, cross contamination awareness,
and layering flavors! Breaded chicken cutlets are covered with a
fresh made marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, layered in Hawaiian bread rolls and topped with a garlic and herb butter.
*Mar 10 @ RVAC, 3:30-5:00: Chef Jr: Let's Bake!
Cinnamon & Banana Donut Holes w/ Vanilla Glaze - $70 per person
Trendy Recipe!
Can't you just smell this?! With basic pantry ingredients, we will
make our donut dough from scratch then learn how to properly
fry and garnish.
*Mar 30 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Sweet & Smokey Shrimp Street Tacos (GF) - $130 per duo
For this class, students will learn how to assemble various components to create delicious street tacos with toppings and a Mexican corn salad.
*Mar 30 @ RVAC, 5:30-9:00: Date Night Out
Chimichurri Steak w/ Roasted Veg & Flan Caramel (GF)- $160 per duo
For this class, we begin with the dessert! Learn the tricks to a
balanced flan with caramel from scratch. Option to take yours
home! Then, we will create a flavor packed Chimichurri sauce,
learn how to remove that chewy, fibrous part of the steak (and
what it’s called), and work on some knife skills for our roasted vegetables. Bottled water is provided however, you
are welcome to BYOB!
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
February 2024
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC) or Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF); please take note of location when registering.
*Feb 3 @ RVAC, 6:30-9:30: Date Night Out
Roasted Butternut Squash & Mushroom Risotto - $150 per duo
Encore Recipe Request!
Learn the techniques to roast your favorite vegetables then
make a delicious creamy yet tender risotto. We will pair this
with an arugula & parmesan salad tossed in a fresh made
balsamic vinaigrette. Bottled water is provided however, you
are welcome to BYOB!
*Feb 17 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs - $130 per duo
Encore Recipe Request!
This class is all about making it from scratch! From the pasta, to the marinara, to the meatballs! However, it is still beginner friendly and perfect for inspiring your young chefs. This class will focus on technique development and learning what to look for when cooking while using kitchen equipment to help us along.
*Feb 18 @ RVAC, 1:30-3:00: Chef Jr.: Let's Cook!
Crispy Potato Cheesy Bites - $70 per person
New Recipe!
After ricing the potatoes, we will create flavorful fried balls stuffed with cheese. This will pair deliciously with Chef Gina's marinara sauce.
*Jan 7 @ RVAC, 3:30-5:00: Chef Jr: Let's Bake!
Banana Foster (NA) Upside-Down Puff Pastry - $70 per person
Trendy Recipe!
After coming across many versions of the new trend of upside
-down puff pastries, the Bananas Foster is one Chef Gina could
not pass up! Depending on the ages of the registrations, the recipe will be planned to be non-alcoholic.
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.
January 2024
Good Thymes Cooking Classes
Classes are held at either River Valley Arts Center (RVAC) or Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory (PUF); please take note of location when registering.
*Jan 7 @ RVAC, 1:30-3:00: Chef Jr.: Let's Cook!
Tomato Bisque & Grilled Cheese - $70 per person
Beginner chefs will learn how to make a simple tomato
bisque and cast iron pan techniques and other tips to
make a delicious grilled cheese on artisan bread
*Jan 7 @ RVAC, 3:30-5:00: Chef Jr: Let's Bake!
Cranberry Bliss Bars w/ Toasted Almonds - $70 per person
While the bars are baking, we will toast the almonds
to top over a fresh made cream cheese frosting
*Jan 13 @ RVAC, 5:30-8:30: Date Night Out
Roasted Butternut Squash & Mushroom Risotto - $150 per duo
Learn the techniques to roast your favorite vegetables then
make a delicious creamy yet tender risotto. We will pair this
with an arugula & parmesan salad tossed in a fresh made
balsamic vinaigrette. Bottled water is provided however, you
are welcome to BYOB!
*Jan 27 @ RVAC, 2:30-4:30: Chef & Chef Jr.
Mac & Cheese Fried Wontons - $130 per duo
While the fresh dough rests, students will learn the steps to make cheese sauce from scratch, including a bechamel sauce. After the pasta is ready, we will then fill and pan fry wontons until crispy.
*Jan 27 @ RVAC, 5:30-8:30: Date Night Out: Pasta Night!
Chicken & Kale Sausage with Ricotta Stuffed Tortellini - $150 per duo
As always, pasta dough is made from scratched! While the dough
rests, we will prepare the filling to then create fresh tortellini.
The chicken & kale sausage will be sauteed and finished in a
brown butter sauce and topped with shaved parmesan.
Bottled water is provided however, you are welcome to BYOB!
Cooking classes are taught with step-by-step guidance from Chef Gina!
Registration link with waivers and remittance details:
Payment options include:
Venmo, QuickPay/Zelle, Check, or Cash
(Credit Card not accepted at this time)
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. Classes require a minimum of 4 registrants and may need to be canceled if this is not met. You will be notified via email to confirm.