Sweet Spot Studio is offering cookie kits and online decorating classes. Photo courtesy of Sweet Spot Studio

We are all trying to fill our days while we are restricted from regular outings. At Unpretentious Palate, we’ve kicked off a series of online happy hours with some of the best bartenders around town. Elsewhere, local chefs are offering web-based classes for families, children, and anyone interested in learning a new skill.

Chef Jossie Lukacik of Sweet Spot Studio is providing kits containing cutters, cookie dough, and icings, with access to detailed class videos. Kids kids are also available with pre-made cookies. The kits can be picked up curb-side at the studio, delivered locally, or shipped to you. Classes range from $25 to $75 and can be ordered on Sweet Spot Studio’s website.

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen chef and co-owner Alyssa Wilen will start offering classes online next week. Classes will cover a broad range of foods: paella, dumplings, chicken tortilla soup, and bread making using ingredients and equipment that you already have in your pantry. Recipes will be provided once you sign up so you can add any missing ingredients. Substitutions will also be suggested to make the recipe gluten free, vegetarian, etc.

At Orrman’s Cheese Shop, owner Rachel Klebaur is setting up cheese and wine pairing classes online in partnership with Assorted Table Wine Shoppe. Watch the website for class listings, which should start next week. Meanwhile, Rachel has set up a virtual cheesemonger connection; you can set up an appointment and video conference with Rachel as she walks you through what is in the cheese case and help you to make selections. There are also jams, crackers, condiments, and sandwiches available. You can pay by phone, and have your order delivered or you can pick up outside the 7th Street Public Market.

If you opt to pick up at Orrman’s, give Josh at Assorted Table Wine Shoppe a call and pick up wine, bitters, or beer to enjoy with your cheese.

Unpretentious Palate will post all the classes on our calendar, and we will inform you of additional online class offerings that are announced. Happy Eating! —Anita Skogland