Giving the gift of cooking classes is a life long gift that is fun and educational!

Our classes run at different prices based on what type of class it is.

If you would like a custom amount please email Chef Arlena.

Your printable gift certificate will be emailed to you.

1 Month of classes plus a starter kit $110

1 Day Camp $90

Clinic $30-$50

Full week Camp $300

Introducing the "Let Me Cook" Kids T-Shirt, a must-have wardrobe staple for all aspiring junior chefs from the Children's Culinary Institute. Crafted from soft, breathable cotton, this shirt combines comfort with a playful design that every young culinary enthusiast will love. The bold print proudly declares their passion for cooking, making it the perfect attire for both kitchen adventures and everyday wear. Wearing this t-shirt, junior chefs can showcase their skills and confidence in the kitchen, while inspiring peers to join the culinary journey. Whether your child is whipping up a simple salad or experimenting with gourmet recipes, the "Let Me Cook" t-shirt is the perfect way for them to celebrate their love for cooking and stand out as a proud member of the culinary community.

"Chef Arlena takes the lesser known history of cooking to a younger generation of budding chefs who are hungry for the stories behind the food! The past comes alive with colorful relatable illustrations and fun facts for learning nestled alongside the adventure. It's clear that Arlena understands how to engage children in the delectable art of preparing food; no doubt a result of her many years experience in the kitchen with students of The Children's Culinary Institute. This book is sure to be gobbled up by little cooks everywhere!"

"A fantastic way to bridge culinary treasures and modern day life! Chef Arlena brings the history of chefs to life in this fun and beautiful story, and gives families an opportunity to explore the kitchen together."

At CCI, we understand that picky eaters can be a challenge, but we love turning mealtime into a delightful adventure! Our cooking classes are all about introducing young ones to new foods in a fun and engaging way. Now, we're bringing that excitement to your home with the Dino Dinner Winner—a playful plate game designed to encourage kids to explore a variety of foods without the pressure. This interactive approach transforms each meal into a fun-filled journey, helping little eaters discover new flavors and textures while enjoying the thrill of the game. Make mealtime as enjoyable at home as it is in our classes with this innovative and entertaining solution!

All Items are for pick up at 88 West St. Pittsboro, NC 27312

Introducing Chef Arlena's top olive oil recommendation, now available for purchase in our chef shop! This exquisite oil hails from a picturesque grove in Benivento, Italy, where it has been crafted with passion and tradition for over 300 years. Having personally visited this grove and used this oil for over a decade, I can confidently say it’s an essential part of my culinary creations. Its rich, robust flavors and silky texture have made it indispensable in my kitchen, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. Elevate your cooking with this exceptional olive oil and experience the difference it brings to your dishes. Your new kitchen staple awaits!

"Chef Arlena Strode does it again in this heart-warming true tale of overcoming and bringing people together in Food Bridges: The Story of Leah Chase. Children will stay engaged and excited throughout the story as she blends discussion topics, cultural history, and cooking all together in a colorful narrative. Whether your child is new to cooking or already passionate, Chef Arlena and her experience leading the Children's Culinary Institute truly shines through. This isn't just a book to read, it's an experience!"

For pick up only - 88 W street Pittsboro

Embark on Your Culinary Adventure: Our Junior Chef Starter Kit, featuring a workbook and your very own CCI apron, is required for your weekly classes. Tailored to inspire young cooks, learn the art of cooking and the importance of taking care of your tools, nurturing your sense of responsibility along the way!

Our “Elf” made gift baskets for little chefs are just perfect if you are looking for a little Santa helper. These are limited and when they are gone they are gone!

What is inside:

Large measuring cup that doubles as a mixing bowl

Rubber Spatula

Pastry Brush

Full size French style rolling pin

Nylon rolling mat

Cookie stamp

Introducing "Mr. Food Face"—the ultimate culinary adventure for kids! This delightful item transforms mealtime into an engaging, creative experience that encourages children to play with their food in a constructive way. Mr. Food Face is a whimsical plate featuring a simple face design that invites young chefs to use an array of colorful fruits, vegetables, and other edible goodies to create unique, imaginative expressions. As kids decorate and garnish their plates, they not only learn the art of plating but also develop a curiosity for trying new foods. Whether turning broccoli into hair or using cherry tomatoes for eyes, Mr. Food Face makes every meal a canvas for creativity, making healthy eating both fun and educational. Perfect for inspiring budding food artists and making family dinners a joyous occasion, Mr. Food Face is where imagination meets mealtime!

Introducing "Mrs. Food Face"—the perfect companion for kids' culinary adventures! This enchanting plate transforms ordinary meals into a delightful game of creativity and exploration, encouraging young ones to express themselves through food. Featuring a charming face design, Mrs. Food Face invites children to decorate with an assortment of vibrant fruits, veggies, and other tasty treats, crafting imaginative and unique expressions. As they playfully arrange carrot curls for hair or blueberry earrings, kids not only discover the art of plating but also cultivate a willingness to explore new flavors. Mrs. Food Face turns every meal into a masterpiece, promoting healthy eating habits in a fun and educational way. Ideal for igniting the imaginations of aspiring food artists and making family meals an exciting event, Mrs. Food Face is where creativity and cuisine come together!

In this third book of the series, the heartwarming story of Fannie Farmer as told by Chef Arlena with the Children’s Culinary Institute will bring smiles to young ones as they begin to appreciate the importance of healthy eating. Fannie lived a challenging, yet rewarding life as she learned to press forward while working around some of life’s obstacles. Her extraordinary efforts in the field of food science continue to benefit all of us today. Fun experiments and interesting facts makes this book interactive and the art is engaging. What a wonderful book for little cooks and their parents alike.

The Obsessive Chef Cutting Board

Elevate your culinary experience with the Obsessive Chef Cutting Board, the top recommendation from our CCI chef. This premium instructional cutting board is expertly designed for advanced culinary students looking to refine their knife skills. With precise measurement guides and cutting angles engraved into the surface, it offers a practical and effective way to master the art of precision cutting. Whether you're practicing julienne, chiffonade, or brunoise, this cutting board ensures consistent results, turning your kitchen into a professional workspace. Perfect for those passionate about their craft, the Obsessive Chef Cutting Board is an essential tool for any aspiring chef.

All Items are for pick up at 88 West St. Pittsboro, NC

Safe Knife

Unleash your child’s culinary creativity with the Junior Chef Safe Knife Set, specially designed to empower young chefs in the kitchen while ensuring maximum safety. Perfect for children ages 3 and up, we use these in our kids' cooking classes, and you can choose the size based on your hand size, with smaller knives ideal for smaller kids. This set includes three knives of varying sizes, each with a rounded tip and serrated edge to prevent accidental cuts. Crafted from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel and featuring ergonomic, non-slip handles, these knives provide a comfortable grip for little hands. The vibrant colors make cooking fun and encourage kids to engage with their food preparation. Whether your child is slicing soft fruits, cutting vegetables, or spreading butter, the Junior Chef Safe Knife Set inspires confidence and skill development in a safe and controlled manner. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, this set is an ideal gift for budding chefs. Let your child explore the joys of cooking with peace of mind and safety at the forefront.

This is for just one knife and all items are for pick up only at 88 West St. Pittsboro NC

The Worst Cook in New York, is the fourth in a fun series for little cooks. This book reminds kids of the importance of keeping clean hands and a tidy kitchen. Mary Mallon, better known today as Typhoid Mary, has a zany story that is sure to delight kids of all ages. She didn't know what we know now about hygiene, and food preparation. Kid everywhere will love this story and learn in a creative way how to be a great chef, and prepare food safely.

- paperback only

For pick up only - 88 west st Pittsboro

Did you loose or ruin your apron or notebook? Do you need a replacement? You can pick them up here.

If you are a preschool student advancing to our older classes you will need to add a jr chef workbook to your apron.

Ramen lover or just a kid foodie..

Wear it proud. We love kid foodies around here and love it when they wear it like their favorite sports team!

These adorable shirts are made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester to make an easy wash and go style.

Ready to start using sharp knives at home, but not ready to do it on your own?

This is a great bridge between knife skill levels.

The metal fibers in this glove will help stop a knife before it does too mach skin damage and makes it safer for a beginner to transition from kid safe knives to adult knives.

You only use one glove. The glove goes on your non dominate hand hand as you are cutting and protects the hand that is not holding the knife.

Introducing the Match Up Food Game, the perfect blend of fun and flavor for snack time! This engaging memory game invites players to embark on a culinary adventure by matching pairs of delectable snacks hidden behind colorful doors. Ideal for all ages, the Match Up Food Game not only challenges your memory skills but also tantalizes your taste buds with a variety of new and exciting foods. Each round promises a delightful surprise as you uncover and sample snacks from different cuisines. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a solo snack session, this game transforms ordinary snacking into an entertaining experience that everyone will savor. Unleash your inner foodie and let the Match Up Food Game bring joy and excitement to your snack time! Encourage adventurous eating from the start!

All products are for pick up at 88 West ST. Pittsboro NC

Introducing our delightful "Mini Chef Adventures" coloring book series—a perfect blend of creativity and culinary exploration designed for budding chefs! These innovative coloring books are crafted to engage young minds with the world of food, recipes, and kitchen tools. Each page features beautifully illustrated food items, step-by-step recipe guides, and essential cooking utensils, waiting to be brought to life with vibrant colors. As your mini chef embarks on their culinary journey, they can proudly color in the unique "I did it" symbols each time they taste, try, or use something new. This interactive feature encourages adventurous eating and hands-on learning, making the kitchen a fun and exciting place to be. Perfect for parents and educators who want to inspire the next generation of food lovers and future chefs!

Introducing the "Memoroni Pizza Matching Game" – a delightful and engaging twist on the classic memory game, perfect for pizza lovers of all ages! Dive into a world of cheesy fun as you flip over cards to find matching pizza toppings, from pepperoni to mushrooms, and everything in between. As you talk about the different toppings and play with these cards, you'll be exposed to new food ideas, making it a gateway to expand your culinary horizons. Designed to enhance memory skills and provide hours of entertainment, this game features vibrant, mouth-watering illustrations that capture the essence of everyone’s favorite food. Packaged in a compact, pizza-themed box, it's easy to take this game on the go for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy night at home. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, the Memoroni Pizza Matching Game promises a slice of joy and a dash of challenge in every round!

All items are for pick up at 88 West St. Pittsboro, NC

"Write My Own Cookbook" is an innovative approach to mastering the art of cooking. This method encourages you to document your culinary experiences, offering a unique and personalized way to track your progress and growth. By journaling your experiences, you not only learn new techniques but also expand your culinary vocabulary, all while enjoying the journey at your own pace. This approach allows you to select recipes—whether from online resources or cherished family traditions—that align with the learning recommendations provided by seasoned culinary educator, Chef Arlena Strode. As you explore different cuisines and cooking styles, you’ll gain confidence and creativity in the kitchen, making every meal a new opportunity for discovery and enjoyment.

Six Star Chicken is a delightfully illustrated and engaging read for any young reader! Chef Arlena brings to life a story of grit and determination, exampled in the mother of culinary- Chef Eugenie Brazier. This rendition of her story is told in a way in which any child can learn and benefit. Parents, teachers and caregivers will especially appreciate the historical facts inside as an opportunity for more in-depth conversations. - Paperback only

All items must be picked up at 88 West st. Pittsboro NC

Bread making requires the right tools, and our artisanal set offers three essential items to enhance your baking experience. The Danish dough whisk is central to this collection, celebrated for its ability to mix a range of dough types effortlessly. From thick sourdoughs to light batters, this whisk eliminates clumping and ensures a smooth, consistent mix. Using a Danish dough whisk not only saves time but also elevates the quality of your baked goods.

Included is the indispensable bread lame, a must-have for serious bakers. With five replaceable high-quality blades, this tool facilitates precise scoring of your dough, allowing for artistic designs that improve the bread's appearance and help it rise beautifully during baking. The stainless steel blades are complemented by a comfortable beechwood handle, ensuring ease of use as you create stunning loaves.

Finally, the bench scraper is a multifunctional tool that streamlines the bread making process. Its heavy-duty, straight-edge design is perfect for efficiently dividing dough, making it easy to portion and transfer without mess. Whether you're cleaning your mixing bowl or moving dough onto a work surface, this scraper simplifies every step.

Incorporating these premium tools into your kitchen will transform your approach to baking. With the Danish dough whisk, bread lame, and bench scraper in your collection, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any bread recipe, whether you're a novice or an experienced baker. The joy of bread making awaits, filled with creativity and the satisfaction of producing delicious, visually appealing loaves every time.

For Jr Chefs, or check out our adult class on Sour Dough in October and November!

Our uniform apron helps our preschool students stay clean as well as recognise they are a part of a team in our class. It is a one time purchase and can be used for all future classes.

Our “Elf” made gift baskets for little chefs are just perfect if you are looking for a little Santa helper. These are limited and when they are gone they are gone!

What is inside:

Two food safe containers (with Lego style lids)- to keep your chocolate

1 small (lego style) sprinkle container

1 bag of colored chocolate to start your new hobby and fill your container

1 rubber spatula- for smoothing

1 lego style chocolate mold form

Using a hand press for juicing is a level 2 skill.

If you have a growing and developing Jr. Chef, this is a great tool for them. This tool has fun little “Teeth” on the handle that actually help with the grip and help smaller hands hold tight as they are pressing their citrus for a yummy recipe!

Let’s be real- it is dang cute too!

Anyone .. Jr chef or otherwise would have a great time with this!

Great for little hands, soft sided so drops don’t become breaks-

Clear and easy to read measurements on the outside in a see through area to make measuring liquids clear and precise!

BPA free 100% food safe and microwave safe silicone

Recommended for advanced students, this ruler helps show knife skill expectations

Introducing our Toddler Wavy Cutter, the perfect kitchen tool for little chefs eager to join in on family cooking adventures! Designed with safety and fun in mind, this wavy cutter is ideal for slicing through soft foods like bananas, cooked carrots, potatoes, melons, and cucumbers. Its user-friendly design not only encourages toddlers to participate in meal preparation but also aids in the development of essential motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and hand strength. Crafted with child-friendly materials, this cutter is a wonderful way to inspire confidence and creativity in young cooks. Watch your little one's culinary skills blossom with this engaging and educational kitchen companion!

For pick up only - 88 W street Pittsboro