CULINARY INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTH

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Personal Enrichment – Culinary & Hospitality

Cooking Classes & More!

Step into the kitchen of the Culinary Institute of the South for a fun, hands-on culinary experience. Designed for home cooks and food enthusiasts of all skill levels, our Saturday classes explore a variety of cuisines, flavors, and techniques in a relaxed and social environment. Whether you’re mastering Game Day favorites, exploring Latin Coastal Cuisine, or celebrating Oktoberfest, you’ll cook alongside our chef instructors, enjoy what you create, and leave inspired to try something new at home.

About the Instructor

Chef Damon Dickerson in the kitchen

Your instructor is Chef Damon Dickerson of TCL’s Culinary Institute of the South, whose 15-plus years of culinary experience include fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and premier events.

Educated at Johnson & Wales University, Chef Damon brings the skills of a professional chef and the personality of a great teacher to every class.

Whether you’re learning a new cuisine, sharpening your techniques, or simply enjoying a fun Saturday experience, Chef Damon makes the kitchen welcoming, approachable, and memorable. He encourages questions, shares practical tips, demonstrates techniques step by step, building confidence for every participant in the kitchen with confidence always

NEW! 2026/2027 classes

When: Classes are held monthly on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the dates noted below.
Where: Culinary Institute of the South at Technical College of the Lowcountry, 1 Venture Drive, Buckwalter Place, Bluffton, SC 29910
Cost: $125 per class. 
How to Prepare: Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes to class. Also, make sure hair is tied back!
Ready to register? Scroll down to the bottom of the page for instructions and link.

Click below to learn more about each class and/or Register Here.

Description: Explore the vibrant flavors of Latin America’s coastal regions in this hands-on cooking class. Inspired by seaside traditions, you'll prepare dishes featuring fresh seafood, bright citrus, tropical ingredients, and bold seasonings. Learn classic techniques and create flavorful dishes that balance freshness, zest, and the rich culinary traditions of the Latin coast.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Warm up your kitchen skills in this hands-on class focused on the art of soup making. Learn the techniques behind creating flavorful soups, from rich broths and silky purées to hearty seasonal favorites. You’ll practice building flavor, balancing textures, and adapting recipes using fresh ingredients throughout the year.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Get game-day ready in this fun, hands-on class featuring crowd-pleasing appetizers and tailgating favorites. Learn to prepare bold dips, savory snacks, shareable starters, and easy entertaining dishes perfect for tailgates, watch parties, or casual gatherings. Whether you're hosting at home or bringing a dish to the big game, you'll leave with new recipes, practical techniques, and plenty of winning flavors.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Celebrate the hearty flavors and festive spirit of Oktoberfest in this hands-on cooking class. Prepare traditional German-inspired favorites while learning techniques for creating comforting dishes with rustic charm and rich flavor. From savory sausages and warm pretzels to classic sides and beer-inspired specialties, you'll explore the foods that make this seasonal celebration a favorite around the world.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Celebrate the season in style with this festive holiday hors d’oeuvres and wine pairing class. Learn to prepare elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizers and discover how to pair them with complementary wines for effortless holiday entertaining. From seasonal flavors and presentation techniques to serving tips and pairing basics, you'll leave ready to host memorable gatherings throughout the holiday season.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Celebrate the sweetest season of the year in this festive holiday baking class. Fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of seasonal spices, freshly baked desserts, and classic holiday treats as you create a variety of sweets perfect for sharing. Learn techniques for preparing cookies, confections, and seasonal favorites that will add a homemade touch to your holiday gatherings and gift giving.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Experience the bold flavors and rich traditions of the Lowcountry in this hands-on cooking class. Prepare Southern coastal favorites featuring fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and classic regional seasonings. From beloved local dishes to timeless Southern staples, you'll learn techniques and recipes that capture the warmth, hospitality, and distinctive flavors of the Lowcountry.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Grab your partner and join us for a fun, hands-on couples pasta workshop filled with delicious flavors and memorable experiences. Together, you'll learn the art of making fresh pasta from scratch, mastering techniques for mixing and shaping dough while preparing classic sauces to accompany your creations. Enjoy an evening of cooking, learning, and sharing a meal together.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Set sail on a culinary adventure as you explore the techniques and ingredients that define coastal seafood cuisine. Prepare dishes inspired by seaside kitchens and waterfront dining while learning how to select, prepare, and cook fresh seafood with confidence.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Experience the fresh flavors of the season in this hands-on farm-to-table cooking class. Learn how to transform locally sourced produce, herbs, and quality proteins into delicious, wholesome dishes. Explore seasonal ingredients, simple techniques, and thoughtful preparation methods that highlight the natural flavors and abundance of the region.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Celebrate the flavors of spring in this hands-on entertaining class. Learn to create bright, seasonal dishes perfect for brunches, garden parties, and casual gatherings. Using fresh herbs, vibrant produce, and light seasonal ingredients, you'll prepare a variety of recipes designed to impress with both flavor and presentation.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Description: Celebrate the flavors of summer in this hands-on cooking class featuring colorful produce, fresh ingredients, and light, satisfying dishes. Learn techniques for preparing refreshing appetizers, grilled favorites, vibrant salads, and seasonal recipes that showcase the best of summer. Perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking with fresh flavors and entertaining during the season.

Class meets 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Registration Information

REGISTER HERE

Instructions: Click the “REGISTER HERE” button above. Scroll through the list of offerings and then hit the “Select” button for the course you’re interested in. Next, hit “Add Section.” Then, go to your Cart and follow prompts to sign in, checkout and pay. 

Important Note: When signing up for classes, we recommend using a desktop computer, a laptop computer or your cell phone. Apple iPad devices are not compatible with our system. If you run into any issues, please call 843-305-8515 to register by phone.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Damon Dickerson at ddickerson@tcl.edu or 843-305-8515.

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CONTACT US:

Damon Dickerson

FoodTec Program Coordinator & Instructor/Workforce Development & Continuing Education

(843)305-8515

Beaufort Mather Campus, Bldg.2, Rm. 109

CULINARY INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTH

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