Chef Tom
2023-02-02Hello, I’m Chef Tom Slepicka, and I’m the founder of the CookingHub and CookingHub Foundation, recipe creator and coulinary instructor.
Join our Live Online Czech and Slovak Cooking Classes from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read about and register for current live online cooking Czech and Slovak Classes by the Czech and Slovak Cooking School Online.
Below, you can also download preparation sheets and recipes for each class.
Questions? Please contact Chef Tom at [email protected].
The upcoming cooking series is scheduled for October 2025.
Class topics, exact days, and purchase options with discounts will be announced here in July 2025. Please register below if you want to be informed, or check back later.
Just enter your email (nothing else needed) and sign up for the following:
Join the new live Zoom Cooking Series!
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More info & registration: https://ncsml.org/series/classic-modern-czech-slovak-cuisine-xviii/
Registration for non-members of the museum: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E82716&id=901
Registration for members of the museum: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E82716&id=902
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Thursday, April 3, 2025, 2025, 6:00-8:30 p.m. CST
Description:
In our first class, we’re making something incredibly special: Cheese Battered Chicken Schnitzel (Kuře v Sýrovém Těstíčku) – a dish that’s straight out of my Czech childhood! We’re talking about crispy, golden-brown chicken in a cheesy batter. This original Czech dish is pure comfort food, and it doesn’t taste like anything you’ve had before. I will walk you through the preparation of this delicious recipe, covering everything from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect golden chest crust, whether deep-frying, shallow-frying, or even using an air fryer.
Note: Not for vegetarians
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description:
In our second Zoom cooking class where we’ll unlock the secrets of authentic Czech Rolls, a truly unique savory pastry rarely found outside of the Czech and Slovak Republics. These rolls are celebrated for their incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor – a delightful departure from ordinary bread. We’ll go step-by-step through the process, from mixing the dough to achieving that perfect golden-brown bake, so you can confidently recreate this Central European delicacy in your own kitchen and make it a new staple in your baking repertoire.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians
Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST
Description:
In our third Zoom cooking class, we’ll dive into the world of barbecue with a delicious Czech BBQ Honey Pork Ribs recipe! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any time of year, and surprisingly easy to master. We’ll be focusing on preparing these tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in the oven, and I’ll also share tips and techniques for achieving perfect results on the grill so you’re ready for barbecue season. Get ready to enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of these incredibly tasty ribs!
Note: Not for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description:
In our fourth Zoom cooking class, get ready to indulge in the sweet, fluffy goodness of Koblihy – authentic Czech and Slovak Filled Donuts! These aren’t your average donuts; we’re talking about pillowy-soft dough, fried to golden perfection, and filled with delicious jams, creams, or other traditional fillings. We’ll explore the secrets to making this beloved Central European treat, from kneading the dough to achieving that perfect rise and creating those irresistible fillings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade delights!
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description: Our final Zoom cooking class features a unique and delicious take on the classic kolach: Valašský frgál! Popular in the Czech Republic, this “pizza-shaped” pastry boasts a sweet, rich dough and an abundance of toppings – at least 50% of the entire creation! We’ll make traditional plum and pear fillings from scratch and finish it with a delicate streusel. Discover this lesser-known, but incredibly tasty, kolach variation.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Join the new live Zoom Cooking Series!
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More info & registration: www.ncsml.org/ncsml-events/
Registration for non-members of the museum: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E82716&id=877
Registration for members of the museum: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E82716&id=876
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Thursday, February 13, 2025, 6:00-8:30 p.m. CST
Description:
In this class, we’re taking the classic Linzer Tart cookies and transforming them into a grand, heart-shaped declaration of affection. We’ll be learning the secrets to creating a large, impressive Linzer heart that’s perfect for gifting to your special someone on Valentine’s Day. But that’s not all – we’ll also be crafting a delightful assortment of Jednohubky (one-biter canapés) that will be irresistible little refreshments, just perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s evening. So join us the day before Valentine’s and prepare, together with us, unforgettable Valentine’s treats.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description:
In this Zoom class, we’re diving deep into the heart of traditional Czech cuisine and exploring the rich, comforting flavors of Valašská Kyselica, a truly unique and flavorful soup. Originating from the beautiful mountainous region of Wallachia, this hearty soup is a celebration of sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoky kielbasa, all brought together in a creamy, tangy broth. We will learn the secrets to achieving that perfect balance of sour, savory, and smoky notes, and we will master the techniques to make this classic soup right in your own kitchen.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians – skip the kielbasa
Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description:
Dive into Czech cuisine with Kuře na Paprice (Creamy Paprika Chicken with Dumplings)! This popular dish features succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy paprika sauce paired perfectly with traditional dumplings. Our class guides you step-by-step through creating this classic meal from scratch.
Note: Not suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description:
In this exciting Zoom class, we’re taking the cauliflower and elevating it to new heights! We’ll unlock the secrets to achieving perfectly golden, crispy cauliflower florets that are tender on the inside and bursting with flavor, whether you choose to deep-fry them to perfection or use your air fryer for a lighter, yet equally satisfying crunch. And to make this dish even more irresistible, we’ll be pairing our crispy cauliflower with the iconic Czech and Slovak Tatarská omáčka, a creamy, tangy tartar sauce that’s the perfect complement. Finally, to round out this satisfying meal, we’ll be mastering the art of simple yet incredibly delicious buttery potatoes.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Description: Discover the secret to perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality pork chops right in your own kitchen! In this class, we’ll be mastering the art of preparing delicious and incredibly moist pork chop steaks. We’ll learn the simple yet effective technique of pan-searing our chops to golden perfection before finishing them in the oven, ensuring an even juicier, more tender result every time. You’ll be amazed at the tenderness of the meat and how easy it is to achieve such impressive results. And to accompany our star dish, we’ll whip up a batch of decadent, creamy mashed potatoes that will melt in your mouth. This class will prove that there’s no need for processed seasonings in the kitchen when you can create such incredible flavor using simple ingredients.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians = substitute pork with super firm tofu.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Join the new live Zoom Cooking Christmas Series 2024!
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More info & registration:
Registration for non-members of the museum: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E82716&id=831
Registration for members of the museum: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E82716&id=830
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Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: This class will introduce you to two other kinds of traditional Czech & Slovak Christmas Cookies. You will learn to prepare mini walnut rolls coated in sugar and delicious Christmas-shaped cookie sandwiches called Linz tart that can be cut into any shape you like and then “glued” together with delicious berry filling.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: This class will introduce you to two other delicious kinds of cookies. The first is a nutty cookie named after the first Czechoslovakian president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (it is said that this was his favorite kinds of cookies). The second is a chocolate mini nests cookie with almonds or preserves.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for a culinary adventure this holiday season as we explore the flavors of a traditional Czech Christmas meal! While carp remains a classic choice for many, many Czechs now enjoy alternatives like schnitzel for their festive feast. In this class, I will guide you through preparing a mouthwatering almond-crusted chicken schnitzel paired with perfectly creamy mashed potatoes. To start, we’ll prepare an authentic Czech fish soup, a flavorful and comforting appetizer that will warm you up on a cold winter’s night. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a delicious and unique Christmas meal that captures the essence of Czech culinary traditions.
Note: Not suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: Kuba is a savory mushroom dish enjoyed for centuries. In this class, we’ll explore the rich history of this humble yet flavorful dish, tracing its roots back to ancient pagan customs and its evolution through the ages. Discover how this simple dish, made with hearty ingredients like barley, mushrooms, and onions, became a staple on Czech Christmas Eve tables. We’ll uncover the traditional recipe of Kuba so you can enjoy this oldest Czech Christmas meal in the comfort of your home. Even though this meal is technically vegetarian, I promise that even meat lovers will enjoy it.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: In this class, we’ll embark on a journey to create these miniature marvels. Learn the art of crafting these petite cookies, filled with a luscious, creamy filling, gently coated in chocolate, and finished with a decadent almond. These cookies are not just perfect for Christmas, but also for any special occasion.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, December 12, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: In this class, we’ll prepare a traditional Czech and Slovak New Year’s Eve dish: lentils! While this hearty and flavorful meal is said to bring prosperity in the coming year, it’s also delicious any time of the year. We’ll cover the classic serving style with bread and pickles, and then spice things up with additions like a fried egg and Polish kielbasa. Whether you prefer to keep it vegetarian or add some extra protein, this class will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create a delicious and auspicious lentil dish. Get ready to cook your way to a prosperous New Year.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians if you skip the kielbasa.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Description: Vánočka is often called “Houska” in the USA. The name “vánočka” comes from “Vánoce”, which means Christmas in Czech. It is a scrumptious sweet bread with raisins and almonds, which is very common to serve on Christmas morning in the Czech Republic (December 24th). It can be served plain, with butter, or with butter and preserves/jam. Because it is very delicious, people buy it in the Czech Republic all year long.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
Thursday, December 19, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: Czech and Slovak gingerbread cookies are not just delicious but also very pretty. For this reason, they are meant to not just be a treat but also a decoration (for example, for your Christmas tree). In this class, you will cover the basics of baking and decorating- which is a lot of fun and gives you a chance to be very creative. You will learn how to prepare some basic decorations that can be completed as a nice activity with your kids, and you will also learn more complex designs.
Note: Suitable for vegetarians.
Preparation Sheet here.
Recipes here.
9/26/2024 – 10/24/2024
Here you can download Preparation Sheets and Recipes
4/11/2024 – 5/16/2024
Here you can download Preparation Sheets and Recipes
2/13/2024 – 3/13/2024
Here you can download Preparation Sheets and Recipes
11/1/2023 – 12/16/2023
Here you can download Preparation Sheets and Recipes
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