At Home Online Cooking Class – Virtual Only

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through March 11.

Learn the techniques for tempering chocolate, making ganache, and crafting chocolate desserts.

Kristyn will guide through the cooking process you while sharing tips throughout class. The class is your time to learn a little something and most importantly, have fun!

To Prepare for Class: Patrons will simply purchase ingredients & gather their kitchen equipment from the provided recipes. For a more relaxed class, we recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time (chopping, measuring). This is not required, however, as you will be guided through every step of preparation. You may also join us to simply watch along.

Find recipes for this event by using this link.

Speaker Bio: Kristyn Slick of Making Mealtime Memories

My greatest goal in life is to get more families around the dinner table. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kristyn, the Cooking Instructor, History Teacher, Menu Planner, Nutrition Coach, and Blogger around Classroom Kitchen. If we have met before, you’re a lucky soul. Just kidding, but I am so glad you decided to see what I’m all about!

The Slick Family was established in 2007 when Brian and I were married. We enjoyed traveling for a few years and settling into our careers before deciding to start a family. We have have two kiddos and a dog who think he’s a third child.  We lead very full lives: hockey, piano lessons, girl scouts, active church members, and as much family time we can muster between all the things.

Ever since I was in 4th grade I have wanted to be a teacher. I received my Elementary Education degree at Lewis University and before even officially walking the graduation stage I had a 7th grade position teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. My career path took a sharp turn, however, after I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my 7th year of teaching. For my own health and the wellness of my family I left my full time teaching position to stay home with my then 3.5 and 1 year old. After a year of regrouping, getting well, and focusing on me I rejoined the work force and decided to become a short-term consultant with Pampered Chef.  My cooking tool kit arrived within a few days and I quickly realized that my short-term decision was going to be long-term dedication to “Making Family Mealtime a Priority”!

I left Pampered Chef in the fall of 2021 to dedicate all my time and energy to A Classroom Kitchen. No more safety nets for this girl!  I am so excited but also a bit nervous.  I am so glad you are on this journey with me and I can’t wait to show you what I have in store for you and your families. So here I am today better than ever! Cooking and teaching and sharing all the food pictures (yes I am THAT person).  I want to give everyone the tools and confidence to achieve their wellness and cooking goals.  makingmealtimememories.com

This event occurred on February 13, 2025.

If you’d like to watch or share the event, the recording will be available on YouTube though February 20 at midnight. Use the link below to access the recording:
LINK: https://bit.ly/WatchJamesMcBride

Illinois Libraries Present: James McBride – Virtual Event
Join us for a virtual interview with bestselling author James McBride. Explore his literary journey and the themes of race, identity, and resilience that resonate throughout his work.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com

This event occurred on February 4, 2025.

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through February 28.

The 1920s are saturated with surprise, sequins, and murder!  Join Martina Mathisen, as she portrays a 1920’s flapper named Flora, telling us how fashion, crime, and prohibition mixed with explosive creativity shaped the decade of the century.  Learn fact from fiction and how reality relates to the 2002 Oscar-winning film Chicago.

Speaker Bio: Martina Mathisen
Professional speaker and educational entertainer Martina Mathisen shares history in a dynamic and interesting way. Martina explores historical characters and brings them “to life” in presentations expressing her personal passion for history as well as the people in her audiences. Each program is engaging, entertaining, educational and fun. She has led various programs ranging in topics from classic movies and building public speaking skills, to motivation and literature. Find out more about Martina at martinamathisen.com.

This event occurred on January 29, 2025.

If you’d like to watch the event, the recording will be available to view through February 10. Use the link and password below to access the recording:
LINK: https://bit.ly/WatchMichelleButeau
PASSWORD: Laugh

Illinois Libraries Present: Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau – Virtual

Join comedian, actress, and producer Michelle Buteau in conversation with Greta Johnsen. Michelle is the creator/writer/star of the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. She is also the host of two popular reality competition shows – The Circle and Barbecue Showdown, and hosts the popular podcast, Adulting. In 2024, she starred in Babes alongside fellow comedian/actress Ilana Glazer.

Born in New Jersey to Caribbean parents, Michelle brings her unique perspective and big personality to stage and screen. Her one-hour comedy special, Welcome to Buteaupia, won the Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Special. Her new special, A Buteau-ful Mind, drops on Netflix December 31.

Greta Johnsen is an interviewer, podcast host, and book person. She is loved as co-host of HBO’s Official Game of Thrones Podcast and hosted WBEZ’s Nerdette podcast for eleven years.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com

This event occurred on January 23, 2025.

At Home Online Cooking Class – Virtual Only

Watch the recorded version of this event.   The recording will be available to view through February 13.

Warm up your winter with hearty and delicious vegan comfort foods. This class will explore plant-based alternatives that are both comforting and satisfying, showing you how to create rich flavors and textures without any animal products.

Kristyn will guide through the cooking process you while sharing tips throughout class. The class is your time to learn a little something and most importantly, have fun!

To Prepare for Class: Patrons will simply purchase ingredients & gather their kitchen equipment from the provided recipes. For a more relaxed class, we recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time (chopping, measuring). This is not required, however, as you will be guided through every step of preparation. You may also join us to simply watch along.

Find recipes for this event by using this link. 

Speaker Bio: Kristyn Slick of Making Mealtime Memories

My greatest goal in life is to get more families around the dinner table. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kristyn, the Cooking Instructor, History Teacher, Menu Planner, Nutrition Coach, and Blogger around Classroom Kitchen. If we have met before, you’re a lucky soul. Just kidding, but I am so glad you decided to see what I’m all about!

The Slick Family was established in 2007 when Brian and I were married. We enjoyed traveling for a few years and settling into our careers before deciding to start a family. We have have two kiddos and a dog who think he’s a third child.  We lead very full lives: hockey, piano lessons, girl scouts, active church members, and as much family time we can muster between all the things.

Ever since I was in 4th grade I have wanted to be a teacher. I received my Elementary Education degree at Lewis University and before even officially walking the graduation stage I had a 7th grade position teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. My career path took a sharp turn, however, after I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my 7th year of teaching. For my own health and the wellness of my family I left my full time teaching position to stay home with my then 3.5 and 1 year old. After a year of regrouping, getting well, and focusing on me I rejoined the work force and decided to become a short-term consultant with Pampered Chef.  My cooking tool kit arrived within a few days and I quickly realized that my short-term decision was going to be long-term dedication to “Making Family Mealtime a Priority”!

I left Pampered Chef in the fall of 2021 to dedicate all my time and energy to A Classroom Kitchen. No more safety nets for this girl!  I am so excited but also a bit nervous.  I am so glad you are on this journey with me and I can’t wait to show you what I have in store for you and your families. So here I am today better than ever! Cooking and teaching and sharing all the food pictures (yes I am THAT person).  I want to give everyone the tools and confidence to achieve their wellness and cooking goals.  makingmealtimememories.com

This event occurred on January 15, 2025.