Nothing heralds the holidays quite so much as sinking your teeth into a delightfully decorated pilgrim (or snowman . . . or elf) sugar cookie. If your skills don’t quite match up to your aspiration, consider a cookie course offered by Rachel Van Stratton. The self-taught cookier — yes, that’s what they really call themselves — discovered her pastry path as a 16-year-old working a first job at a candy supply store in Mission. She learned to decorate cakes and uncovered her cookie passion when falling down the rabbit hole of Instagram cookie decorating videos.
Van Stratton opened a cookie business, Sweet Ideas, after numerous friends expressed amazement that beautifully decorated cookies could also taste divine: A crispy edge + a soft bite = Heaven. Although she now works at a hospital, “my health insurance job,” Van Stratton’s cookie expertise is sought after by students signing up for her holiday decorating classes at the Culinary Center in Old Overland Park. Book online at kcculinary.com and learn why “flooding” is not just something that happens in Prairie Village after a hard rain.
If a class is too much for you during this busy season, you can buy Van Stratton’s delectable cookies at the Culinary Center instead. Either option makes you one smart cookie.
CLASSES WITH VAN STRATTON:
Cookies for Santa! The Merry Elves Family Cookie Baking and Decorating Workshop, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.
Old Fashioned Christmas Cookie Platter, Sunday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.
Holly Jolly Cake Decorating Workshop! Poinsettia and Christmas Wreath Cakes, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.
All classes are held at The Culinary Center of Kansas City, 7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. To register and see a complete schedule of cooking classes, visit www.kcculinary.com or call 913.341.4455.
