YOUNG CHEFS - ages 8 to 18
YOUNG CHEFS SERIES
Perfect for homeschoolers, middle school through college students.
This hands-on series is designed for Young Chefs ages 8–18 ready to build real confidence in the kitchen—and beyond.
More than just cooking, this is life skills in action. Through a fun, fully hands-on experience, students explore fresh ingredients, discover new flavors, and learn by doing—not through lectures.
They develop essential skills like nutrition awareness, critical thinking, independence, and real-world readiness—all while gaining confidence with every dish.
This isn’t just cooking—it’s raising confident, capable kids for life.
They’ll learn to plan, prepare, and enjoy balanced meals while building skills that matter.
• Master essential cooking techniques (sauté, bake, grill, roast & more)
• Shop smart, read labels, and choose fresh, whole ingredients
• Make healthier choices and avoid over-processed foods
• Meal prep with confidence and independence
• Understand how food fuels focus, energy, and long-term health
• Explore global flavors, cultures, and traditions
• Discover how climate and geography shape what we eat
• Build decision-making skills beyond the kitchen
FAQ - Young Chef Series
-
This is a group cooking class designed for kids and teens ages 8–18 who are able to stay focused, follow instructions, and participate safely in a shared kitchen environment.
Students will be using real kitchen tools—including sharp knives, hot ovens, and electric mixers—so it’s important they are comfortable listening, engaging, and following directions. Just as important, they should genuinely want to be there and be part of the experience.
If your child would benefit from more individualized support, private or semi-private lessons are available. Chef Leslie has experience working with children with diverse learning needs and can thoughtfully adapt each session to help every child feel confident and successful.
-
No experience is required. The series is designed so anyone can follow along comfortably while still learning valuable new techniques.
-
Classes are hands-on and interactive. You’ll cook alongside the instructor while learning essential techniques, practical kitchen skills, and how flavors work together.
The Young Chef Series is a progressive program. Each level runs for 4 weeks (one class per week), and students enroll one level at a time.
Classes take place in Chef Leslie’s Ft. Lauderdale kitchen or at a participant’s home.
You’re welcome to gather your own BFFs and family to experience the series together—or come on your own and meet new, like-minded Young Chefs who love great food and want to become more confident cooks.
Dietary restrictions are collected during registration through a dietary form, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
-
This isn’t just cooking—it’s raising confident, capable kids for life.
They’ll learn to plan, prepare, and enjoy balanced meals while building skills that matter.
• Master essential cooking techniques (sauté, bake, grill, roast & more)
• Shop smart, read labels, and choose fresh, whole ingredients
• Make healthier choices and avoid over-processed foods
• Meal prep with confidence and independence
• Understand how food fuels focus, energy, and long-term health
• Explore global flavors, cultures, and traditions
• Discover how climate and geography shape what we eat
• Build decision-making skills beyond the kitchen
This progressive series includes up to six courses, each building on the last. Every course runs 4 weeks (1 class/week, 3 hours), strengthening technique, independence, and confidence—so students don’t just follow recipes, they gain real-life skills and the confidence to cook at home.
-
A 4--week group instructional package is $799 per person.
Step Up For Students Scholarship program funds may soon be applied to this program if your student is homeschooled..
Students will eat everything they make, have fun and learn life-long skills. The series is designed as a progression of learning, with each class building on the techniques and skills from the previous lessons.
Testimonials
-
I have truly enjoyed getting to know Leslie through the Friendship Circle Life Skills program, where I volunteer each week. From the moment she walks into the center, she brings energy, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm that immediately sets the tone for an engaging and inspiring class.
Leslie leads our adults with special needs in dynamic lessons on cooking and nutrition, arriving each week exceptionally prepared and ready to create a hands-on experience. Her talents as both a skilled chef and a gifted educator shine through in the way she connects with the students.
What truly sets Leslie apart is her ability to turn each session into a meaningful experience. Students don’t just learn recipes — they build confidence, develop life skills, and take pride in creating something from start to finish. —
-
This cookbook is a winner! The book itself is substantial with easy to read content and colorful, appetizing photography of each dish. There are many wonderful elements woven together in this unique cookbook. A friendly introduction lets the reader get to know Chef Leslie followed by a fantastic set of recipes. Each dish starts with a fun fact about a particular ingredient or culinary history of the recipe. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow. It's like Chef Leslie is coaching you through each step. The "forking fast facts" are a useful tool to understand the time and labor commitment of each dish. Also, the "forking challenge" information lets the reader know in advance how complex a particular recipe might be for the at home cook. This cookbook doesn't take itself too seriously and celebrates the power of good food to connect us to each other. Loved it!
-
My Experience During the Forking Delicious Cooking Class
I had an amazing time during this class. I got to cook wonderful food with the help of Chef Leslie. And not only did we cook, we also learned about geography and Thailand. It was lots of fun, and the food was incredible.
I also got a tour of Chef Leslie’s herb garden. She had lots of amazing-smelling herbs of many different varieties, and her husband had also made an orchard in the backyard. From sweet mangoes to papayas and many other trees too.
Overall, the experience was very lovely, rewarding, and fun. I would definitely recommend going to Chef Leslie’s cooking class. -
I’ve watched Leslie host elegant holiday and special-occasion dinners for 20+ guests without breaking a sweat—crafted cocktails, incredible hors d’oeuvres, and flawless sit-down meals. Every course is unique, flavorful, and so delicious. She makes it look effortless, and every event feels timeless and intentional. Her meals end with the most amazing assortment of memorable desserts.
-
I had the pleasure and privilege of assisting Leslie Linevsky at her event at the Fort Lauderdale Chabad. Leslie planned and prepared a fabulous cooking class for the teenagers and young adults with autism. She gathered all the ingredients and equipment and created visual and auditory instructions for them.
Leslie did an amazing job clearly articulating what they were going to do. She explained the reasoning behind the ingredients and why certain things were mixed and some were added later.
Leslie demonstrated a sincere interest and joy in interacting with this group. She answered questions thoroughly and in a manner that was understandable.
All the teens and young adults had a fun afternoon and were clearly appreciative her efforts. — Deborah G.
-
really loved this cooking class! I learned how to cook new things and now I know how to make more recipes. The environment was really fun and welcoming, and the food tasted amazing. I also really liked the group experience because it was fun cooking and learning together. I would definitely recommend this class!
-
Leslie has a true gift for hosting. When you walk into one of her gatherings, you immediately feel the care and thought she has put into every detail and every dish. The table is always beautiful, the cuisine and baking delicious, and everything feels both special and warmly welcoming.
