So I thought I’d get more kitchen-savvy in 2009 and started looking into organic cooking classes. No, I haven’t signed up yet — still focusing on other new year’s resolutions this month — but I plan to — soon. In case you plan to too, here are the top 3 classes I’m curious about:

For eco-omnivores: Hipcooks West and Hipcooks East. Want to “free yourself from the recipe” and “throw away the tablespoons”? Hipcooks’ classes promise to do just that, with a whole variety of classes ranging from “Turning Japanese” to “The Thrill of the Grill,” and many others. Most dishes can be vegetarian or veganized. Plus, each class is capped with wine!

According to Hipcooks’ Bonny Giardina, ingredients for the classes are organic when possible and come from from farmers’ markets, regional grocery stores like India Sweets & Spices and Super King, specialty stores like Surfas — as well as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.

I’m especially interested in Healthy, Fresh and Zingy 3; the next one happens Fri., Jan. 23 from 7 – 10 pm. Classes last 3 hours and are taught at 2833 S. Robertson Blvd., Culver City (Hipcooks West) and the Brewery Arts Colony, downtown Los Angeles (Hipcooks East; check website for directions). Sign up via the website! Cost: $55 per person at Hipcooks East; $65 at Hipcooks West.

Update, 2/18/10: I took a Hipcooks class!

For the vegan: Spork Foods. This organic vegan food company in Silver Lake’s owned and operated by sisters Jenny and Heather Goldberg. Spork emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients — and you can see this eco-dedication reflected in the menus for Spork’s cooking classes.

Going vegan can be one way to save money while eating organic and local. In fact, Jenny says “People are definitely interested in becoming vegan/vegetarian because of our strained economy.” The upcoming class, Fresh, Fast and Healthy!, will teach you how to make everything from Cornmeal-crusted lemon mustard tempeh to jam-dot cookies.

Classes last 2 to 2.5 hours and are capped at 7 people, so sign up now for one of the 4 times — either 11 am or 4 pm on either Sat., Jan. 24 or Sun., Jan 25 — by calling 323.284.8733 or emailing jenny@sporkfoods.com. Cost: $65 per person.

For the raw food enthusiast: Leaf Cuisine. The raw and organic restaurant’s 2009 class calendar isn’t up yet, but those who’ve always wanted to make raw vegan food at home can watch the space so they can be the first to sign up.

Leaf offers both fundamental and intermediate classes in raw cooking. Classes last all day — 10 am – 4 pm — and are held at Santa Monica Synagogue, 1448 18th St., Santa Monica. Cost: $135 per person.

Taken any of these classes yourself? Share with the rest of us how you liked them in the comments –

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