Indy With Kids: 5 cooking classes for your little chef

Asian dumplings are on the menu this particular morning at the Junior Chef program at Williams-Sonoma at Keystone at the Crossing. Children gather to watch Kris Payne as she flips a stuffed wonton in a pan of sizzling oil. Some are tall enough to lean on the counter, while the tinier ones stand on tiptoes or perch on tall stools.

They eagerly squish the ingredients in a bowl with gloved hands, scooping the filling into the wrappers. Parents stand back and let these little chefs work their magic, hopeful that these skills and interests will return home.

When we started having our 4-year-old help in the kitchen, we discovered that she was very interested in being a part of meal preparation. She also became willing to try new foods at home and in restaurants. Here are 5 classes where your little chefs can learn and experiment:

Willams-Sonoma (8702 Keystone Crossing) offers a free Junior Chef program for children ages 5-13 at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, though some classes are better suited for ages 9 and up. (Find specific information on their website.) Parents must call the store to register their children, as classes are limited in size. Info: williams-sonoma.com

Downtown at Indy's Kitchen (2442 Central Ave.), a shared-use commercial kitchen, Kristina McClatchie serves up cooking instruction for kids, who wear white aprons. Armed with a curriculum to help kids learn about healthy eating, while having fun preparing their own meals and snacks, McClatchie stays busy with Kids Rule Cooking School.

In addition to regular events on Saturday mornings, Kids Rule Cooking School classes can be found at local libraries and Whole Foods stores. Children learn through hands-on instruction for preschoolers, Just a Taste for school-aged children and specialty classes for birthday parties, scout troops and "school's out" camps. Student fees are $20-$30 per person. Find more information or register online: healthyhandscooking.com/instructor/kristina-mcclatchie

Nestle Inn Bed & Breakfast (637 N. East St.) is host to several Kids in the Kitchen cooking classes each year. Children age nine and up are invited to learn specialty skills and meal preparation by working alongside chefs from the Chef's Academy. Fees are generally $65 per person; pre-registration is required. Keep an eye out for these popular classes, as they fill up quickly. Info: nestleindy.com

Joann Fabrics offers cake decorating and cooking classes based on skill level rather than age and generally you will see an older child or two in some of the classes. Consider enrolling as a parent-child duo. See the website for a listing of courses available at your local store: joann.com/classes/

Are your kids in the kitchen at home or in classes? I'd love to see what they're working on, connect with me on Twitter and Instagram @indywithkids