TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024 | 6:30 PM

with Laura Cochran and PattyJo Hinkel of Sweet Freedom Cheese

Let’s dive into the world of pizza-making with the cheese aficionados from Sweet Freedom. Chef Laura is at the helm, and you can bet we won’t be reaching for those pre-shredded cheese bags. Instead, our guests will have the delightful task of pulling and stretching fresh mozzarella balls, mastering the art of cheese creation. To kick off the evening, Sweet Freedom presents their twist on a classic Caprese Salad, featuring luscious, creamy burrata. But that’s just the appetizer—now it’s time for some hands-on action! Guests will shape and pull fresh mozzarella to craft two distinct pizzas: White Pizza with Artichoke Pesto and Chicken and a Unique Pie with Fig Spread, Prosciutto, and Balsamic-Dressed Greens. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the cheesy goodness, and create some pizza magic! Recipes will be provided. Tickets are priced per person. 

*All class ticket sales are final. No refunds or credit transfers to other classes are available.*

MEET THE CHEFS:

Chef Laura Cochran, Sweet Freedom Head Cheesemonger

Chef Laura grew up in Fayetteville and attended the University of Arkansas, earning a degree in French. After 10 years in collegiate administration, Laura pursued a long-held dream to attend culinary school, during which she began her career in cheese at Sweet Freedom Cheese. Graduating from Brightwater in 2020 with a degree in Food Studies and emphasis in Artisanal Foods, Laura holds certifications as a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, WSET Wine & Spirits Level 1, and ServSafe Food Manager and recently became a Certified Cheese Professional from the American Cheese Society. Her favorite part of the culinary world is learning about foods sourced and produced using old-world style techniques, particularly honey cultivation, bread making, and (of course) cheesemaking.

Chef PJ Hinkel, Sweet Freedom Director of Culinary Experience

Building on her experiences working in the food industry, Chef PattyJo moved from her home state of Wyoming to Arkansas in the fall of 2017 to attend Brightwater culinary school where she graduated with a triple-threat of degrees in Culinary, Artisanal Foods, and Pastry Arts in 2020. She holds certifications as a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, WSET Wine & Spirits Level 1, ServSafe Food Manager, and Specialty Coffee Association barista. PJ joined the team at Sweet Freedom Cheese in 2019 after completing her culinary internship and is the Director of Culinary Experience, leading the kitchen team in creating gorgeous cheese-focused dishes and show-stopping cheese & charcuterie boards.