Join Cook It Forward at Oryana for hands-on knife skills workshops designed specifically for teens. Participants will learn the fundamentals of safe and effective knife handling, including proper grip, cutting techniques, and kitchen safety practices.

Through guided instruction and practical experience, teens will prepare a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables while creating different styles of salsa. Each session offers the opportunity to build confidence, develop culinary skills, and explore healthy, seasonal ingredients.

Parents are welcome to attend alongside their teens, or a Cook It Forward mentor can work one-on-one with participants to ensure a supportive and engaging experience.

This workshop will be led by Adam Worden, butcher at Trattoria Stella, who brings over twenty years of restaurant experience and a passion for teaching practical, respectful approaches to working with food.

Cook It Forward is a Traverse City based, mentorship-driven nonprofit that connects people through food. The program offers free and low-cost cooking classes aimed at empowering participants to cook with confidence, reduce food waste, and foster stronger community connections through shared culinary experiences.