Augusta is presenting a series of foodways classes in Elkins, WV. The classes will be taught by experienced chefs and home cooks from a variety of cultures represented in Appalachia today. Classes will cover specific dishes such as adobo, Palestinian hand pies sauerkraut and collard greens, as well as addressing topics such as preservations and sustainable harvesting techniques for ramps. Students can expect to come away from each class with hands-on knowledge about how to make a dish and hopefully a deeper understanding of the importance of that dish to the people whose kitchens it sprang from.
This project is made possible by Mid Atlantic Arts
What are foodways?
Foodways are more than food itself — they are the beliefs and context surrounding food, the person-to-person teaching of its preparation, as well as the community in which the food is enjoyed. The passing down of food traditions from one generation to the next is an integral piece of a community’s identity and culture. We use food to deepen community ties, celebrate important holidays, mark milestones, and enrich our lives. A community’s values are readily communicated in the ways that food is celebrated and shared within it.\
Only 15 slots available for each class! If your desired class is sold out, please reach out to Emily (emily@augustaartsandculture.org) to be added to the waitlist.
Sweet and Savoury German Strudel with Katie Wolpert
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 6:00-8:00pm | Phil Gainer Community Center, Elkins, WV
Cost: $40
We will explore two variations of traditional German strudel pastry, starting with and focusing on making the strudel dough. We’ll mix and stretch multiple large strudel doughs, fill, roll, bake, and enjoy them together as we explore some basic German baking techniques and ingredients.
Katie Wolpert, founder and co-owner of the Belington Bakery, loves to explore the world through the medium of flour and water, and all the myriad ways they can be used. This class blends her interest in the German language and culture with her lifelong love and exploration of doughs, breads, and baking as a palette for blending cultures, flavors, and ideas from around the world.
Gnocci Night: Italian Dumplings from Scratch to Sauce with Alex Mathias
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | 6:00-8:00pm | Phil Gainer Community Center, Elkins, WV
Cost: $40
Learn to make homemade gnocchi from scratch using simple, reliable techniques. You’ll shape, cook, and pair your gnocchi with flavorful sauces you can easily recreate at home. Each student gets to take home their own gnocchi board too!
Alex Mathias is a WVU Extension Agent in Grant County, where she leads food and cooking programs for both youth and adults throughout the state. She enjoys sharing her passion for West Virginia food through social media as well. Growing up in North Central West Virginia, with its strong Italian influences, shaped her love of cooking, which has been further enriched through several trips to Italy to experience the food and culture firsthand.
More classes will be announced soon!
