Gia's Italian Kitchen

Gia's Italian Kitchen is Kelley Cole's Italian cooking business in Cedar Rapids. There is no storefront. Kelley teaches live online or comes to you for a private cooking experience. She grew up cooking in a large Italian family, and her recipes come from her family in Tuscany and Northern Italy.

Private groups choose their own menu and guest list, and an online class can bring together up to 10 people in different places. Before each class you get a packet with the grocery list, equipment list, recipes and cooking guide. Nothing is prepped ahead. You chop and cook alongside Kelley and ask questions in a live chat. Dishes include Tuscan Herb Roasted Chicken, Roasted Vegetable Lasagna and Barozzi Chocolate Torta. Online classes are recorded, so you can catch up later if you miss one.

For an easier way to try her teaching, Kelley runs a monthly class at the Marion Library on second Thursdays and another at The Brick Kitchen in Independence on third Mondays. She also runs teambuilding events for employers, priced by headcount and schedule. She donates 10% of profits to Feed Iowa First and Feeding America.