A reader asked about the possibility of buying a gift certificate for cooking classes. I'm not sure about the availability of gift certificates, but here are a few local places that offer cooking courses:

• Chef Clif Holt at Little Savannah restaurant in Forest Park is offering a series of Saturday winter cooking classes. These "intimate, hands-on" classes will teach guests the day-to-day aspects of cooking “fresh” in your home. More info at http://www.littlesavannah.com/uploads/cookingclasses.pdf
• Hands-on classes and demonstrations for all levels are available at Birmingham Bake & Cook Co., a specialty cookware and bakeware store in the Inverness area. $25 to $35 per person, depending on the topic. Recent classes have featured courses in how to make the perfect burger, autumn-inspired fruit desserts, holiday cheesecakes, and basic and advanced knife skills. Some feature local chefs. www.bakeandcookco.com.
• The Culinary & Hospitality Institute at Jefferson State Community College has offered community classes, although there aren't any for the current semester. Previous classes have features Creole cuisine, Frank Stitt's Italian Table, healthy cooking, and chocolate and wine pairing. http://www.jeffstateonline.com/chi/CommunityClasses/