LAKEPORT, Calif. – For those who love food, a number of culinary classes will be offered this winter in Lakeport.

The Kitchen Gallery, located at 301 N. Main St., will host the following list of classes featuring Esther Oertel, “The Veggie Girl” columnist for Lake County News, culinary educator and owner of “The Sage Coach,” and Ross Christensen, author of “Sushi A to Z the Ultimate Guide” and owner of Christensen Foods.

Unless otherwise indicated, all are demo classes. Students will receive recipes and generous tastes of the dishes presented.

Cooking Light with the New Comfort Foods: Sunday, Jan. 9, 2 p.m.

This class will provide inspiration for those seeking weight loss, as well as those who simply want to cook healthier meals. Oertel will share recipes she’s dubbed “the new comfort foods” because they’re full of the flavor and texture we crave while being low in fat and sugar. Cost: $25.

Sushi with Ross: Sunday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m.

Learn how to make sushi in your own home with Ross Christensen, author of “Sushi A to Z the Ultimate Guide.” You will learn the history, tools, cooking and preparation techniques of some of the most popular sushi, and you will even create your own. This will be a hands-on class that will make you comfortable making your own sushi at home. Cost: $30, which includes take-home sushi rolling mat.

Pizza Party: Thursday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m.

This class will get you started on making your own pizza at home. Learn to make crust and get inspiration for creative toppings – the possibilities are endless. Cost: $25.

Cooking for Couples: Thursday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Enjoy cooking with your honey in this class inspired by Valentine’s Day. It’s sure to be a romantic evening for you and your special someone. The class will include some hands-on cooking experiences, culinary demos, and eating together. Cost: $45 per couple.

Pasta Making: Sunday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m.

Want to learn how to make pasta just like a native Italian? Join Ross Christensen in this exciting cooking class. Fresh, homemade pasta is easier to make than it seems, and in this hands-on class you’ll have the opportunity to make several types of pasta dough and an assortment of pasta shapes. We’ll discuss the differences in the different methods of forming pasta, including hand-formed and extruded varieties. Cost: $25.

All About Chocolate: Sunday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m.

Chocoholics will love this class. The use of chocolate in sweet, gooey desserts, as well as in savory cuisine, will be explored, and students will enjoy an educational (and delicious) chocolate tasting. Cost: $25.

Cooking with Julia: Sunday, March 6, 2 p.m.

This class celebrates Julia Child’s persona, recipes, and cooking tips. Cooking techniques will be presented throughout, as well as the making of a classic sauce. Cost: $25.

St. Patrick’s Day Revisited: Sunday, March 13, 2 p.m.

There’s more to Irish cooking than corned beef and cabbage. Authentic Irish recipes and traditions will be celebrated in this class. Cost: $25.

Herbs, Spices and Salts: Thursday, March 24, 6 p.m.

This class explores the flavors that are brought to cuisine through the use of herbs, spices and salts. Info on flavor pairing, a salt tasting, and the making of herb salt blends are included in the class. Cost: $25.

Classes fill up quickly. Call The Kitchen Gallery, 707-262-0422, to reserve your spot before they fill up.