So large we're breaking it into 2! More next week...

When it comes to cooking classes, there is, indeed, something for everyone.

In our Annual School Guide -- which grows larger every year -- we have classes for all ages, starting as early as those for preschoolers. There are classes offered in the city and suburbs, in cooking schools and businesses, or, if you like, in the privacy of your own home. Heck, we've even got a few listings where you can taking cooking lessons out of state and even out of the country!

Instruction exists in baking, ethnic cuisines, cooking fish. Want to learn more about organic foods? Vegetarian cooking? Grilling? There are classes held on all those subjects and more.

Our Annual School Guide takes away that excuse, "but I don't know how to cook." Here's your chance to learn. Sign up today.

Hiromi's, 3609 W. Lawrence. Chef/owner Yoshihrio Usui and chef Leo Bariso lead a course on Japanese and Filipino cuisine, including tempura, sushi, miso soup and lumpiang. Every first Monday, $40 includes dinner. (773) 588-6764 or (773) 539-9435.

Ruth Law, Burr Ridge. Classes on light and healthy cuisines of China, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. Some participation. (630) 986-1595; e-mail: law cooks2@netscape.net.

Dream Cakes, 5200 W. 26th St., Cicero. Partnered with Oakton College to offer continuing education evening classes at the shop. Also, offering private party classes for five or more. (847) 675-0500; delectogo.com.

Edible Gems by Sarelle, 3328 W. Bryn Mawr. Introduction to cake decorating; advanced cake decorating and decorating with fondant. (773) 339-1456; gemsbysarelle.com.

Lee Mann, manager of consumer education at Wilton, offers two-hour sessions in specialty and craft retail stores. Topics will include: cake decorating, rolled fondant and project classes. (800) 942-8881; wilton.com.

Lori's Cakewalk Chicago, 1741 W. 99th St. Pastry Chef Lori Parrett and staff conduct hands-on classes in baking, decorating and candy-making. Workshops include the Wilton method of decorating in buttercream. Classes start at $15. (773) 233-7335; cakewalkchicago.com.

Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art, 7511 Lemont, Darien. More than 90 courses are offered throughout the year. Topics include: continental and American cake decorating using buttercream; fondant; pulled sugar and flowers; confections and chocolate; baking and cake assembly;. Mini workshops are offered. (630) 810-2888; wilton.com.

FIG Catering. In-home and locations throughout Chicago area. Offers personal instruction for both advanced and beginner cooks. Will conduct professional hands-on cooking classes for individuals, couples or groups. Classes are tailored to fit your needs. Covering everything from romantic dinners to book clubs and bridal showers. (773) 793-1035; figcatering.com.

Melissa Graham. Chef/owner of Monogramme Events and Catering offers in-home cooking instructions for groups of 20 or more. (773) 991-1920; monogrammeevents.com.

Ted Allen of "Top Chef" and "Iron Chef America" conducts cooking demonstrations at the Gold Coast Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 9. Allen will be stationed at 676 N. LaSalle.

Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and PBS television's "Mexico: One Plate at a Time," appears at 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena, Aurora, $12. Bayless will perform cooking demonstrations, offer tastings and sign books. Bayless will be joined by Chicago chef Dudley Nieto, who will also provide demonstrations. Tickets will be available at the theater's box office beginning Friday. (630) 896-6666. Free seats that do not allow access to the tastings are available at Aurora's three public libraries: 1 E. Benton; 555 S. Eola and 233 S. Constitution. A four-ticket limit per person has been imposed. aurora.lib.il.us.

Cooking with Kids. LeTiti de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee, Arlington Heights. For ages 8 and up. Chef Susan Maddox teaches kids how to prepare great family meals and treats. Sessions are followed by a three-course lunch, $45. Upcoming classes include Spooky Treats, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5. (847) 506-0222; letitideparis.com.

Creative Kids Corner, North Shore locations. Ages pre-school to teens work with experienced chef instructors. (847) 763-3505; creativekids corner.org.

The Kids' Table, 2337 W. North. Offers full roster of classes for tots; kids teen and families. Parents and kids can make healthy foods in fun environment. (73) 235-2665; kids table.com.

Princess and Pirate Parties. Customized children's classes include cake decorating, pizza and after-school snacks. (708) 246-2329; princessandparties.com.

Whole Kids' Club of Willowbrook. Whole Foods, 201 E. 63rd, Willowbrook. For girls and boys ages 3-11. Includes a monthly class where kids cook treats and learn about the world of food. There is a membership fee. (630) 655-5000; wholefoodsmarket.com.

Chocolate Inspirations, 233 Town Acres Ln., Roselle, and 1121 S. Clinton, Chicago. Chocolatier Pam Vieau offers half-day, full-day and three-day hands-on chocolate classes at all skill levels. Topics include tempering, molding, decorative techniques, dipping and ganache. Fall and winter classes range from $85-$150. (630) 894-0898; chocolateinspirations.com.

Eli's Cheesecake World, 6701 W. Forest Preserve. Cooking classes and demonstrations for adults and children. Classes include: Thanksgiving cheese cake class, 10 a.m. Nov. 23, $50. (773) 308-7000; elicheesecake.com.

Le Dessert Chicago. Pastry Chef Patricia Borg offers in-home baking, pastry and chocolate classes that covers all aspects of dessert including souffles to French tarts. Classes start at $495. (312) 217-0498; ledessert.com.

Bruce Sherman. Chefs at Sea and Lindblad Expeditions team for global culinary sea adventure. Sherman joins the group Oct. 11. (866) 537-5099.

Chez Madelaine. Madelaine's next culinary tour will cover the foods and markets of Montmartre, France from Sept. 14-21. (630) 655-0355; chezm.com.

Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn. Monthly program, Gourmet Dinner, Drinks and Demonstration, teaches secrets of French cooking with area French chefs. (312) 337-1070; afchicago.com. (630) 655-0355; chezm.com.

Chez Madelaine, 425 Woodside, Hinsdale. Madelaine Bullwinkle conducts classes both here and abroad in France. Fall classes are 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Classes begin Oct. 14 with Quick Fish Chowders. Single classes, $90; 2 classes. $175; 3 classes, $255; 4 classes, $330; 5 classes, $400. Madelaine's next culinary tour will cover the foods and markets of Montmartre, France, Sept. 14-21. (630) 655-0355; chezm.com.

French Culinary Experience, 281 Messner, Wheeling. Michel Coatrieux and Patrick Chabert teach series and single-session courses. Customized in-home demonstration and hands-on classes available. (847) 215-1931; frenchcook ingschool.com.

Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee, Arlington Heights. Offers classes on a variety of subjects. Upcoming classes include: Basic Pastry, Pastry Cream Puff, Puff Pastry, Creme Anglaise and Italian Meringue, 1 p.m. Aug. 10; Knife Skills, 1 p.m Sept. 7, 14; Bistro Favorites; 1 p.m. Oct. 12; Breads, 1 p.m. Nov. 2; 9. (847) 506-0222; letitideparis.com.

Pete Klein of Seedling Fruit. Michigan fruit grower hosts area classes at various indoor and outdoor locations around the city and surrounding suburbs. seedlingfruit.com Beautiful Food, 2111 Beechwood, Wilmette. Charie MacDonald teaches participation classes, including basics, breads, fish and chocolate. (847) 256-3979.

Bloomingdale's, 600 N. Wabash; Oakbrook Center; Old Orchard, Skokie. Guest chefs offer free demonstrations in the housewares department. bloomingdales.com.

Charmed Cooking. Professional chefs provide hands-on and demonstration workshops, in-home or in commercial kitchens across Chicago, customized for individuals or groups. Also, family cooking and market tours. (312) 733-7595; charmedcook ing.com or e-mail bar bara@charmedcooking.com.

Chef Out of Water. Francis Leroux offers dinner classes in-home for groups of six to 15. Specialties include bistro cooking, soups and desserts. Private classes also available. (312) 421-6455 or (773) 710-4815.

The Chef@Large. Chef Jonathan Bean offers classes throughout Chicago area. Classes also given at north suburban library locations. Wide range of classes provided. Fees vary. (224) 628-4512.

Chefs on Call. Chef Mark Costello conducts classes in clients' homes with emphasis on methods or menus, including basic technique, baking and party menus. (312) 787-9451; chefsoncall.com.

Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. Demonstration and hands-on classes. Topics include basic technique and international cuisine. Kids Cook! classes offered for ages 8-12 on Saturday mornings. (708) 383-2612; cheneymansion.com.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe. Great Chefs series on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden. $12 parking. (847) 835-8261; chicagobotanic.org.

Clueless in the Kitchen, 4095 W. Algonquin, Algonquin. Chef Will Rogers holds classes featuring Food Network-style demonstration technique. Classes include tastings, wine pairings and copies of recipes. Day and evening classes are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays. Classes are $39.50. (847) 515-8922; cluelessinthekitchen.net.

Cook From Scratch. Chicago and Arlington Heights. Bridget Weis-Urbain leads hands-on classes that include: Knife Skills, Cake Decorating with Fondant & Gum; Quick Suppers; Simple Gourmet; Five Ingredients or Less and Techniques Taught in Culinary School. In-home sessions available. Classes are two hours long and range from $45-$75. (312) 559-0052; cookfromscratch.com.

Cooking with the Best Chefs. Founded by Bill Lavery nearly a decade ago, the upcoming season will feature weeknight classes covering an array of topics. Locations throughout Chicago and suburbs. Restaurant tours, wine dinners, cookbook author signings, food and wine seminars and cooking trips offered. Hands-on and kids classes offered Saturday mornings. (630) 980-6800; bestchefs.com.

Do-It-Yourself Dinners, 7142 W. 183rd, Tinley Park. No-Hassle meal assembly for the busy cook. (708) 444-8450; doityourselfdinners.net.

Flavour Cooking School, 7401 W. Madison, Forest Park. Classes include Hands on Spring roll Party, 7-10 p.m. Aug. 13; Hands on Tomato/Tomah-to, 7-10 p.m. Aug. 14: Hands on Southern Comfort, 3-6 p.m. Aug. 17, and Hands on Antipasti, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 24. New class schedule available monthly. Classes are $70. (708) 488-0808; flavourcook ingschool.com.

Four Seasons Hotel, Season Restaurant, 120 Delaware. Chef Kevin Hickey offers occasional classes. (312) 649-2352; foursea sons.com.

Fox & Obel. Occasional classes conducted by chefs and cook book authors. Scheduled sessions include Pizza & Dessert on the Grill with chefs Pamela Fitzpatrick and Mark Gyure, 6 p.m. Aug. 12, $45; BBQ and Beer with the retailer's wine director Mark Wrobel land executive sous chef Grant Carey and Brad Fuller of Paramount Merchants, 6 p.m. Aug. 19, $20 and Summer Cocktails with Mark Wrobel and North Shore Distillery co-founder Sonja Kassebaum, 6 p.m. Aug. 27, $10. (312) 410-7301; fox-obel.com.

Give Me Some Sugar. Chef Alekka Sweeney offers in-home cooking classes for host and up to 12 guests. Covers breads, birthday cakes, pies, traditional tea desserts, pizza from scratch, fondue, empanadas, candies and pot pies. (312) 546-4788; givesugar.com.

Insignia Kitchen and Bath, 1435 S. Barrington, Barrington. Cooking classes and consumer seminars offered throughout the year. (847) 381-7950; insigniakitchenandbath.com.

Kocoa's Kitchen. Chef/consultant and cookbook author Kocoa Scott-Winbush offers private, group and corporate lessons and menu planning. Fees vary. (773) 978-1252; ko coaskitchen.com.

Let's Eat!. Robert Gatz offers in-home classes on topics including tools of the trade, sauces and presentation. (773) 501-8248.

Live and Learn Program at the Latin School of Chicago. Single-session classes include Ayurvedic vegetarian, paella and Indian Spices for an American Thanksgiving. Demonstration classes at home, kitchen specialty shops and in restaurants with chefs. Wine classes also available. (312) 582-6035; latinschool.org/live andlearn.

Macy's Culinary Studio, 111 N. State, 7th Floor, Visitor Center. Council and celebrity chefs hold demonstrations and classes that include basic and advanced culinary skills. (800) 265-2665.

My Husband, the Chef. In-home cooking from Greg Mistak, tailored to students' interests. Topics include Thai, Mexican, French and grilling. (773) 490-6464; or myhus bandthechef.com.

My Private Chef. Christopher Tong offers classes that cover everything from intimate dinners to weddings and corporate events. Tong conducts a South American cooking class from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 20, Bloomingdale's, 600 N. Wabash. For this class, call (312) 324-7678. For information on other classes, (773) 981-8131; myprivatechef.com.

Naperville Park District. Classes include topics such as fish and seafood, comfort dinners, Moroccan menu. Kids classes also available. Various locations; classes start in September. (630) 848-5000; napervilleparks.org.

New Trier Extension. Winnetka and Northfield. Classes include sushi, Cajun/Creole and Vietnamese. (847) 446-6600.

Now We're Cookin', 1601 Payne, Unit C, Evanston. Monthly calendar. August classes include: Cooking Basics for Young Adults, Session 4, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 11, $40, $120 for series of four classes; Girls Night Out: Rose is back, wine tasting and food pairing, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 15, $45; I Say, Tomato, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 20, $50; Grill Out!, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 25, $50. (847) 570-4140; nwcookin.com.

Park Street Restaurant, 14 E. Park, Mundelein. Chef Nic's classes include Fish, Aug. 9; Salads and Veggies, Sept. 6; Cooking Techniques, Oct. 4; Meats, Nov. 8, and Starches, Dec. 6. Classes are start at 2:30 p.m and are $29 per session. (847) 949-1900; chefnic@parkstreetdining.com.

Patti Conway offers private in-home lessons for individuals and small groups of all levels. Hands-on or demonstration classes. Topics include meal preparation, soups, party planning. (708) 482-9382.

Pina's Culinary Experience. 632 E. Irving Park, Roselle. Pina Bartolomeo and Janet Lisinski teach classes that include appetizers, risotto, omelets, fritattas. Single- to four-session classes. (630) 529-1877; pinasculinary.com.

Prisco's Fine Foods, 1108 Prairie, Aurora. Phyllis Kramer leads seasonal cooking classes on selected Saturday mornings. (630) 264-9400; priscosfinefoods.com.

Quince at the Homestead. 1625 Hinman, Evanston. Occasional classes with a seasonal touch. (847) 570-8400; info@quincerestaurant.net.

Rustic Kitchen. Janine MacLachlan offers intimate cooking classes in an 1881 farm house two-hours from Chicago. Group size is 8 to 10 people. Classes are Saturday only. (312) 492-9343; rustickitchen.com.

Schultzie's Fabulous Foods. Susan M. Schultz offers classes on topics such as food shopping, throwing a stress-free party and creating a signature dish. (773) 774-0075; schultziesfabfood.com.

The Second Floor, at Fuller's House & Hardware Store, 35 E. First, Hinsdale. Guest chefs and instructors provide seasonal tastings and wine classes. (630) 323-7750.

Soigne Culinary Artistry at Calphalon Culinary Center, 1000 W. Washington. Offers corporate classes. (312) 738-2700.

Someone's in the Kitchen, 522 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville. Classes will include pies, Mexican, quick healthy meals for the family, tapas and holiday cooking. Fees range from $35-$55. A Chinese cooking series will be offered in November. (847) 816-9511; livelovecookeat.com.

Sur La Table. Hands-on and demonstration classes for all skill levels with local and visiting chef instructors. Series on basic techniques also offered. 52-54 E. Walton, (312) 337-0600, 55 S. Main, Naperville, (630) 428-1110 or (866) 328-5412; surla table.com.

Treasure Island, 2121 N. Clybourn. Diane Juergens and local chefs offer a host of demonstration and hands-on classes with tastings and appropriate wine pairings conducted by area chefs. Classes are held from 7 to 9 p.m. (773) 880-8880; tifoods.com.

Two Kitchens, 2035 S. Washington, Naperville. Offers a variety of classes including kids; themed and cooking essentials. (630) 717-9630; twokitchens.com.

Whole Foods Markets. Classes for children and adults. Limited space. Topics vary. Classes held at 1101 S. Canal, (312) 435-4600; 3640 N. Halsted, (773) 472-0400; 6020 N. Cicero, (773) 205-1100; Palatine, (847) 776-8080; Wheaton, (630) 588-1500; Willowbrook, (630) 655-5000; wholefoodsmarket.com.

Williams-Sonoma. Occasional classes in three locations. Chicago, 900 N. Michigan, (312) 587-8080; Naperville, 9 W. Jackson, (630) 369-4167; Oak Brook, Oakbrook Center, (630) 571-2702.

The Wooden Spoon, 5047 N. Clark. Rotation of chefs offering a variety of hands-on and demonstration classes on various topics. Upcoming classes include: French Country with Chef Scott Allred, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2, $65; World Flavors with Chef Jerry Korab, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3, $65; Home for Dinner with Chef Alekka Sweeney, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4, $65; Sushi, Sept. 5; Churros, Doughnuts and Beignets with Chef Christie Saali, 11 a.m. Sept. 6, $65; 3 p.m.; Farewell to Summer with Christie Saali, $65; Updated Classics with Chef Todd Moore, 1 p.m. Sept. 7, $65, and Thai Stir Fry, Sept. 10; Gourmets Huddle, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11; $65; Couples Cooking: World Snack attack, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12, $130 per couple Vietnamese market Tour, 11 a.m. Sept. 13, $85; Last Summer Harvest, 11 a.m. Sept. 14, $65; Italian Feast, 3 p.m. Sept. 14, $65; Mexican Madness, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16, $65. (773) 293-3190; woodenspoonchicago.com.

Clark-Coutre Gourmet, LaGrange. David Clark and Diane Coutre offer a variety of easy classes introducing basic principles and cooking techniques. Classes include Delights of the Summer Kitchen; French Tea; Breakfast on the Porch; All Appetizers and Cooking and Eating Well for One. Classes start Aug. 23. Prices begin at $55. Upcoming classes: Cold Avocado Cucumber Soup with Radish Provolone; Sage & Proscuitto Chicken Stuffed Chicken Orzo with Sun Gold Tomatoes and Gaeta Olives; Mascarpone Panna Cotta with Raspberries and glass of Prosecco, 6 p.m. Aug. 30, $65. (708) 352-8801; ccgourmet@sbcglobal.net. Backyard Barbecue Store, 1147 Greenleaf, Wilmette. Local chefs demonstrate grilling everything from appetizers to dessert. Private classes available. (847) 251-2272; backyardbbqstore.com.

Citizen's Bar, 364 W. Erie. Chef Eric Smith offers occasional classes. (312) 640-1156.

Weber Grill Restaurant. 1010 N. Meacham, Schaumburg. Three-hour monthly classes offered on Saturdays only. Upcoming classes include: Grilling on the Go, 9 a.m. Aug. 23; Grilling 101: Grilling Basics, 9 a.m. Sept. 13; Grilling 103: Fish and Vegetable recipes. 9 a.m Oct. 25; Grilling 103: Rubs and Brines, Classic Barbeque and Smoking, 9 a.m. Nov. 15. All classes are $75. Reservations are required. (847) 413-1277; webergrillrestau rant.com.

Laura Bruzas, editor of Healthy Dining Chicago, offers small group classes for time-strapped, health-minded home cooks. (312) 666-9979; healthydining.org.

Mindy Hahn. Dietician offering private in-home classes on healthful cooking. (630) 661-4299; e-mail, mindy_hahn@hotmail.com.

Naturally Nutritious. Dietician and culinary educator Karen Raden specializes in dairy- and gluten-free. (847) 441-1700; karenraden.com.

Shirley Adams. 444 Old Surrey, Hinsdale. Traveling gourmet to educate an entertainment Private lessons on ethnic cuisines for individuals and civic and corporate groups at your location. Focusing on technique, diet and menu planning/nutrition. Bridal showers, couples parties, other private events available. (630) 887-0304.

Transitions Nutrition Consulting, 520 Lake-Cook, Deerfield. Registered dietitian Marla Heller offers nutrition counseling and facilitating self-management of health. Provides eating plans and culinary instruction. (847) 444-509-1435; netrd.com.

Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, 500 E. Ogden, Hinsdale. Variety of classes including gluten- and dairy-free, raw/living food, vegetarian, organic. (630) 986-8500.

Heat and Spice Cooking School, 925 W. Cullom. Joe Sochor offers hands-on, introductory classes on topics such as Thai, Indian and Mexican cuisine. Also market tours in season. (773) 742-2331; heatand spice.com.

Heaven on Seven, 111 N. Wabash. Chef Jimmy Bannos offers occasional demonstrations of dishes from his cookbooks. Prices vary. (312) 224-8858; events@heavenon seven.com.

R.S. Rajan. Evanston. Southern Indian cooking classes. In-home cooking and one-on-one classes available. (847) 674-5457; e-mail: chitrajan@aol.com, Ranjana Bhargava. Chicagoland locations. Learn the art of preparing authentic, traditional Indian cooking in a series of four hands-on classes. Also, learn the techniques of vegetarian fusion dishes. Classes are $220 per four class series. (773) 363-3684; e-mail: ranjana67@yahoo.com. Global Kitchen at Wave. 644 N. Lake Shore Drive. Executive Chef Kristine Subido conducts classes covering Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Classes are the first Saturday of every month from 2:30-4:30 p.m. $45. (312) 943-9200.

International Kitchen. 330 N. Wabash, Suite 2613. Recreational cooking in Europe. (312) 467-0560; theinternationalkitchen.com.

A Tavola, 2148 W. Chicago. Chef Daniel Bocik teaches a four-course meal. (773) 276-7567. Carlos' Restaurant. 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park. Demonstration classes by chef Ramiro Velasquez. 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. third Wednesday of each month. (847) 432-0770.

Carlos' Restaurant. 429 Temple, Highland Park. Chef Ramiro Velasquez offers an intimate cooking class the third Wednesday of every month in the restaurant's kitchen. The next class is 10:45 a.m. Aug. 20, $60, includes three-course lunch, recipes and wine. Reservations are suggested. (847) 432-0770; carlos-restaurant.com.

Niccolo Capponi of Villa Calcinaia winery. Demonstrates orange risotto, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13 as part of a special dinner at Va-Pensiero, 1566 N. Oak Evanston, $75. (847) 475-7779.

Spiaggia, 900 N. Michigan. James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano provides Occasional classes. (312) 280-2750.

Va Pensiero Restaurant, 1566 Oak, Evanston. occasional food and wine cooking classes. Future classes include: Cooking for Two, A Valentine Day Class, Jan. 30, 2009; Winter in the Italian Alps, Feb. 27, 2009; Cooking with Cheese, March 27, 2009; Seafood Demystified, April 24, 2009. (847) 475-7779; va-p.com.

Dawn R. Schuman Institute. Classes offered at various synagogues and other locations. Jewish cooking including quick Kosher cooking. Classes start in Sept. (847) 410-3900; dawnschuman.org.