Instructor: Tess Georgakopoulos

Biography: Tess Georgakopoulos has been cooking since she was roughly six years old -- well over forty years. Born into a Greek family, the art of cooking traditional meals using one's senses rather than recipes and measurements was passed on from one generation to the next. Her father was a trained chef who brought the magic of food to life in another form on the weekends as they cooked elaborate family meals together. Food prepared from the heart, with one's own hands and creativity, was, and continues to be, an expression of love in her home. As a skilled home-cook and baker, Tess enjoys creating original recipes for her family and friends. Sweet, savory, or doughy, she enjoys experimenting and creating in the kitchen daily.

Pressure-cooking with a stovetop cooker has been a part of her culinary repertoire for over twenty-five years. Tess is creating new recipes and reinventing traditional ones using the Instant Pot that is taking her pressure-cooking to another level! She has recently started writing her first cookbook, and has a food blog in the works.

Classes by this instructor

Copycat Big Mac Attack & No-Churn Ice Cream!

Have you ever taken a bite of one of America's favorite double-stacked burgers with that special sauce, served under the golden arches, and wondered how it was made or if you could make it yourself? This virtual cook-along class has the answer! Join Tess as she shares her secrets to creating this mouthwatering goodness at home. We'll make homemade sesame seed buns, delicious patties, and "secret" special sauce, and add homemade no-churn ice cream for dessert!
Saturday, February 25, 2023, Online Only

Homemade Gnocchi Meal: Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi with Chicken & Homemade Bread

Gnocchi are bite-sized tender soft pillows of pasta goodness with the ability to take on added flavor to create mouthwatering meals that will become family favorites. They are even simpler to make than other fresh pasta options. During this fun-filled class, you will learn how to create these little morsels and turn them into a scrumptious meal.
Saturday, April 22, 2023, Online Only

Fun with Falafel! Falafel, Pita Pockets and Dips

If there were a food combination where nutrition meets deliciousness and simplicity, it would be called falafel! Experience the fun of falafel while participating in this virtual cook-along class! Learn how to create fantastic full-flavored falafel, delicious homemade pita-pocket bread, yogurt tahini sauce, and marvelous hummus.
Saturday, May 6, 2023, Online Only

Focaccia, Stromboli & Calzones!

Dive into the world of unique rolled and stuffed pizzas and marvelous focaccia bread in this virtual cook-along class. Learn how to make your own homemade focaccia bread, a wonderful rolled pizza called stromboli, and the stuffed pizzas we know as calzones.
Saturday, March 25, 2023, Online Only

Homemade Pierogies

Perfect your pierogies during this virtual cook-along class! Start with homemade dough and filling that will make your taste buds dance for joy! You'll also discover how to freeze these little dumplings and store them for a rainy day.
Saturday, April 29, 2023, Online Only

Instant Pot Carnitas, Classic Chili & Homemade Potato Rolls

Create two amazing meals that would typically take hours in a fraction of the time using the Instant Pot. Choose one for your cook-along and watch a demonstration of the other. If you have two Instant Pots, you could even make both! You'll also learn how to bake delicious potato dinner rolls from scratch to go with the chili.
Saturday, March 11, 2023, Online Only

Mediterranean Mezze!

The word "mezze" refers to what we all know as finger foods and dips. Many Mediterranean meals consist of assorted mezze items that come together to create the most wonderful flavors, tastes and textures. Dazzle your family and guests with a delicious, full-flavored Mediterranean mezze meal that will leave everyone asking for more!
Saturday, March 4, 2023, Online Only

California Sushi Roll Extravaganza

Join Chef Tess as she leads you through making a variety of the most delicious California rolls that have you wondering why you haven't tried making them before. California sushi roll combinations are limited only by your imagination. Vegetarian, with or without seaweed, spicy or not -- it is totally up to you! Learn the skill of creating seasoned sushi rice and spicy mayo, and how to stuff, wrap and shape the rolls. Make it a date or family night as you create lasting memories in your kitchen!
Saturday, May 13, 2023, Online Only

Valentine Strawberry Rolls & Chocolate Dreams: Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls and Kit Kat No-Bake Dessert

Valentine's Day is synonymous with strawberries and chocolate gifted as an expression of love! These two dreamy mouth-watering sweets are perfect to share with your sweetheart, family, friends, or loved ones. During class, you will learn to make the most wonderful Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls with billowy soft dough and homemade strawberry sauce, drizzled with glaze and chocolate, and a creamy Kit-Kat No-Bake Cheesecake topped with a velvety chocolate ganache.
Saturday, February 4, 2023, Online Only