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In The Kitchen

Ascension Parish Library’s teaching kitchen celebrates what South Louisiana does best—bringing people together through food. The kitchen is where stories are shared, traditions are preserved, and generations bond through the ingredients and recipes that define our culture.

When you spend time In the Kitchen, you can explore the traditions, flavors, and techniques that make our region unique and open the door to new culinary journeys.

Programs In the Kitchen will focus on three core goals:

  • Culinary Education: Hands-on classes and workshops that make cooking skills accessible to everyone.
  • Cultural Preservation: Passing down traditional South Louisiana cooking methods while embracing new flavors.
  • Nutrition & Food Security: Teaching healthy, affordable meal planning to make informed food choices, while celebrating regional flavors. Users will also learn how to grow food at home, using eco-friendly methods, while also learning about farm-to-table cooking.

Teaching Kitchen Calendar
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In the Kitchen - Knife Skills 101
Thu, Apr 30, 9:00am - 11:00am
Meeting Room
Besides your hands, the knife is the single most important tool in any kitchen. Learn how to use this tool effectively in this beginner class. Spots are limited, and registration begins on April 16.
This event is full
In the Kitchen - Mother’s Day Cupcake Bouquet
Sat, May 09, 9:00am - 11:00am
Meeting Room
Enjoy a mother’s day out with buttercream in bloom! Spots are limited, and registration begins on April 27.
This event is full
In The Kitchen - Chinese Take-Out at Home
Thu, May 21, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room
Bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese take-out home! Spots are limited, and registration begins on May 7.
Registration opens Thursday, May 7 2026 at 8:30am
See all events

Teaching Kitchen Instructor

Chef Maureen Little is a seasoned chef and culinary educator with a passion for sharing the food and culture of South Louisiana. In her role as the Kitchen and Garden Instructor, she leads engaging demonstrations and hands-on classes.

A graduate of Delgado College in New Orleans, Chef Maureen has more than a decade of teaching experience. She has taught ProStart to high schoolers, Food & Nutrition classes in middle schools, and served as a Pastry and Culinary Instructor at the Louisiana Culinary Institute.

Her time as a Culinary Ambassador and tourism advisor took her expertise abroad, where she taught Cajun and Creole cuisine in French Guiana. Her work has been featured in multiple publications, including Kreol Magazine in the United Kingdom, highlighting her role as Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Café Fricassee.

Chef Maureen founded Virtual Bistro Catering, specializing in intimate dinners and culinary team-building experiences.  She holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) and Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), and is certified as a ServSafe Instructor and Proctor by the National Restaurant Association. She is also a member of the American Culinary Federation.


Equipment

Commercial-grade ovens, state-of-the-art ventilation systems to keep you safe, and traditional at-home appliances like stand mixers, slow cookers, blenders, and more will let you experience it all!

The teaching kitchen is equipped with nine cooking stations, where individuals or duos will be able to participate in our culinary workshops.