Lisbon 2025: In-Person Cooking Classes

Tom Slepicka (aka Tom the Chef) was selected as the resident chef for Lisbon for 2025.

See below for more information about the classes and to take advantage of the registration links.

Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder

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About

Let me introduce myself…

My name is Tom Slepicka aka Tom the Chef. I’m a Czech-born, Iowa-based food writer, recipe creator, culinary instructor, and the founder of the hunger-fighting non-profit, the CookingHub Foundation. My passion is to be your trusted kitchen partner, helping you discover the joy of cooking with globally-inspired recipes and practical tips designed for every skill level.

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In-Person Cooking Classes with Lisbon’s 2025 Chef in Residence Tom Slepicka

9/13/2025 – 12/13/2025

Join the new in-person cooking series!

This fall, the Lisbon Public Library is offering a series of authentic Czech cuisine cooking classes, made possible by a donation from Howard and Phyllis Ciha. The classes will be held over the dinner hour, allowing participants to cook and then eat together. Supervised children’s activities, including pizza and a movie, will be available at the Southeast Linn Community Center during the classes. Registration for each class opens at noon on the Sunday following the previous class.

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More info & registration: https://lisbon-ia.whofi.com/calendar

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Below you can download Preparation Sheets and Recipes

Important: The Preparation Sheet and Recipes are for your information only. Ingredients and tools will be provided by the Lisbon Library.

1. Czech Open-Faced Sandwiches (Chlebíčky)

Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Description: While many cultures enjoy open-faced sandwiches, the traditionally decorated chlebíček is a unique and cherished staple of the Czech and Slovak Republics. In this class, we’ll briefly touch on the fascinating history of this “little bread,” from its invention by Prague deli chef Jan Paukert in the early 20th century to its role in celebrations and daily life. We will explore its cultural significance, from elegant deli versions to beloved homemade creations. Most importantly, you will learn how to prepare these versatile and iconic sandwiches yourself, mastering the techniques to make them the perfect, affordable meal for any occasion, whether it be an elegant gathering or a quick and satisfying lunch.

Note: Suitable for vegetarians

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Preparation Sheet here.

Recipes here.

Important: The Preparation Sheet and Recipes are for your information only. Ingredients and tools will be provided by the Lisbon Library.

2. Czech Beef Goulash with Dumplings

Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Description: In our second class, we’ll be diving deep into the heart of Czech comfort food by mastering one of its most iconic pairings: rich Beef Goulash served with fluffy Bread Dumplings (Houskový Knedlík). We will learn how to prepare a hearty and flavorful goulash, slow-cooked to perfection until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce is thick and savory. You’ll then discover the art of making traditional bread dumplings from scratch, the perfect, absorbent vessel for soaking up every last drop of the delicious goulash. By the end of this class, you will have mastered a quintessential Czech meal, ready to recreate this beloved, warming dish in your own kitchen.

Note: Not for vegetarians.

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3. Frgal (large kolach) and Creamy Broccoli Soup with Croutons

Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Description: In our third class, we’ll explore a delightful combination of sweet and savory by preparing a traditional Czech pastry alongside a classic comfort soup. You will learn the art of making Frgál, a unique, large-format kolach hailing from the Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Famous for its thin, pizza-like shape and generous toppings, we will create this special treat with two beloved fruit fillings—rich plum and sweet pear—and finish it with a traditional crumble topping, or posypka. To balance the sweetness of the pastry, we will then cook a velvety, Creamy Broccoli Soup from scratch. To complete the dish, you’ll also learn how to make your own crispy, golden croutons, the perfect finishing touch for this comforting soup.

Note: Suitable for vegetarians.

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Preparation Sheet here.

Recipes here.

Important: The Preparation Sheet and Recipes are for your information only. Ingredients and tools will be provided by the Lisbon Library.

4. Kid’s Cooking Class: Linz Tarts Cookies and Coconut Pralines

Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST

Description: Our final 4th class is a special hands-on session designed just for kids, where young chefs will create two delightful treats that are popular Christmas goodies in the Czech Republic: classic Linzer Tarts Cookies and super easy Coconut Pralines. We’ll dive into the world of baking by rolling out dough, using cookie cutters to create fun Linzer Tart shapes, and sandwiching them together with a sweet preserve. Then, we will switch to a simple and rewarding no-bake recipe for Coconut Pralines, which uses just a few simple ingredients.

Important: This class is designed for children who can follow directions without assistance, or for younger kids accompanied by an adult who can help them with the instructions, so get ready to bake, create, and taste some amazing homemade goodies!

Note: Suitable for vegetarians

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The Preparation Sheet and Recipes will be published here on or before December 6, 2025.

Important: The Preparation Sheet and Recipes are for your information only. Ingredients and tools will be provided by the Lisbon Library.

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