Knife Class with Edgetech’s Chad Hitsman and Chef Mary Jane Miller

 January 3, 2026, 3 pm

Limited to 10 students

$120

 

I’m teaming up with Chad Hitsman, owner of Edgetech Sharpening in Historic Valley Junction, to offer a hands-on Knife Skills + Knife Care class in my home.

Chad is a master sharpener who has been honing (yes—literally honing!) his craft for most of his adult life. This class gives you the chance to join in on our long, geeky conversations about choosing, using, and maintaining truly good knives.

Bring your favorite chef’s or santoku knife.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

From Chad

  • How to choose a high-quality knife

  • How to recognize a sharp edge—and how to keep it that way

  • A sharpness test on your knife

  • Professional sharpening of your knife during class

  • Step-by-step instruction on sharpening it yourself

  • Best practices for maintaining your edge at home

From Me

  • How to hold and use your knife safely

  • Knife techniques that improve speed, precision, and confidence

  • Hands-on practice with real ingredients: how to cut a mango, pineapple, herbs, veggies and a whole chicken

  • How to turn what we cut into soup and a salad

You will go home with:

  • A pair of new Wüsthof serrated paring knives

  • A ceramic knife honing rod

  • Access to high-quality whetstones available for purchase

Email me to reserve your spot

Dinner Party Cooking Classes

Join me in my kitchen at home for a hands-on cooking experience. All my classes embrace the farm to table philosophy, often using ingredients from my own farm. You’ll always go home with the fruits of your labor. Contact me directly or through my contact page to set up your private class for up to eight students. You are welcome to bring your own beer or wine or arrange pairings for an additional charge from Winebow Fine Wines.

maryjanemiller@me.com

Some popular menus have been

Rustic Italian

Eggplant Caponata

Balsamic Grilled Steak with Bruschetta and Porcini Parmesan Polenta

Espresso Granita with Whipped Mascarpone

Mexican From Scratch

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Tamales with Tomatillo and Guajillo Salsas with Calabacitas on the Side

Caramel Flan

Homestyle Greek

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Falafel with Tzatziki, homemade pita, and a Greek Salad with Tahini Dressing

Baklava

German Favorites

Creamy Tomato Soup with Vodka

Jaeger Schnitzel with Homemade Spaetzle Noodles and Braised Red Cabbage

Apple Strudel

Iowa Farm to Table

Bahn mi Bites

Caramelized Carrot Soup with Tarragon

Braised Pork shanks in a White Wine Pan Sauce with Sweet Corn Polenta or Spaetzle Noodles

Puff Pastry Apple Rose Tarts

French Country Fare

Potato Leek Soup

White Wine Coq au Vin with Pommes Puree and Pan Roasted Carrots

Fruit Gallette

Bouillabaisse (an additional $5)

Crudite with Bagna Cauda

Bouillabaisse with Rouille Sauce and Toast

Chocolate Lava Cake with Strawberry Coulis and Whipped Cream

$85.00 per person