Do you want to liven up a cold winter evening? Now you can share the joy of cooking and savor fresh, homemade foods while discovering new cooking techniques and enjoying good company.

Kathy’s Kitchen near Belhaven is offering Tuesday-evening classes on a variety of cooking subjects from pies and pasta to breads, soups and more.

“Cooking brings me joy,” said Kathy Schermerhorn, owner of Kathy’s Kitchen. “I think it is fun and it’s about caring for yourself and your family — home-cooked foods are simply better for you.”

Classes begin Jan. 10.

Each cooking class is limited to eight people. Sign up for one or two classes or the entire series. The $25-per-class fee includes all ingredients and feasting on what you create. Classes are held Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m., at Kathy’s Kitchen, 181 Dallas Paul Road, which is off N.C. Highway 99 west of Belhaven. Call 252-964-3222 for more information and to reserve your space(s), or write to Schermerhorn at kathskitchen@earthlink.net. You may also sign up to receive Kathy’s monthly emails listing upcoming classes and farmers-market schedules.

Schermerhorn is a self-taught cook who learned many of her techniques while working at Williams-Sonoma, the country’s foremost culinary equipment company. She studied briefly at the California Culinary Academy at Greystone and Tante Marie in San Francisco.

“My classes are about sharing the joy of cooking and savoring delicious foods. Everything is hands-on so participants can explore various methods and techniques and ask questions to help make their cooking at home easier and quicker,” Schermerhorn said.

Kathy’s Kitchen also offers a line of breads, spreads and other specialties for the home and table. Custom order by phone and look for Kathy’s Kitchen at the local farmers markets come spring.