Tees Valley East
Hi, I’m Joanna and the proud owner of Cook Stars Tees Valley East.
Contact Information
E: joanna@cookstars.co.uk
T: 07858 326 029
My favourite place in the house is the kitchen. You can be guaranteed to find me there on a Sunday afternoon with some tunes on, cooking several dishes at once to prepare for the week ahead. I have always loved cooking, I remember following the instructions on how to bake a Victoria Sponge when I was 10 and hoping for the best! I would best describe myself as an experimental cook, I love to use what is in my cupboards to come up with interesting new dishes to try out with my family.
I have been a teacher for over 16 years at secondary school and at college, which I have really enjoyed but I am now ready for a change and a new challenge. I really enjoy working with children and I am really excited to combine my love of cooking with teaching and it’s crazy that I will get do this as my everyday job!
My favourite part of teaching has always been the extra-curricular stuff, where I would get to know my students as individuals and see them grow in confidence. I used to lead expeditions with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and the fun part was teaching them how to cook with camping stoves and then seeing them prepare their own meals and enjoying S’mores in the evening at camp!
As a busy mum of two, I’ve always encouraged my children to help in the kitchen so that they develop a healthy relationship with food but I know how hard it is to find the time to cook with your little ones – juggling work, after school clubs and general life. This is the part that I want to help you with, my classes will be relaxed, catered for all children and most all – FUN! Giving parents a well-deserved break for an hour or two.
I look forward to seeing you at one of my classes, workshops or parties very soon and creating lots of delicious recipes with your children.
Joanna X
I can't wait to start teaching new classes, so come along and join me!
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Cook Stars Minis
We amaze our parents with what their 2 - 5 year old is capable of!!
Our pre-school classes are designed with our littlest chefs in mind. With a little helping hand from you, each week we make recipes which encourage children to get stuck in! We provide everything you will need so you can just turn up with your child ready to have some cooking fun together. Find out more
MONDAY
Redcar East Community Association, Durham Rd, Redcar TS10 3SB
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Book now
THURSDAY
(Starting 1st May) St Mary & Romuald church Hall, High Street, Yarm TS15 9AA
5:15pm - 6:30pm
Book now
SATURDAY
Langdon Square Community Centre
1 Langdon Square, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, TS8 0TF
11:00am - 12:15pm
Book now
NEW CLASSES COMING SOON
Get in touch for more details
Cook Stars Juniors
Our classes are very hands-on with everyone making their own dish from scratch!
Every week we make something different with inspiration taken from dishes around the world. With a selection of gorgeous sweet and savoury dishes each week there is plenty of opportunity to learn about different ingredients. With such a variety of dishes we try plenty of different preparation techniques....from icing to dicing we do it all! Find out more
MONDAY
Redcar East Community Association, Durham Rd, Redcar TS10 3SB
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Book now
THURSDAY
(Starting 11th September)
St Mary & Romuald church Hall, High Street, Yarm TS15 9AA
5:15pm - 6:30pm
Book now
SATURDAY
Langdon Square Community Centre
1 Langdon Square, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, TS8 0TF
11:00am - 12:15pm
Book now
NEW CLASSES COMING SOON
Get in touch for more details
Academy Classes
Cook Stars Academy Classes are suitable for young learners and teens aged 11-17 years old.
Our hands on practical classes teach a variety of techniques and build confidence in the kitchen week on week. Every week we cook something different with a mixture of main courses and puddings. We cook a great variety of foods, for example Indian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Mexican dishes as well as pies, cakes and puddings. Find out more
TUESDAY
Cook Stars Home Kitchen in Marske-by-the-Sea
Tuesday 6pm - 7:30pm (starts 29th April)
Book now
NEW CLASSES COMING SOON
Get in touch for more details
Cook Stars Workshops!
Here you can find out all the latest news about our themed workshops and events!
AROUND THE WORLD WORKSHOPS
✈️🌍🥪🍛🍜✈️🌍🥪🍛🍜✈️🌍🥪🍛🍜✈️🌍🥪🍛🍜
Get ready for a super tasty adventure this summer with our "Around the World" workshops! Your little chefs will explore amazing flavors from China, Italy, the UK, USA, India, and France.
Each fun, hands-on session is a chance to whip up exciting dishes, discover new ingredients, and experience the pure joy of cooking. We'll be celebrating different cultures one delicious bite at a time. It's going to be a summer packed with yummy creations and international fun!
All 2 hour workshops take place at Redcar East Community Association
Suitable for ages 2 - 11
CHINA
Chow mein & spring rolls and dragon puppets
Wednesday 13th August
9:30am - 11:30am
Book now
INDIA
Chicken biriyani, hand made naans and samosas
Wednesday 13th August
12:30am - 2:30pm
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ITALY
Handmade pasta with tomato, bacon & mozzarella sauce
Wednesday 20th August
9:30am - 11:30am
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FRANCE
Macaron and strawberry mille feuille and eiffel tower painting
Wednesday 20th August
12:30am - 2:30pm
Book now
UNITED KINDGOM
British Summer Picnic, sausage rolls, filled scones and eton mess
Wednesday 27th August
9:30am - 11:30am
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USA
S'mores cookies & apple pie pockets and dream catchers
Wednesday 27th August
12:30am - 2:30pm
Book now
Saltburn Food Festival
New for Saltburn Food Festival 2025 - children's cooking sessions!
Come along and join us for a cooking session making delicious veggie burgers which will then be served with golden vegetable rice for a superfood, super healthy yummy dish. Children will be preparing the burgers from scratch, chopping 4 types of fresh vegetables and mashing chick peas for our protein hit. Mixed with fresh herbs and spices, this dish is all about fresh and hits the spot with flavour.
Cooked on site, your child will get a meal to walk away with. And whilst your food is cooking? Enjoy a craft activity and then make your very own Eton Mess for pudding - all included in the price. The session will last for approximately an hour
Saltburn Community Arts Centre
Sunday 27th July
from 10am
Book now
NEW WORKSHOPS COMING SOON
Get in touch for more details
Cook Stars Birthday Parties
If you're looking for something different for a birthday treat this year then a Cook Stars party is the answer! We know how important it is for children (and their parents!) to have a special day and our parties ensure a memorable birthday for all.
We offer birthday parties within your home or chosen venue which can be adapted depending on the number of guests and their age. With both 'cooking' and 'non-cooking' options there is something for everyone and every venue. Find out more
Party Booking Enquiry
Get in touch for more details
Cook Stars Allergy & Intolerance Form
If you have been asked to complete our allergy and intolerance form, you can do so here:
Allergy and Intolerance Form
Click here to access and submit the form
