Information on upcoming food classes, tastings and demonstrations can be sent to Extra, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, VA 24010, e-mailed to extra@roanoke.com or faxed to 981-3318. Deadline for submissions is two weeks before the event. For more information, call Nona Nelson at 981-3402.

Friday

Bread baking

Learn how to bake your own bread.

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free to members; $5 for non-members

Contact: 343-5652 or e-mail info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Sunday

Lebanese lessons

Learn how to stuff pitas with falefel or kafta, and top them with garlic-lemon sauce

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: 5509 Coleman Road, Roanoke

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: Marcelle Melki, (540) 598-8334 or e-mail mmelki2001@aol.com

Tuesday

Holiday options

Learn how to cook holiday meals for your vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friends and family.

When: 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Main Library

Cost: Free

Contact: 853-1057

Knife skills

Safety and efficiency are taught to sharpen your kitchen skills.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 951-1995 or www.gourmetpantryonline.com

Wednesday

Wine 102

Learn about wines created from various grapes based on appearance, aroma, palate and body.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $30 per person; $50 per couple

Contact: (540) 400-8466 or www.winegourmet.biz

Under pressure

This class introduces the modern pressure cooker, a green piece of kitchen equipment.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Thursday, Oct. 22

Diabetic/gluten free treats

See how alternate sweetners and herbs can liven up meals and desserts.

When: 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Culinary Institute at Virginia Western, 109 Henry St., Roanoke

Cost: $40 per person

Contact: 857-6210 or www.virginiawestern.edu/bet/culinary

Homemade pasta

Learn how to make fettuccine, stuffed ravioli, lasagna and pesto and how to select the perfect sauce for your pasta.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Friday, Oct. 23

Winter warm-up

Stay warm with healthy recipes for winter comfort foods.

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free to members; $5 for non-members

Contact: 343-5652 or e-mail info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Friday

The dark brews

Sample dark beers including Allagash Black, Founder's Porter and Old Rasputin Imperial Stout.

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: 400-8466 or www.winegourmet.biz

Saturday

Seed to Soul festival

Focusing on homemade food with locally grown produce and meats cooked by Chris Disibbio.

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Fort Chiswell Mansion, Exit 80, Interstates 81/77.

Cost: $5 per person, kids under 12 free

Contact: 276-759-5807 or www.fortchiswellmansion .com