Virginia Willis, author of “Bon Appetit Y’all,” the International Association of Culinary Professional’s (IACP) cookbook finalist for 2009, will teach two cooking classes at the Schnucks Cooks Cooking School in Des Peres, 12332 Manchester Road, on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The first class is from 1–4 p.m. ($50 per student) and the second from 6–9 p.m. ($65 per student).

Willis’ first hands-on class will demonstrate a complete southern menu of crispy fried asparagus, Coca-Cola glazed chicken wings, deviled eggs and exotic mushroom and herb tart.

The second class is designed to offer a more intimate look into Willis’ cooking style. Willis will share her own experiences growing up among great cooks and of her quest to become a master chef. There will also be hands-on opportunities to cook such menu items as warm pecan-crusted goat cheese toasts with mixed baby greens, roasted beet salad with walnut oil, mustard-crusted pork loin with herb, pan sauce buttermilk cornbread, horseradish mashed potatoes and Meme’s blackberry cobbler.

Interested students can register online or call the Schnucks Cooks Cooking School at 314-909-1704. Willis’ book will be available at Schnucks for $32.50.