OK, cooks. One more day of goofing around the grill and your summer is over. Then it's back to cooking class.

        Not everyone needs to or wants to go to cooking classes. But for some, these recreational classes, which usually last two to three hours and are held at night or on weekends — offer the opportunity to learn new skills and be exposed to other foods and cuisines. And, unlike some of those other classes you've taken in life, cooking classes are almost always fun.

        The first thing to remember when considering cooking classes is there are basically two formats: lecture/demonstration and hands-on. As you can guess, under the lecture/demonstration format, the teacher demonstrates techniques and dishes. Students listen, take notes, ask questions and eat.

        In hands-on classes, the teacher works one-on-one with students (the classes are generally smaller) to teach basic skills. Hands-on classes usually cost more (about $50 to $100 per session compared with $25 to $60 for demo classes) and require more of your time. Some skills classes are taught as a series.

        If you've never taken a cooking class, you should probably register for a less expensive lecture/demonstration class — just to make sure you enjoy the experience. Then you might consider taking a hands-on class. Lecture classes are fun and give you the chance to see techniques demonstrated live and up-close, but if you want to learn to use a chef's knife properly, for instance, hands-on is the best way.

        No matter what the class format, always ask questions during or after class.

        Two more cooking school tips:

        • Register early because classes sometimes fill almost as soon as the schedules are released.

        • And when you register, be sure to ask about the school's refund policy. That's important to know if you have to miss a class. Unlike those other classes, your parents aren't paying for your privilege to learn to make risotto. (Unless you're really lucky.)

        Several schools in Greater Cincinnati offer recreational cooking classes. Here's an overview with fall class highlights and registration information. Call or e-mail for class schedules.

        • Cooks' Wares, Shops at Harper's Point, Symmes Township. and at Settler's Walk, Springboro. The big news here is Cooks' Wares will open its second cooking school Sept. 18 at Settler's Walk, offering 30 classes this fall with guest instructors such as Marilyn Harris, cooking teacher and author, and David Cook, owner of Daveed's in Mount Adams. Ms. Harris also will appear at the Symmes Township school, along with cookbook authors Ethan Becker and Nathalie Dupree. Steve Hellmich teaches a three-class advanced basics series beginning this month. To register for Symmes Township classes: 489-6400. Springboro classes: (937) 748-4540.

        • Cooking School at Jungle Jim's Market, Fairfield. Cookbook author Pam Anderson teaches “Comfort Classics” Oct. 14-15, herb authority Rita Heikenfeld shows students how to make gifts from the kitchen Nov. 19-20, and school director Carol Tabone teaches a class on New Year's Eve party food Dec. 7. To register: 829-1919, Ext. 3 or e-mail cookingschool@junglejims.com.

        • Culinary Sol, Rookwood Commons, Norwood. . Steve Hellmich teaches a two-part advanced skill series in October. Cooking/dancing classes in October and hands-on classes for teens and children ages 12 and up in September. Instructors include Paul Teal, Meg Galvin and guest chefs Jimmy Gherardi and Paul and Pam Sturkey. To register: 841-2665. (See class schedule at www.culinarysol.com.)

        • Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking, Washington Township (near Dayton). Highlights include basics classes on knives, roasting and baking and an eight-class “cookery basics” series in September. Guest chefs for the fall session include Marilyn Harris, Loretta Paganini and Pam Anderson. To register: (937) 434-1294 or at www.dorothylane.com.

        • Kremer's Market Cooking Classes, Crescent Springs. School director Maggie Green cooks soy foods Sept. 18. Personal chef Janet Neyrinck pairs modern Octoberfest dishes with beer Oct. 16, and Rita Heikenfeld crafts gifts from the kitchen Nov. 6. To register. (859) 341-1067.

More cooking schools
        • The Cooking School at Greenacres, Indian Hill. 891-4227.

        • The Great Indoors, Springdale, 346-1506.

        • Restaurant Equipment Outlet's Cooking Classes, Northside. 542-5900.

        • Wild Oats, Rookwood Commons, Norwood. 531-8015.

        • Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine, Kenwood Towne Centre, 793-3445.

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