Featured Chef: Serenity Knoll Cooking School

by | May 15, 2025 | FarmFreshAppalachia, Featured Chef, Newsroom

David Wiley, a passionate farmer and community member, purchased in 2000 the property that now houses Serenity Knoll. With a strong belief in fostering community, he began construction on the pavilion in 2012, laying the groundwork for Serenity Knoll Farm. David enjoys attending classes and expanding his cooking skills when he’s not working on the farm.  

Serenity Knoll Cooking School is directed by Sheridan Nice, the Culinary Program Director. Sheridan is an accomplished cooking instructor, personal chef, and former restaurateur. With training from esteemed culinary institutions such as La Varenne and the Culinary Institute of America, Sheridan’s expertise spans a wide range of culinary disciplines.

Serenity Knoll offers a panopoly of cooking classes for groups of all sizes and palettes.

Emily Bidgood of the ARCD had the opportunity to take her two sons to a kids cooking class taught by David Wiley.  

While David is usually known for the gourmet brunch spread that he lays out after Yoga mornings on the Farm, or his wood fired cob oven that he shovels on pizza nights, he engaged the children in new skills and creative ways to make fresh healthy food fun – with ‘sushi’ style rolls!

We know that when kids grow food, or pick it at the store or farmers market, and help make it, they are more likely to try it. 

Rainbow ‘Sushi’ Rolls

options:

  • Rainbow Veggie Roll

  • Nut Butter & Fruit Roll

  • Deli Roll

Ingredients

  • Sandwich bread
  • Spreads of choice
  •  – cream cheese
  • – nut butter
  • – jam or jelly
  • Finely sliced vegetables, like cucumber, carrots, lettuce, bell peppers, purple cabbage, microgreens, sprouts, radishes. Whatever looked good at the farmers market!
  • Finely sliced fruit, like apples, pears, or strawberries
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced Ham or Turkey or Chicken
  • Seasoning: Everything Bagel Seasoning, or Sesame Seeds, option

    Technique

    Take each sandwich bread slice (don’t use the heel pieces) and trim off the crusts.

    Roll each piece out with a rolling pin, flat and even.

    Spread on your choice of spread, like a cream cheese or a nut butter. Or jam or butter.

    Decide what creation you’ll make! Will it be the veggie rainbow roll? Or the nutbutter and jam fruit roll? Or the cheese and ham roll? Or the veggie+jam roll? Try it!
    Lay out a line of filling at the bottom on the slice of bread closest to you.

    Sprinkle with choice or sesame seeds, or seasoning, or salt.

    Carefully and tightly roll up each square.

    Slice “sushi style”.

    https://serenityknoll.com/

    Serenity Knoll Farm, a beautiful event venue located in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Our stunning venue offers breathtaking views and state-of-the-art equipment for parties, and corporate events. In addition, we offer a range of classes from yoga to cooking, taught by experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping you grow and thrive.

    As a Naturally Grown Farm, we take pride in our commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices. Join us at Serenity Knoll Farm for an unforgettable experience that nourishes your body and soul.