Tanna Wagenman, founder and principal instructor at The Peppercorn Academy grew up in Red Wing, Minnesota. After graduating from Red Wing High School, Chef Tanna studied chemistry at North Dakota State University. Her passion, however, lay in the culinary arts and she pursued her passion by attending the highly reputable culinary school in Hyde Park, New York, The Culinary Institute of America, where she earned her degree and two medals for excellence.

Shortly after graduation Chef Tanna was granted a security clearance by the United States Secret Service and was selected by the Presidential Family as their summer chef in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Chef Tanna’s 30-year career as a classically trained chef included stints with the Hyatt Hotel Corporation, private airline catering, a French chocolate company (yes, chef Tanna is also a chocolatier) and with an international pastry and dessert wholesaler. She has owned, operated or worked in a number of hotels, restaurants and cafes from Maryland to Hawaii-with quite a few places in between!

Chef Tanna is devoted to passing on the skills and techniques of a near lifetime in the culinary industry to another generation. She is committed to teaching young people the ease and joy of making healthy, fresh unprocessed meals which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

At Peppercorn Academy students will work hands-on with Chef Tanna at their own fully equipped workstations using techniques and recipes collected over many years in the culinary world. She hopes to give young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to be comfortable preparing fresh, healthy meals in their own home kitchen.

Where young chefs cook up confidence, creativity and fun!

Discover an exciting opportunity for children to learn essential cooking skills in the heart of historic Red Wing, MN. Peppercorn Academy-a culinary studio, offers a unique series of programs that are chef-taught, hands-on and tailored specifically for young, aspiring cooks.

Each class is designed to blend real-world kitchen techniques with engaging recipes from around the globe. Participants will not only explore new flavors but also develop valuable skills, build confidence and ignite their creativity in a fun, supportive environment.