Submit your local food event online at nwi.com/calendar and to Marge Kullerstrand at margaret.kullerstrand@nwi.com.

U COOK CLASSES | Merrillville

"Hands On" cooking classes created by Chef John Rooney, who previously owned the Culinary Connection in Valparaiso, is now at U Cook, 5150 E. U.S. 30 across from Southlake Plaza. Learn to prepare foods to perfection and then enjoy the finished meal. All weekday classes are at 6:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturday at 11 a.m.

July 10 -- Patio Party On the Grill

July 11 -- Birds on the Grill

July 17 -- Seafood on the Grill

July 18 -- Chinese Cuisine

July 24 -- Italian on the Grill

July 25 -- Taste of Thai

July 31 -- Chicken On The Grill

FYI: (219) 942-0883 or servicedoctor.net

THE REGAL RABBIT | Chesterton

The Regal Rabbit, 528 Indian Boundary Road, a gourmet kitchen and home store, offers cooking classes at the Corner Cookery. All classes start at 6:30 p.m. and last about two hours. Classes range from $40 to $45 and $90 for couples classes

July Cooking Party Schedule

July 13 -- Fish Fantastic

July 17 -- Gourmet Couples

July 22 -- Keep Cool, Summer Desserts

July 28 -- Cooking Fresh From Your Garden

Registration for all classes is required. All classes include a 10 percent discount on all merchandise purchased on the day of the class.

FYI: (219) 395-8814 or regalrabbit.net

GLUTEN-FREE RECIPE CONTEST | Nationwide

The contest will end Aug. 16. There is no limit to the number of entries each contestant can submit provided all entries follow contest rules and requirements. Contestants can submit entries on the Pamela's Products Web site or mail entries. Entry forms will be available at pamelasproducts.com. Mailed entries can be sent to Pamela's Products, Recipe Contest, 200 Clara Ave., Ukiah, CA 95482.

Recipes will be judged on overall originality, visual appeal, taste, how well the Pamela's Products brand product is utilized and how well the recipe connects with the story. Winners will be chosen by the Pamela's Products team Sept. 30. One Grand Prize winner will receive a $200 gift certificate to Sur La Table. Two runners-up will each receive a $100 gift certificates to Sur La Table.

HEALTHY COOKING | Porter County

Porter has a Web feature -- health eCooking, which features new and healthful recipes and video cooking demonstrations each month.

FYI: porterhealth.com, then click on the healthy cooking button

WORLD KITCHEN IN THE GALLERY 37 | Chicago

Cooking classes are offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Weekday classes start at 6 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron.

FYI: (312) 742-TIXS (8497) or visit the box office.