Every Tuesday and Thursday, when out and about during Com Hab, there is a place that I love to visit: The Baking Coach in Bellport. I’ve been going to this place ever since December 2023, where I first went for the two-part gingerbread house class. Needless to say, I became hooked and have been visiting this place a lot.

Lisa Basini founded The Baking Coach in 2005. Ever since she was a kid, she’s loved baking. She’s taught classes for not only people with developmental disabilities, but for children as well. She’s also created baking activity kits to help people make some of The Baking Coach’s most popular recipes and sells those at local events. She has even been interviewed by PSEG Long Island about her business, since she rented a space that had been empty for years for the Baking Coach classes.

The Baking Coach does two types of classes. First, there are baking classes, which are more dessert-based classes, and happen on most days of the week. Their newest classes are the cooking classes, which make savory (not sweet) recipes. I like both classes, but the savory recipes are my favorite so far, since every recipe I’ve tried from those classes has turned out good. I’ve even made the best quiche ever in one of those classes!

What I like about the Baking Coach is that it teaches people with developmental disabilities like me important skills in life. You not only learn how to make things, but math is very important in these recipes, and you get to refresh on those skills. I also get the chance to socialize with people, especially those who come often, like Brandon and Cara, who are students that usually show up at the Thursday classes I usually attend. Not only do we talk in class, but I’ve invited them and they’ve invited me to come to places with them outside of the classes. Also, the usual teacher, Olivia, is very nice to everyone there.

If you’re in the Long Island area and have or know an adult with developmental disabilities, I would highly recommend you take them to a class at The Baking Coach. Everyone there creates such a welcoming environment and really cares about the people who come. Plus, you get to take home something delicious that you made yourself!