Ghostly creations: The annual Amateur Haunted Cupcake Competition invites nonprofessional bakers to compete for the grand prize, a KitchenAid mixer. Sponsored by PastryChicago. Includes refreshments and a 2 p.m. pastry demonstration by a French Pastry School chef instructor. Free. 1-4 p.m. Saturday; Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road, Skokie; information, 847-673-6800; for registration and contest rules, pastrychicago.org
German delights: Chef Andy Winkle will demonstrate German dishes featuring choice and prime meats. Free; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Paulina Meat Market, 3501 N. Lincoln Ave.; information, 773-248-6272
Initial offerings: Chef Trevor Hoyte of IPO restaurant in The W Hotel will demonstrate dishes from his contemporary American menu in “Shop for a Cause Cooking Demonstration.” Free; Noon Saturday; Macy’s, 111 N. State St., lower level culinary kitchen; information, 312-781-4884
Cheese course: Meet artisan cheesemakers, including Brenda Jensen of Hidden Springs Creamery and Andy Hatch of Uplands Cheese, who join Marion Street Cheese Market chef Leonard Hollander for a five-course dinner. $50; 6 p.m. Tuesday; Marion Street Cheese Market, 100 S. Marion St., Oak Park; reservations, 708-725-7200
Food film: “Forks Over Knives,” a documentary arguing that many degenerative diseases can be prevented through adoption of a whole-food, plant-based diet, will be screened, sponsored by Whole Foods. Free; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; Pipers Alley Theatre, 230 W. North Ave.; reservations, rsvp@wholefoods.com
E-mail educational events one month in advance of publication to elizabethschiele@sbcglobal.net.
