Alicia Mattera’s love of learning, teaching and cooking prompted her to found and open Cooks & Books in 2025. “Things came together for the cooking school and bookstore concept: the space became available; the permitting lined up quickly; and the build-out of the store and the cooking class kitchen happened rapidly,” said Alicia. As a former high school family and consumer sciences teacher (HomeEc for those of us of a certain age), Alicia knows the ins-and-outs of teaching, classroom management, and making learning fun!
With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Alicia has experience teaching, cooking, backing, parenting, and wellness. Her University of Idaho Bachelor of Science is in Education with concentrations in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). Alicia also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources from the University of Idaho. In other words, she knows what she is teaching!
Alicia Mattera’s mission for Cooks & Books: To whip up a fun, friendly space where kids, teens, and grown-ups can learn cool cooking skills, boost their confidence, grab a new book, meet new friends, and experience plenty of memorable moments.
Alicia believes that “every recipe has a story and that stories bring us together,” whether it is the story of a favorite dish passed through the generations or a comfort-food meal that is made at the end of a hard week. She shares that “food connects us to our memories, our cultures, and to each other.”
During the Cooking Studio Classes, stories are shared along with laughter and learning. Classes, teas, and special events begin in the cooking kitchen which looks like a home-kitchen. Select from dozens of classes for adults, kids, families, and gluten-free eaters. Every week offers classes, collaborations and book clubs. Students make foods and enjoy eating them at the end of each class. Students take home memories and full tummies.
Bookshop-Book Clubs. Titles for the book club reading include novels, cookbooks, and non-fiction. Some titles you’ll recognize, some have been made into television shows, and some will surprise you. All of them might make you hungry! Book club details are found online at: https://www.cooksandbooksco.com
Alicia says, “Cooking and reading might seem like different worlds, but they both invite us to slow down, learn something new, and share in something meaningful.”
The front of the store is home to a colorful and cheerful bookstore. Alica curates a mix of cookbooks, wellness reads, and more. There are shelves to explore, tables to sit at and read, and gifts for the readers and cooks in your life. Themed cookbooks range from Candy Land (the game) to Alice in Wonderland to celebrity cookbooks and more. Bookshelves also include toddler board books about food, cooking, nature, and music, as well as books, audiobooks, and novels for readers of every age (kids, teens, adults). Every visit uncovers new reading delights for oneself and for gift shopping.
Cooks & Books is a space for community building, creativity and exploration, and for connection.
When visiting Cooks & Books in person, say “hello” to Alicia, and maybe her husband Nick and their daughters will be there too. This family adventure radiates joy! Alicia signs off with “Let’s cook, learn, laugh, and turn everyday moments into something memorable and extraordinary!”