A brand-new kitchen overflowing with high-end Viking appliances is something a lot of cooks dream about. Debbie Dance Uhrig is getting to live the dream.

The kitchen isn’t located in her new home in Branson, Mo. The former Platte City, Mo., resident will be cooking up a storm in the Viking kitchen at Silver Dollar City.

You read that correctly — Silver Dollar City, the well-known turn-of-century theme park just outside of Branson. That high-end kitchen is located in the theme park’s new Silver Dollar City Culinary and Craft School, which will open to the public in September.

“It’s unique for a theme park to be known for crafts for number one, and food for number two,” says Lisa Rau, Silver Dollar City’s director of public relations and publicity.

And since so many people request the recipes for the food available in the park, Ms. Rau says Silver Dollar City decided to serve up a culinary experience for its guests.

Beginning on Sept. 11, guests can join Ms. Uhrig for classes, which cost $10 (with a paid admission to the park). The September classes will feature “Bountiful Harvest Selections,” “American Classic Cookies” and “The Great Pumpkin.” Other fall classes will include “Great American Pies” and “Soups to Warm the Soul.” For a full class schedule, log on to www.sdcculinarycraftschool.com.

Ms. Uhrig, the culinary school instructor, is no stranger to cooking, despite the fact that she spent almost 30 years as a music education teacher. She learned to cook as a child and has written a culinary column, “The Covered Dish” for newspapers in Missouri and Kansas for some time. She also has given food demonstrations.

“I don’t stand behind the stove and pretend that I know everything,” she says.

It was while marketing her first cookbook, “Simply Yours,” that Ms. Uhrig learned of the new culinary school at Silver Dollar City. Ms. Rau describes the culinary instructor as “our own kind of a Rachel Ray.”

While Ms. Uhrig demonstrates how to prepare certain dishes, such as the park’s famous succotash, soft ginger cookies or Miners’ Stew, class members may find themselves part of the culinary process.

“If I need help doing something, I’ll ask for help,” Ms. Uhrig says.

The kitchen will feature table-, counter- and bar-height seating for about 30 to 34 people, says Genesis Estes, creative director. The tiered seating and video screens positioned around the room help ensure that everyone in the 50-minute classes should have an excellent view of what is going on.

Ms. Estes says there will two class sessions, even three on high attendance days. Those interested in taking a class can sign up online or while they’re at the theme park.

And when Ms. Estes describes the kitchen as “everyone’s dream kitchen,” she isn’t kidding. There are two warming drawers, two cooling drawers, double ovens, a range and a cooktop to name just of few of the kitchen essentials. To keep with the rustic appeal of the building, all appliances are covered with wood panels.

“I have a prep kitchen in the back,” Ms. Uhrig adds.

With two kitchens, professional appliances and her cookbook for sale in the theme park, it’s no wonder Ms. Uhrig says her position with the Silver Dollar City Culinary and Craft School is a dream come true.

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com