Couples Cocktails

Ayurveda is the world's oldest form of natural healing and health. Its basic premise is that there exists an innate intelligence in our body and mind to be balanced and healthy. Ayurveda offers a knowledge of life with down-to-earth practices to keep this intelligence alive and well during our lifetime. In this two-day weekend workshop with culinary training, we will learn the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. You will learn about the doshas, the mahabhutas, prakriti - body type, the elements, what is health - balance and imbalance. We will learn the simple practices of Ayurveda to maintain health and live in rhythm with natural laws. We will learn about the six tastes of Ayurveda. We will learn how to correct imbalances in our digestion. On both days, we will be in the kitchen preparing food that balances us. We will create two complete meals, including Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup with Cranberries, Cilantro-Stuffed Paratha, Savory Autumn Vegetable-Paneer Tart, Braised Red Cabbage, Poha (steamed dry rice) with Curry Leaves, Rice Pudding, Orange-Fig Compote in Cardamom Syrup

What does "healthy cooking" mean, anyway? Plant-based? Macrobiotic? Low-salt? Gluten-free? Depending on whom you ask --- whether it be a nutritionist, a doctor, a chef or your mom - you will likely get different answers. While there is no single definition for what constitutes healthy eating, most people will agree that there are several key principles and dietary guidelines that will lead you toward a well-balanced diet. In this intensive series, we will explore a sensible approach to cooking and eating, using a wholesome array of ingredients. You will learn which foods you should choose on a regular basis to keep your body running smoothly, as well as those you should try to limit and why. Each day, you’ll get fully hands-on in our kitchens as you master a variety of dishes that demonstrate how you can cook healthfully, without sacrificing flavor.

Nothing beats the rich flavor and perfectly al dente texture of handmade pasta. So let's practice making our own pastas by hand and concoct some rich fillings, learning how to stuff ravioli, tortellini and cannelloni. As we make these three heavenly pastas, we'll complete them with homemade sauces that are the perfect complement to each shape and filling. You'll handcraft: lemon ricotta ravioli with safe brown butter, roasted red pepper tortellini in fra diavolo sauce, and beef angolotti in brodo.

Knowing how to use knives skillfully is the foundation of all cooking, and doesn't have to be scary or frustrating. Many home and even professional cooks don't always wield a knife correctly, however, which increases food preparation time and makes the process harder --- and less safe --- than it should be. Simply put, good knives are the foundation of a well-equipped kitchen. This class remedies all these basic issues: You will learn how to slice, dice, chop, and much more in the safest and most efficient manner. This class will even guide you through the practice of keeping your knives sharp and handling them correctly.