Essentials of Tuscan Cooking II

New York City has some of the most famous steakhouses in the country. These classic establishments are known for a distinctive homey atmosphere and a trademark cuisine that has been pleasing diners for decades. Spend an evening learning the techniques and recipes you need to replicate your favorite steakhouse experience at home. You'll make and enjoy classic shrimp cocktail; Caesar salad; grilled New York strip with beurre Maître d'Hôtel; creamed spinach and truffled mashed potatoes.

The farms, orchards and of course vineyards of California's wine country combine to turn the region into one of the most bountiful in the U.S. The kitchens of Napa, Sonoma and the Russian River Valley highlight the quality of the ingredients at hand. Learn to make some of those dishes in your own kitchen, including: fig salad with sweet-spiced walnuts, Gorgonzola and Champagne vinaigrette; pork tenderloin with pan-roasted grapes; scallops with pan-roasted grapes and sauvignon blanc; and warm Dijon potatoes with fresh herbs and peas. You will enjoy these with a selection of California wines.

Georgian cuisine is finally being recognized for its variety, and the depth of flavors and techniques that characterize its unique culinary traditions. Given the country's location at the exact intersection of Europe and Asia, influences from both cultures have informed the dishes that the region is known for. From the banks of the Black Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, the land provides herbs, nuts and vegetables used in all aspects of its culinary traditions. You’ll become acquainted with the new "it" cuisine as you prepare: adjaruli khachapuri (cheese bread); nigvziani badrijani (stuffed eggplant rolls); tabaka (chicken cooked "under a brick") with blackberry sauce; and chakapuli (braised lamb with tarragon sauce).

This series covers all you need to know to create spectacular piped and hand-molded cake decorations. After completing the class, students will be able to design and create gorgeous cakes for friends and family. Courses in this series must be taken in sequence. Prerequisite: Techniques of Cake Decorating 1. Cake Decorating 2: Rolled fondant; ruffling; extension work; royal icing lacework; brush embroidery; and gum paste flowers.