Southern Comfort: American Regional Favorites

The flavorful cuisine of Cuba reflects the country’s Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. From cooling ceviche to hearty ropa vieja, these influences manifest themselves in an array of seafood and meat preparations, not to mention unforgettable side dishes that will make you wonder why you didn't cook Cuban sooner. You will make ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in tomato sauce); pescado enchilado (sea bass in sofrito); frijoles negros (black beans Cuban-style); rice and tostones (savory fried plantains).

These lavish desserts aren't merely bursts of sweet pleasure --- all of them include an alcoholic bonus. Whether incorporating Kahlua, whiskey, or tequila as essential ingredients, you'll love making these treats first in class, then at home. Few can resist this menu of: margarita pie dessert shots; dark chocolate and Kahlua brownies; and whiskey truffles.

The history, culture and geography of Morocco are all richly evocative. It is easy to imagine yourself sipping mint tea while sitting on a terrace in Casablanca or Marrakech, or hiking the Atlas Mountains. The cuisine of Morocco reflects its Berber, Mediterranean, African and European influences, with a generous use of powerful spices. In this class, you will make some of the most acclaimed dishes of the Moroccan repertoire, including: grilled kefta (lamb) kebabs; chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives; sweet spiced couscous; carrot salad with lemon-herb dressing and harissa.

Italy produces wine from hundreds of different grape varieties, making its wine varied and engaging, yet perhaps a bit hard to grasp. This tasting concentrates on the wines from Toscana, Italy's third-largest quality wine-producing region. Although many of the wines are Sangiovese-based, the distinctive terroirs and other cultivated varieties offer a diverse tasting opportunity, ranging from some tasty whites to Old World and even international-style reds, topping off with traditional sweet. ICE's resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, will also discuss Tuscan wine history and Italian wine labeling. Regional cheeses will accompany the eight or more wines featured in the tasting.