Baking 101

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).

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.

Today's best French cooking combines time-tested techniques with classic French ingredients in modern flavor combinations. We’ll put all of these principles into practice as we assemble a banquet par excellence, consisting of: escargot (snails); bass vierge; rack of lamb Persillade; and sautéed carrots with quatre épices.

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.