Mastering the Basics

There's nothing like the warm, savory scents and flavors of a complete dinner perfect for any fall or winter holiday. From savory, creamy soup to a tender roast to veggie sides and a rich dessert, everything here will thrill guests and family alike. We'll make a complete supper, then sit down to the fruits of our labor, with a menu of: chestnut-wild mushroom soup; herb popovers; horseradish-crusted beef roast; Brussels sprouts with pomegranate; mashed potatoes; and for dessert, cranberry-poached pear with ginger mascarpone.

ICE's resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, pulls out all the stops for this very special holiday class. Too many people are intimidated by champagne, tending to tiptoe around it instead of enjoying and serving it with food. No longer! In this class, you will dine on beautiful hors d'oeuvres along with a select group of sparkling wines. Your evening begins with a discussion of the origin and making of sparkling wine, while tasting various examples---from non-vintage to vintage to rosé. The highlight of the tasting will feature a Prestige Cuvée Champagne paired with an American challenger. The class rounds out with students enjoying a buffet of classic luxury food matches while indulging in additional bubbly, making for a sparkling winter evening to remember! We'll taste at least nine wines, plus foods.

The South is quite possibly the most delicious region in the country. It's hard not to love its fried...well, its fried everything, plus its braised vegetables and its mile-high pies and cakes. In the land of biscuits and sweet tea, life centers around mealtimes. Come learn a few of those Southern favorites, including: pimento cheese; Southern fried chicken; slow-roasted barbecue ribs; biscuits with honey butter; and braised collard greens. You will sip on sweet tea to complete your feast.

Immerse yourself in the food traditions of French cuisine with "French Classics: Coq Au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon." You’ll make two dishes that define rustic French cooking: rich, wine-infused Coq Au Vin (learning to braise chicken to tender perfection) and hearty, slow-cooked Boeuf Bourguignon (learning to layer and amplify deep umami flavors). You’ll also make Haricots Verts Amandine and velvety Cauliflower Puree. Take a “tour-de-food” in this course that teaches essential techniques and cornerstone dishes of the French countryside