CAPS: Entremets and Plated Desserts with Eric Bertoia

Emilia-Romagna, which stretches between the Adriatic coast, northern Tuscany, and the Po Valley, is one of the most prolific agricultural regions of Italy. It is known for its pasta, balsamic vinegar, Parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano, among a wealth of other products. While enjoying wines such as Sangiovese and Barbera, you will learn to make traditional dishes that include: brodetto fish stew; cotechino con lenticchie; chicken cacciatore with creamy polenta; and warm zabaglione with Marsala wine for dessert.

Let's eat like we're in Italy, from the apps all the way through to a rich dessert! These dishes put you back in that Mediterranean mindset...even if you've never been there. Make and sit down to this warm, comforting Italian banquet of: fried zucchini with Parmesan; veal saltimbocca alla romana; spaghetti carbonara; cavolfiore alla napoletana (cauliflower with raisins and pine nuts).

Explore the unique ingredients, simple techniques and sometimes fiery recipes of Thai cooking, one of the most distinctive of Southeast Asia. You’ll learn to cook authentic versions of some of the country’s most popular recipes. You’ll make: summer rolls with dipping sauce; satay with peanut sauce; yellow curry chicken; jasmine rice and pad Thai.

Sushi-making doesn't have to be limited to the view from a seat at your local Japanese restaurant. Bring the sushi bar home by practicing your skills at preparing nigiri (sashimi fish on top of thumb-size, compact sushi rice), perfecting the texture of rice, and learning the proper techniques to create a stellar hand roll. Once you've gotten the basics down, you will try your hand at: sushi rice; maki and futomaki rolls (both thin and thick), inside-out rolls; nigiri and temaki (hand roll).. You will soon learn that sushi is something you too can master.