CAPS: Entremets and Plated Desserts with Eric Bertoia

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).

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.

A tender, flaky and light crust is what often separates a good pie from a great one. In this class, experienced ICE pastry chefs teach you how to make that elusive perfect pie crust --- great for sweet or savory pies. Under their expert instruction, you’ll learn the same techniques and tips used by ICE career pastry grads at New York's top restaurants. You'll make and work with pâte brisée --- which you'll then use to make your very own double crust apple pie from scratch.

The popularity of Korean BBQ is growing, fueled by the DIY aspect of making dinner with friends and family and eating as you cook. You don’t have to have a table with a built-in grill to enjoy your favorite flavor-packed grilled meats at home: grill pans on your stove or an outdoor grill are great stand-ins. Your menu starts with gyeran jjim (steamed egg custard); then moves to the grilling of sokalbi gui (beef short ribs) and samgyeopsal (pork belly) and assorted banchan (spicy vegetable side dishes) complete the meal.