Offal: Cooking from Nose to Tail

The simple yet refined flavors of Tuscan cooking are world famous, and with good reason. Whether the product of one of Florence's great restaurants or the simple dishes from a country kitchen, the integrity of Tuscan cooking has won applause for centuries. Learn some of the secrets of this venerable cuisine as you make and enjoy: crostini with roasted eggplant; bistecca alla fiorentina; pollo alla toscana and cipolline agrodolce.

A bold blend of East Asia, Southeast Asia and France, Vietnamese food captivates through its refreshing flavors, varied textures and vibrant colors. In this class, you will explore the fundamental techniques and ingredients behind some of Vietnam's treasured dishes, including goi dua chuot (cucumber and shrimp salad); Banh Mi (baguette sandwiches filled with five-spice beef and pickled vegetables) and Ga Xao Xa Ot (chicken stir-fried with lemongrass and chile).

Master some of the most fragrant and distinct dishes in this country's rich and varied cuisine, emphasizing a riot of toasted spices. You'll learn all about the vegetables, seafood and other featured ingredients, with a range of geographic and climatic origins, from hearty masalas to spicy curries to cooling raitas. We'll assemble a menu of: chana masala (chickpea curry); chicken tikka masala; palak paneer (spinach with paneer cheese); pulao (spiced basmati rice); and cucumber raita.

Seafood, vegetables, whole grains, herbs and olive oil are among the ingredients most associated with countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. They make for flavorful dishes that trigger memories of sunbathed vacations and leisurely meals. This class focuses on the cuisines of Southern France, Eastern Spain, Italy and Greece. You will cook your way through a menu-map that includes French olive tapenade on garlic toast; Greek briam; Spanish fideua Catalania; and Sicilian pesce spada.