This intensive four-day immersive study offers hands-on experience as we explore, in depth, the numerous variables involved in each step of the chocolate making process from raw cacao to finished product. In this workshop, open to pastry and culinary professionals, ICE Chef Michael Laiskonis will guide students through the underlying art and science of chocolate manufacturing. Students will roast, winnow, grind, formulate, and refine multiple batches of artisan-quality couverture. Special attention will be given to the use of the Chocolate Lab’s machinery to perfect flavor and texture. This hands-on course will cover: - A historical overview of chocolate consumption and manufacturing - Post-harvest treatment of cacao beans at origin - Cleaning, sorting, and analysis of cocoa beans - Roasting, winnowing, and grinding cacao beans - Refining processes for dark, milk, and specialty chocolates - Multiple tempering processes and molding techniques - Comparative identification and sensory analysis of chocolate products Multiple batches of artisan chocolates will be produced over the four-day session, and students will leave the class with samples of the chocolates produced.
You will work in teams to execute the class menu. At the end of class, participants gather to enjoy the food they have prepared. Wine is served with meals in most classes. All class menus are subject to change. While a snack platter is offered in both morning and evening classes, you may want to consider a light snack before joining us for class. Students are encouraged to bring a light lunch or dinner to all pastry classes.
You will work in teams to execute the class menu. At the end of class, participants gather to enjoy the food they have prepared. Wine is served with meals in most classes. All class menus are subject to change. While a snack platter is offered in both morning and evening classes, you may want to consider a light snack before joining us for class. Students are encouraged to bring a light lunch or dinner to all pastry classes.
Building a gingerbread house is a superb holiday bonding activity for both you and your child! You'll learn plenty as you create future Christmas memories and traditions. Each child will prepare their own 5-by-6-by-8-inch gingerbread house with their parent assisting, from making and baking the dough to applying the final decorative touches. After class, you’ll take your sugared, frosted, candy-studded masterpiece home. This class is appropriate for children ages 5 and older. Each pair of seats must have 1 child and 1 adult. You may use the same adult name for a maximum of 2 children.
Any time is the right time to brush up on your chocolate skills! In this part hands-on and part demonstration-based class, students will review the basics of chocolate tempering and formulating chocolate centers, with an array of fillings and confections for use in truffles, molded chocolates, and candies. It features recipes you’ll want to make year-round – and will make you everybody’s favorite holiday house guest!
Unleash your creativity this holiday season in our Advanced Gingerbread House class! Perfect for bakers looking to elevate their holiday decor, this two day, hands-on workshop guides you through the entire process of designing and constructing an impressive gingerbread house. You’ll learn advanced techniques for from scratch baking, assembling, and decorating, including intricate royal icing piping, modeling chocolate embellishments, and other classic edible decorations. Our instructor will provide tips on achieving structural integrity while adding artistic flair, ensuring your house is both stunning and stable. By the end of the class, you’ll have crafted a show-stopping gingerbread house to display proudly throughout the holidays. Join us for a festive experience that blends baking with artistry, and leave with skills that will impress family and friends for years to come!
For a flash course on all the basics you need to make a varied and impressive meal, look no further. With a professional chef, you'll gain the skills vital for moving through any simple menu with ease. You'll practice knife skills, roasting vegetables, cooking proteins with a pan sauce and a vinaigrette. Then you'll use what you learned as you make a menu of: popovers; sautéed chicken with classic pan sauce; roasted root vegetable salad with fresh herb dressing and garlic mashed potatoes.
Ranked as America’s Best Culinary School (USAToday 2019), our roster of Chef-Instructors have run top kitchens around the globe.
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