Baguettes & Boules

Braising - searing at a high temperature, then finishing in a liquid at a lower temperature to infuse flavor - can add umami and more to pretty much any meal! And the best part is, it creates tender, juicy dishes with a minimum of effort. We'll master this technique as we make a braised banquet of: Guinness-braised short ribs with creamy polenta; braised chicken thighs with mushrooms and balsamic vinegar and braised fennel.

The sauces you will learn to make in this class are not just for special-occasion dishes you'll prepare once a year. Relying on pantry ingredients and reflecting the contemporary cook's lifestyle, they are meant to easily take a grilled meat or poached fish from simple to superlative with a pan reduction, beurre blanc or a pesto. You will master these techniques by making sauteed steak with red wine reduction sauce; poached salmon with beurre blanc and pasta with pesto.

The flavorful cuisine of Cuba reflects the country’s Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. From cooling ceviche to hearty ropa vieja, these influences manifest themselves in an array of seafood and meat preparations, not to mention unforgettable side dishes that will make you wonder why you didn't cook Cuban sooner. You will make ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in tomato sauce); pescado enchilado (sea bass in sofrito); frijoles negros (black beans Cuban-style); rice and tostones (savory fried plantains).

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.