A Taste of Tuscany: A Virtual Class

By the latter half of the 19th century, bistros were centers of social life in Paris, catering to great painters, writers, musicians and other artists. The simple, down-to-earth food served at such bistros quickly became as celebrated as the eateries' most famous patrons - and it's still celebrated in Paris and around the world today. You will make traditional dishes of that bygone era, such as: steak tartare; frisée salad with apples, lardons and goat cheese in a warm shallot-bacon vinaigrette; moules frites and haricot verts amandine.

On Sundays in Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn, families gather for hearty dinners of Italian-American favorites. You will enjoy the preparation of a generous Sunday dinner including: bucatini with meatballs, sweet sausage and Sunday gravy; chicken cacciatore with polenta; fennel layered with potatoes and breadcrumbs; and broccoli salad.

These desserts are perfect for winter, not just because of their wintry flavors of ginger, peppermint and more, but because of their clever use of fruits that are easily available in winter. And, naturally, you can't forget the chocolate. We'll make: peppermint chocolate truffles; gingerbread cake with chai-spiced frosting; and cranberry and pear crisp.

These exciting holiday dishes are ideal for accompanying delicious craft cocktails, providing a mouthwatering focus for any cosmopolitan gathering! Join us to make small bites and spreads that will amp up your holiday parties and go perfectly with some tipples. Together, we'll make and enjoy pumpkin spice snack mix; ricotta and cranberry jam crostini; duck fat marinated olives; roasted carrot dip with vegetable crudité; grilled lamb chops with yogurt sauce; cider sangria and a Manhattan.