Culinary Techniques: A Virtual Class

ICE’s Fine Cooking series are the classes on which our recreational program’s reputation was built. This intensive course expands on our Fine Cooking 1 series and takes a deeper dive into essential culinary techniques. These full-participation classes teach fundamental skills, not recipes. This course covers everything from fileting a fish, to properly sautéing, to cover poaching techniques and fundamental sauce making. As you advance through the series, you’ll gradually come to understand each cooking concept. You’ll have a firm grasp of ingredients and equipment; you’ll know why things happen; you'll learn how to avoid and correct mistakes. Most importantly, you’ll gain the experience you need to cook with confidence and pleasure - without relying strictly on recipes. Each class culminates with a student-prepared meal. Prerequisite: Fine Cooking 1.

One of the oldest winemaking areas of the world, the Iberian Peninsula is currently considered one of the most exciting as well. Steeped in tradition, but not afraid to update and experiment, Spain offers an incredible array of elegant, delicious and varied wines. This class, led by ICE’s resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, offers a sampling of some top regions’ Reservas, as well as fascinating lesser-known examples. Specially chosen regional cheeses and bites will accompany our delightful tasting. We'll taste at least nine wines, plus matching cheeses.

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.

Fresh, warm bread is always a great way to start the day, or perfect to add to a meal or have as a quick snack. Suitable for breakfast, snacking, topping or as a side dish, quick breads deliver a lot of flavor and light, airy texture. And what if you have an intolerance to gluten? Learn how to create wheat-free flour blends to make satisfying, fluffy and, yes, gluten-free savory and sweet quick breads that deliver everything we love about their conventional, wheat-based counterparts. Once you try these gluten-free beauties, they'll become requested favorites by your family and friends. On your menu: pear-cardamom quick bread; feta-dill quick bread; Irish soda bread; and banana bread. *Please note ICE is not a gluten free facility