Cooking for Fitness

Chef Herve Mallivert takes you on a “voyage gastronomique” in this hands-on class highlighting Lyonnaise cuisine. Your journey begins with an exploration of Lyonnaise ingredients and techniques that includes rare insights from Chef Herve, a native son of Lyon and a longtime leader of Michelin-starred kitchens throughout France. You will then transform two classic Lyonnaise recipes into dishes fit for fine dining: 1) Quenelle of Pike with Crayfish Emulsion, Roasted Morel and Tarragon Oil; and 2) 24-Hour Braised Short Ribs with Smoked Truffle Cream of Parsnip, Roasted Pearl Onion and Bacon Crisp.

These lavish desserts aren't merely bursts of sweet pleasure --- all of them include an alcoholic bonus. Whether incorporating Kahlua, whiskey, or tequila as essential ingredients, you'll love making these treats first in class, then at home. Few can resist this menu of: margarita pie dessert shots; dark chocolate and Kahlua brownies; and whiskey truffles.

The farms, orchards and of course vineyards of California's wine country combine to turn the region into one of the most bountiful in the U.S. The kitchens of Napa, Sonoma and the Russian River Valley highlight the quality of the ingredients at hand. Learn to make some of those dishes in your own kitchen, including: fig salad with sweet-spiced walnuts, Gorgonzola and Champagne vinaigrette; pork tenderloin with pan-roasted grapes; scallops with pan-roasted grapes and sauvignon blanc; and warm Dijon potatoes with fresh herbs and peas. You will enjoy these with a selection of California wines.

Knowing how to use knives skillfully is the foundation of all cooking, and doesn't have to be scary or frustrating. Many home and even professional cooks don't always wield a knife correctly, however, which increases food preparation time and makes the process harder --- and less safe --- than it should be. Simply put, good knives are the foundation of a well-equipped kitchen. This class remedies all these basic issues: You will learn how to slice, dice, chop, and much more in the safest and most efficient manner. This class will even guide you through the practice of keeping your knives sharp and handling them correctly.