Introduction to Pastry & Baking 2 Intensive

From coasts to prairies, the diverse geography of America results in an abundance of meat and fish varieties that eventually end up on our plates, deliciously prepared. In this class, you will prepare dishes that celebrate this bounty and highlight famed regional preparations. On your menu: Chesapeake Bay crab cakes with sauce rémoulade; New York strip steak with onion rings; and broccoli-cauliflower gratin.

Ayurveda is the world's oldest form of natural healing and health. Its basic premise is that there exists an innate intelligence in our body and mind to be balanced and healthy. Ayurveda offers a knowledge of life with down-to-earth practices to keep this intelligence alive and well during our lifetime. In this two-day weekend workshop with culinary training, we will learn the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. You will learn about the doshas, the mahabhutas, prakriti - body type, the elements, what is health - balance and imbalance. We will learn the simple practices of Ayurveda to maintain health and live in rhythm with natural laws. We will learn about the six tastes of Ayurveda. We will learn how to correct imbalances in our digestion. On both days, we will be in the kitchen preparing food that balances us. We will create two complete meals, including Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup with Cranberries, Cilantro-Stuffed Paratha, Savory Autumn Vegetable-Paneer Tart, Braised Red Cabbage, Poha (steamed dry rice) with Curry Leaves, Rice Pudding, Orange-Fig Compote in Cardamom Syrup

The history, culture and geography of Morocco are all richly evocative. It is easy to imagine yourself sipping mint tea while sitting on a terrace in Casablanca or Marrakech, or hiking the Atlas Mountains. The cuisine of Morocco reflects its Berber, Mediterranean, African and European influences, with a generous use of powerful spices. In this class, you will make some of the most acclaimed dishes of the Moroccan repertoire, including: grilled kefta (lamb) kebabs; chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives; sweet spiced couscous; carrot salad with lemon-herb dressing and harissa.

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.