Techniques of Cake Decorating 2

These delightful cupcakes come in a range of flavors and frostings, not to mention some well-matched fillings. As we make the cakes, fillings and frostings from scratch, we'll pair strawberry with vanilla, chocolate with white chocolate ganache, peanut butter with chocolate icing, and even birthday cupcakes with a piñata surprise of sprinkles inside. Your cupcake menu: strawberry shortcake with vanilla bean cake and whipped vanilla bean buttercream; chocolate trio with dark chocolate cake, white chocolate ganache and milk chocolate frosting; birthday "piñata" cupcakes with sprinkle buttercream; and peanut butter and chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

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.

Master some of the most fragrant and distinct dishes in this country's rich and varied cuisine, emphasizing a riot of toasted spices. You'll learn all about the vegetables, seafood and other featured ingredients, with a range of geographic and climatic origins, from hearty masalas to spicy curries to cooling raitas. We'll assemble a menu of: chana masala (chickpea curry); chicken tikka masala; palak paneer (spinach with paneer cheese); pulao (spiced basmati rice); and cucumber raita.

For a flash course on all the basics you need to make a varied and impressive meal, look no further. With a professional chef, you'll gain the skills vital for moving through any simple menu with ease. You'll practice knife skills, roasting vegetables, cooking proteins with a pan sauce and a vinaigrette. Then you'll use what you learned as you make a menu of: popovers; sautéed chicken with classic pan sauce; roasted root vegetable salad with fresh herb dressing and garlic mashed potatoes.