Essentials of Japanese Cooking

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.

This class is for the serious food enthusiast! ICE Boot Camps give you the opportunity to learn how to cook like the pros. This four-day Boot Camp focuses on classic cooking techniques, to give you the foundations that will make you a better cook. On day one, you will learn how to properly sauté meats, vegetables and potatoes and look for the signs of "doneness." Pan sauces will also be covered. On day two, we will focus on grilling. You will learn the methods for grilling a variety of meats and why specific cuts and types of meat are best suited for this cooking method. Best practices for grilling various vegetables will also be taught, along with the art of marinades. On day three we will cover roasting techniques for various types of meats and veggies. You will also learn the simple pleasures of preparing reduction sauces. On the final day, we will cover moist-heat cooking methods. The topics will be braising as well as poaching and steaming to create delicious results. These gentle cooking methods result in moist and delicious meats as well as fish, shellfish and vegetables.

Expand your knowledge and techniques in preparing dishes using fresh pasta dough, homemade sauces, fresh herbs, and more. Over the course of the evening, you will learn to create intricate, trattoria-quality pastas, such as: Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce; Ricotta Cavatelli with Peas, Mint and Lemon; and Spaghetti Carbonara.

The simple yet refined flavors of Tuscan cooking are world famous, and with good reason. Whether the product of one of Florence's great restaurants or the simple dishes from a country kitchen, the integrity of Tuscan cooking has won applause for centuries. Learn some of the secrets of this venerable cuisine as you make and enjoy: crostini with roasted eggplant; bistecca alla fiorentina; pollo alla toscana and cipolline agrodolce.