All About Technique: Braising

Georgian cuisine is finally being recognized for its variety, and the depth of flavors and techniques that characterize its unique culinary traditions. Given the country's location at the exact intersection of Europe and Asia, influences from both cultures have informed the dishes that the region is known for. From the banks of the Black Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, the land provides herbs, nuts and vegetables used in all aspects of its culinary traditions. You’ll become acquainted with the new "it" cuisine as you prepare: adjaruli khachapuri (cheese bread); nigvziani badrijani (stuffed eggplant rolls); tabaka (chicken cooked "under a brick") with blackberry sauce; and chakapuli (braised lamb with tarragon sauce).

Of the many steakhouses in the U.S., few have a “signature dish.” Among those that do, their claims to fame range from sides and sweets to the steaks themselves. In this cooking class, you’ll prepare a multi-course meal of signature dishes from America’s most renowned steakhouses. Recipes include: chopped salad with hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, and blue cheese from Morton's in Chicago; skirt steak with red wine mojo and orange salsa from Chef Allen's in Aventura, Florida; German-style hash brown potatoes from Peter Luger in Brooklyn, New York; plus mushrooms and onions from Morton's.

Before heading out to your local sushi bar for your next date night, come to ICE to learn how to create your own sushi and sake bar at home. Together, you'll start by learning the basics of how to make the foundation of all sushi: delicious, seasoned rice. You'll then create a variety of sushi accoutrements, along with vegetables and raw fish. Finally, you'll learn to make traditional hand rolls, maki, futomaki, and nigiri, before sitting down to eat with a refreshing glass of Japanese sake or a cucumber-sake cooler.

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