Couples: Tacos & Tequila

Recreate a French bakery at home with this selection of delectable desserts. They may seem intimidating now, but they definitely won't be once you get done with this class. Together, we'll tackle: mousse au chocolat; palmiers and gâteau au yaourt (yogurt cake).

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.

Grilling is one of the best ways to cook food simply while obtaining a maximum amount of flavor. You can grill on the stovetop, in your backyard, or over charcoal or gas. In this class you will learn how to modify your grilling technique depending on the medium used. You will also discuss how dry rubs and sauces are used on the grill, then put those lessons to use as you make: grilled steaks; shrimp skewers; chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce and grilled portobello mushrooms and zucchini.

Braising - searing at a high temperature, then finishing in a liquid at a lower temperature to infuse flavor - can add umami and more to pretty much any meal! And the best part is, it creates tender, juicy dishes with a minimum of effort. We'll master this technique as we make a braised banquet of: Guinness-braised short ribs with creamy polenta; braised chicken thighs with mushrooms and balsamic vinegar and braised fennel.