Essentials of Persian Cooking

Travel the world with hearty and vibrant vegetarian entrees from around the globe! These international standouts will quickly become your go-to recipes for any day of the week. Healthful, flavor-packed and a snap to make, this is a menu you'll love learning together. We'll make all three dishes, from comfort food to Asian specialties to Mexican mains, then sit down to this meal of: sesame-crusted Asian tofu with garlic-fried wild rice; enchiladas suizas with cheese and roasted vegetables; and orecchiette pasta with roasted cauliflower and caramelized onions.

Learn how to make scrumptious dumplings from a wide range of Asian traditions --- all hands-on. We'll also create perfect dipping sauces in each tradition. Together, you'll make and dine on: steamed shrimp shao mai with orange dipping sauce; deep-fried chicken wontons; vegetable gyoza with spicy dipping sauce; and pork and chive dumplings.

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.

Experience the art of plant-based dim sum in this hands-on class, where you'll craft a variety of vegan bites inspired by classic dim sum flavors. Learn traditional techniques and plant-based adaptations to dumplings, spring rolls, buns, and rice porridge, and pair them all with fragrant tea and a sweet dessert. Students will work in groups to prepare Chili Crisp Smoked Tofu & Scallion Gyoza; Five Spice Mushroom Spring Rolls with Apricot Ginger Sauce; Sweet Hoisin Eggplant & Crushed Peanut Steamed Buns; Ginger Scallion Congee with XO Glazed Seitan Crumbles; and Chrysanthemum Goji Tea with Dark Chocolate Red Bean Truffles. (Note: This class is vegan.)