Essentials of Persian Cooking

This series covers all you need to know to create spectacular piped and hand-molded cake decorations. After completing the class, students will be able to design and create gorgeous cakes for friends and family. Courses in this series must be taken in sequence. Cake Decorating 1: Pastry bag and other decorating tool techniques; development of visual awareness and creativity in design; border design; decorative writing; pressure and control piping; chocolate molding; and making marzipan fruit.

Although it contains vast areas of arid landscape, the Middle East is a fertile spot on the culinary map. Over the years, various empires have ruled the region's countries, leaving their imprint on the colorful, aromatic and diverse flavors. Recipes are dominated by spice blends, in-season vegetables and fruits, grains, olives and olive oil, nuts, herbs, and pickled and preserved foods. From Beirut, the “Paris of the Middle East,” to Jerusalem, considered the oldest city in the world, you will get a taste of the incredible culinary heritage with a magnificent vegetarian menu of hummus; tabbouleh; spicy falafel, tahini sauce; baba ghanoush and homemade pita.

From the Portuguese-influenced cuisine of Goa to the wonderful sweets of Bengal, Indian cuisine has multiple regional variations, and is generally characterized by perfect spice and flavor combinations. You will learn to identify these spices, along with shopping and storing tips, and will make a masala spice blend. Your menu is vegetarian and will consist of: pakora; cilantro-coconut chutney; goobi (cauliflower) tikka masala; saag paneer and pulao (rice pilaf ).

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.