Introduction to Wine

Learn everything you need to know to recreate that quintessential New York staple, the bagel! Make everything you love about brunch, from the fixings to the bagels to the boozy beverages. We'll make: bagels (in multiple flavors: everything, salt, sesame, poppy seed); bagel fixings (scallion cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, capers, lox); whitefish salad; and Bloody Marys to wash it all down.

These dishes capture the flavors and techniques of so many exciting, flavor-forward global cuisines. Spanning the gamut from Mexico to the Middle East, these small but satisfying plates are perfect for parties --- or collect them all to make a masterful (and entirely vegan) meal. We'll create and then feast on: Egyptian baba ghanoush and hummus; Argentinian hearts of palm, tomato and avocado salad; Italian roasted cauliflower with capers; and Balinese chili-grilled tempeh skewers.

These lavish desserts aren't merely bursts of sweet pleasure --- all of them include an alcoholic bonus. Whether incorporating Kahlua, whiskey, or tequila as essential ingredients, you'll love making these treats first in class, then at home. Few can resist this menu of: margarita pie dessert shots; dark chocolate and Kahlua brownies; and whiskey truffles.

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.