Essentials of Middle Eastern Cooking

This class is for the serious food enthusiast! ICE Boot Camps give you the opportunity to learn how to cook like the pros. This four-day Boot Camp focuses on classic cooking techniques, to give you the foundations that will make you a better cook. On day one, you will learn how to properly sauté meats, vegetables and potatoes and look for the signs of "doneness." Pan sauces will also be covered. On day two, we will focus on grilling. You will learn the methods for grilling a variety of meats and why specific cuts and types of meat are best suited for this cooking method. Best practices for grilling various vegetables will also be taught, along with the art of marinades. On day three we will cover roasting techniques for various types of meats and veggies. You will also learn the simple pleasures of preparing reduction sauces. On the final day, we will cover moist-heat cooking methods. The topics will be braising as well as poaching and steaming to create delicious results. These gentle cooking methods result in moist and delicious meats as well as fish, shellfish and vegetables.

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.

Learn to prepare a delicious Greek feast! In this hands-on class, you'll master classic Mediterranean flavors. Your menu includes baked Fish Mediterranean; savory Greek Chicken and Potatoes; Prasini Salad with dill and scallions; and spicy, rustic Tsigareli – all finished with fresh Tzatziki. Discover the joy of authentic Greek cooking in this fun, engaging session!

Much more than just Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, these two relatively recent world wine powerhouses make some of the most delicious wines available, in every category and every style. This tasting with ICE’s resident sommelier, Richard Vayda, explores the regions' no-holds-barred range of wines---from big, fruity reds to nuanced Pinot Noirs to traditionally produced sparkling wines. A look at each country’s geography, labeling, and complementing cheeses will be included. You'll explore the world’s quintessential winemaking regions in depth. Learn what makes each terroir unique, the characteristics of New and Old World vintages, and the definitive grapes and blends that make each region deserving of special attention. Along with each wine, you'll taste a selection of cheeses from that region, tastily illustrating the culinary adage: "What grows together, goes together"!