Techniques of Chocolate Intensive

By the latter half of the 19th century, bistros were centers of social life in Paris, catering to great painters, writers, musicians and other artists. The simple, down-to-earth food served at such bistros quickly became as celebrated as the eateries' most famous patrons - and it's still celebrated in Paris and around the world today. You will make traditional dishes of that bygone era, such as: steak tartare; frisée salad with apples, lardons and goat cheese in a warm shallot-bacon vinaigrette; moules frites and haricot verts amandine.

Learn the basic techniques of pastry and baking in this 12-session class. The course familiarizes students with the recipes and concepts used by professional bakers and pastry chefs, which form the basis of every competent baker's repertoire. The program investigates a broad range of pastries - both classic and modern - to provide a full understanding of all baking categories.

Seafood, vegetables, whole grains, herbs and olive oil are among the ingredients most associated with countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. They make for flavorful dishes that trigger memories of sunbathed vacations and leisurely meals. This class focuses on the cuisines of Southern France, Eastern Spain, Italy and Greece. You will cook your way through a menu-map that includes French olive tapenade on garlic toast; Greek briam; Spanish fideua Catalania; and Sicilian pesce spada.

On Sundays in Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn, families gather for hearty dinners of Italian-American favorites. You will enjoy the preparation of a generous Sunday dinner including: bucatini with meatballs, sweet sausage and Sunday gravy; chicken cacciatore with polenta; fennel layered with potatoes and breadcrumbs; and broccoli salad.