Fall/Winter 2009/2010

COUPLES: SURF AND TURF IN ITALY DINNER
Friday, October 2    7 pm    $150/couple

By popular demand! Bring along your favorite partner - friend, colleague, spouse, or parent - for a great evening of cooking and fun together: Garlic Crusted Shrimp Brochettes, Grilled or Broiled Rib Eye Steak Florentine with Rosemary, Caramelized Roasted Multicolored Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze, Arugula Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts and Parmigiano Curls, Vanilla Ice Cream with Warm Espresso Chocolate Sauce. All toasted with Italian wines. Participation.

COUPLES: DINE IN THAILAND TONIGHT DINNER
Friday, October 9    7 pm    $150/couple

Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together Thai cuisine is one of the worlds most sumptuous. Wow your family and friends with this easy prepare-ahead exotic menu: Lemon Grass, Chicken and Coconut Soup, Popular Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Peanuts), Velvet Thai Curry, Fragrant Jasmine Rice, Homemade Mango Sorbet Wreathed in Tropical Fruits and Kiwi Sauce. Explore Thai ingredients, techniques, shopping hints, and Washington’s top Thai restaurants. Participation.

EVERYDAY COOKING TECHNIQUES DINNER
Wednesday, October 14    7 pm    $75

By popular demand!  Have fun preparing a full-course dinner while learning lifetime skills of planning, shopping, using knives and equipment and presentation:  Chilled Cucumber Soup with Spearmint, Pan Seared Salmon with Mango Salsa, Confetti Rice Pilaf, Autumn Tri-color Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs and Edible Flowers and Decadent Chocolate Ice Box Cake with Warm Chocolate Sauce. Perfect for novice and intermediate cooks.  Participation.

COUPLES: BEER LOVERS DREAM
Friday, October 16    7 pm    $150/couple

Back by popular demand! Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together. Great beers have all the complexity and excitement of fine wines. We’ll taste and cook with a variety of American microbrews and classic European styles creating a multi-course dinner: Roasted Garlic and Onion Soup, Awesome Crispy Beer Batter Shrimp and Colorful Veggies, Dortmunder Pulled Beef with Barbeque Sauce, Confetti Coleslaw and To Die For Chocolate Silk Stout Pie. A fun filled evening. Class always fills fast. Early registration advised. Participation.

MARGARITAVILLE PARTYTIME DINNER
Friday, October 23    7 pm     $75 
                              
Back by popular demand! Celebrate the spirit of Jimmy Buffet’s fun loving Margaritaville with lip smacking Florida specialties and lively music: Pink Margaritas, Warm Garlic Bubble Bread, Real Coconut Shrimp Dipped in Apricot Horseradish Sauce, Succulent Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, refreshing Toasted Coconut Snowball Key Lime Ice Cream and more. Optional: Dress like a beach bum in flip-flops, or be a flowered shirt/dress tourist. Participation.

FRENCH PROVENCAL DINNER PARTY MADE EASY
Tuesday,  October 27    7 pm    $75

Be a guest at your own dinner party! You’ll thrill your guests with this prepare-ahead dinner with flavors from sunny Provence.  Bask in: Coquille Saint Jacques Glazed Scallops in their Shells, Chicken Bouillabaisse with Heavenly Garlic Rouille, Winter Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, and Elegant Fanned Poached Pears in Red Wine. Toasted with wines. Participation.

COUPLES:  ELEGANT & EASY CELEBRATION DINNER
Friday, October 30    7pm    $150 couple 
 
By popular demand!  Bring along your favorite partner - friend, colleague, spouse, or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together.  'Tis the season to celebrate! You're guaranteed rave reviews with this smash hit:  Champagne Cocktail, Flambé Steak Au Poivre with Peppercorn and Cognac Sauce, Surprise Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Winter Orange Salad with Citrus Dressing, and Surprise Dessert.  Participation.

November

HOLIDAY PARTY HORS D’OEUVRES
Wednesday, November 4    7 pm    $75

Entertain this holiday season with our super collection of prepare-ahead hot and cold treats: Hot Pepper Jelly Cheesecake, Skewered Caribbean Meatballs with Sweet Sour Apricot Dip, Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple in Peanut Sauce, Spicy Candied Pecans, Sesame Crisps with Arugula Bean Dip, Artichoke Parmigiano Gratin with Blue Tortilla Chips and more. Your friends will think your party was catered! Learn pretty platter presentations, garnishing tips, easy shopping hints and much more. Perfect to bring to potlucks too. Participation.

COUPLES: WINE AND DINE IN ITALY
Friday, November 6     7 pm    $150/couple

Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together. Thrill your family and friends with a fabuloso Italian wine dinner menu of authentic quick and easy Italian specialties: Elegant Mediterranean Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Pepper Cream, Pasta Puttanesca with Olives, Garlic, Tomatoes and Capers, Pan Seared Chicken Marsala Scaloppini with a Mushroom Medley, Seasonal Vegetables, Toasted Almond Cake and Flaming Amaretto. Participation.

EVERYDAY COOKING TECHNIQUES ITALIAN DINNER
Wednesday, November 18    7 pm    $75

Have fun preparing a full-course dinner while learning lifetime skills of planning, shopping, using knives and equipment and pretty presentation: Speedy Chicken Soup with Parmigiano cheese, Linguini and Melt-In-Your-Mouth Giant Meatballs in Homemade Tomato Garlic Sauce, Spring Arugula Salad with Parmigiano Curls and Toasted Pine Nuts and Tiramisu Ice Cream Parfait with Warm Velvet Chocolate Sauce. Perfect for novice and intermediate cooks. Participation.

SENSATIONAL SALMON
Friday, November 20    7 pm    $75

Beautiful salmon is a favorite of top restaurant chefs and home cooks alike. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, heart healthy and available year ‘round. Join our all-salmon evening featuring four quick and easy fish cooking techniques and delectable sauces!  Salmon in Parchment with Ginger Lime Sauce, Crusty Pan-Seared Salmon with Sweet Red Pepper Mango Salsa, Whole or Fillet Poached Salmon with Green Herb Sauce and Elegant Salmon Scaloppini with Velvet Beurre Blanc Sauce.  Creative menu and wine suggestions included.  Demonstration.

COUPLES:  THAI CELEBRATION DINNER MADE EASY
Monday, November 23    7 PM    $150/couple

Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together. Students rave about our Thailand dinners.  Learn how easy it is to make your favorite restaurant dishes at home with our exotic mostly prepare-ahead feast:  Grilled (or Broiled) Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad, Stir-Fried Beef with Thai Basil, Jasmine Scented Rice from Thailand, Curry with Shrimp and Pineapple, Lemon Grass Crème Brulée and Frosty Beer. Explore Thai ingredients, techniques, shopping hints, and Washington’s top Thai restaurants.  Participation.

December

SPANISH TAPAS HORS D’OEUVRES PARTY II
Wednesday, December 2    7 pm    $75

Students say this is one of their favorite classes! Introduce your friends to the unique tastes of Spanish hors d'oeuvres popularized locally by Jaleo and Las Tapas Restaurants. Savor an array of fun prepare-ahead dishes from the famous Tapas bars of Spain: Chicken in Garlic Saffron Sauce, Chorizo with Roasted Red Peppers, Shrimp in Red Sauce, Potato Tortilla, Pan-Roasted Hazelnuts, Jumbo Shrimp Glazed with Garlic Aioli and more. Taste a variety of fine Sherries- the perfect Tapas complement. No prerequisite. Perfect for holiday parties.  Participation.

COUPLES:  WINE AND DINE IN TUSCANY TONIGHT
Friday, December 4    7pm    $150/couple
 
Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together. We roamed the Tuscan hills dotted with silver olive trees; we savored the local wine at our favorite trattoria and easily fell in love with the friendly Italians and their food: Roasted Portabella Mushrooms with Mixed Greens, Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, Tagliatelle (Pasta) with Basil, Garlic Slivers and Gorgonzola Sauce, and The World’s Best Tiramisu dessert.  Vegetarians welcome.  Participation.

WARMING WINTER SOUPS
Wednesday, December 9    7pm    $75

Soup for supper is a light, healthy alternative for chilly winters. Warm up the crowd with these delicious do-aheads: French Country Carrot, Maryland Crab with Sweet Red Pepper and Sherry, Velvety Leek and Potato and Chunky Italian Minestrone with Pasta. Miniature Corn Muffins, attractive garnishes, creative variations and an all-purpose chicken stock included. This is part one in a series of three. Participation

COUPLES:  FESTIVE DINNER PARTY
Friday, December 11    7 pm    $150/couple

Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse, or parent – for a great evening of cooking and fun together: Velvet Sweet Red Pepper Soup with Sambuca Cream, Seared Rib Eye Steak with Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Surprise Potatoes, Three-Tier Salad with Dill, and Sinful Chocolate Truffles with Raspberry Cabernet Sauce, Berries and Mint. Participation.

EVERYDAY COOKING TECHNIQUES DINNER
Tuesday, December 15    7pm    $75

By popular demand!  Have fun preparing a full-course dinner while learning lifetime skills of planning, shopping, using knives and equipment and presentation:  Fragrant Whole Roasted Chicken with Chardonnay Sauce, Colorful Garden Salad with Herb Dressing, Velvet Mashed Garlic Potatoes and Apple Walnut Crisp a la Mode.  Perfect for novice and intermediate cooks. Participation.           

PERFECT ROASTS MADE EASY
Friday, December 18    7 pm    $75

An aromatic roast in the oven is the perfect answer to what's for dinner!  Everyday Roast Chicken with Caramelized Garlic, Lemon and Rosemary, Loin of Pork with Roasted Walnut Sauce, A Stunning Whole or Half Beef Tenderloin for Entertaining, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes.  Discover the best cuts of meat to roast, correct internal temperatures for succulent meat, quick sauces, easy carving techniques, creative ideas for welcomed leftovers, and menu and wine recommendations.  This is a great basic class for novice and experienced cooks alike.  Demonstration.

THAI DINNER MADE EASY
Monday, December 21    7pm    $75
 
Students rave about our authentic yummy Thai dinners. Thrill your family and friends with this mostly prepare-ahead feast: Shrimp and Lemon Grass Soup, Velvet Yellow Curry with Colorful Vegetables, Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple, Fragrant Jasmine Rice, Speedy Macadamia Nut Tart with Ginger Ice Cream and Frosty Beer. Explore Thai ingredients, techniques, shopping hints and Washington's top Thai restaurants. Participation.

January

COUPLES: FAST AND FESTIVE ITALIAN DINNER
Friday, January 8    7 pm    $150/couple

Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together. Everyone loves Italian, especially when it’s quick and easy. Dine in Italy with these sumptuous dishes. Serve one or two for a week night dinner or all six for a memorable dinner party: Glazed Jumbo Shrimp with Orange Rosemary Sauce, Linguini in Pistachio Mascarpone Sauce, Luscious Velvet Lemon Chicken Piccata with Capers, Vegetable Sauté of Rapini and Garlic, Decadent Ice Cream Tartuffo with Warm Chocolate Sauce, and After Dinner Flaming Sambuca Con Mosca. Participation.

SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD
Friday, January 15    7 pm    $75

Beautiful seafood is a favorite of top restaurant chefs and home cooks alike. It’s versatile, quick to prepare and healthy. We’ll feature four quick cooking techniques and delectable sauces: Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Citrus Orange Sauce, Glazed Grilled or Broiled Jumbo Shrimp with Banana Salsa, Scaloppini of Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Meal-in-One Thai Green Seafood Curry with Basil and Jasmine Rice. Hints to determine freshness at the market, a personal list of local quality seafood markets and menu suggestions are included. Demonstration.

 

EVERYDAY COOKING TECHNIQUES DINNER
Monday, January 18    7pm    $75

By popular demand! Have fun preparing a full-course dinner while learning lifetime cooking skills of planning, shopping, using knives and equipment and pretty presentations:  Velvet Chicken Picatta with Lemon Sauce, Perfect Confetti Rice Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetables, Perfect Garden Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing and a fun finale -- Swiss Chocolate Fondue with Dip-able Fruits, Cakes and more.  Perfect for novices and intermediate cooks.   Participation.

COUPLES: BEER LOVERS DREAM
Friday, January 22    7pm    $150/couple

Back by popular demand! Bring along your favorite partner – friend, colleague, spouse or parent for a great evening of cooking and fun together. Great beers have all the complexity and excitement of fine wines. We’ll taste and cook with a variety of American microbrews and classic European styles creating a multi-course dinner: Roasted Garlic and Onion Soup, Awesome Crispy Beer Batter Shrimp and Colorful Veggies, Dortmunder Pulled Beef with Barbeque Sauce, Confetti Coleslaw and To Die For Chocolate Silk Stout Pie. A fun filled evening. Class always fills fast. Early registration advised. Participation.

KNIFE TECHNQUES
Tuesday, January 26    7 pm    $75

By popular demand! Knife skills are the cook’s single most important technique. Learning how to select, sharpen and use knives can speed up your food preparation and give you that “master chef” feeling! Discover professional chef techniques we learned cooking in two Georgetown restaurants. We’ll practice proper techniques to slice, dice, mince, roll cut and julienne colorful vegetables and fruits. Learn many garnishes including tomato roses. We’ll prepare and serve several fun dishes. Bring knives and large cutting board if available. Great for all levels! Vegetarians, welcome! Participation.

MARGARITAVILLE PARTYTIME DINNER
Friday, January 29    7pm    $75
                               
Back by popular demand! Celebrate the spirit of Jimmy Buffet’s fun loving Margaritaville with lip smacking Florida specialties and lively music: Pink Margaritas, Warm Garlic Bubble Bread, Real Coconut Shrimp Dipped in Apricot Horseradish Sauce, Succulent Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, refreshing Toasted Coconut Snowball Key Lime Ice Cream and more. Optional: Dress like a beach bum in flip-flops, or be a flowered shirt/dress tourist. Participation.

February

PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA!
Friday, February 5    7pm    $75  
      
Everybody raves about our homemade pizzas. Indulge in our unique White Pizza with a Garlicky Cheese Sauce and our Fresh Tomato Sauce Pizza, thick or thin crusted with luscious toppings. Discover the easy pan method or simulate an Italian brick oven. Make your own yeasty dough in class to take home for two pizzas. Pizzas include: Caramelized Onion, Sausage and Rosemary; Crusty White Pizza with Garlic; Neapolitan from Naples; and much more. Includes time saving hints and fun pizza party ideas. Perfect for the whole family, including vegetarians. Bring a medium bowl, wooden spoon and an Italian accent. All ages welcome. Participation.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER PARTY
Friday, February 12, 7 pm; Saturday, February 13, 7 pm; or Sunday, February 14, 6 pm
$85/person

Treat your valentine to a memorable romantic candlelight dinner cooking class. Mystery Menu. Hurry! Classes fill fast!!  Participation.