Ever watch expert chefs create mouth-watering dishes on TV and wish you could do the same? You can learn to do just that at The Chopping Block Cooking Classes. Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, The Chopping Block is a fun, laid-back place to pick up a variety of cooking disciplines. Learn to can and preserve food, create traditional dim sum favorites, and pair food and wine for a summertime gathering. Come along with a chef to the Lincoln Square farmers market and see how a pro chooses produce, then turn it into a healthy and delicious meal. Take a break from all your hard work and enjoy the ultimate backyard barbecue, grilled up by Chef Mario Scordato. With more classes added all the time, The Chopping Block is Chicago's premier recreational cooking school.

Event Description:

Fun n’ Fancy Holiday Cookies
Nothing says “happy holidays” more than an array of festive sweets. Bring home your fanciful cookies and bars to share with family and friends. Chocolate Turtle Pecan Cookies; PB&J Thumbprint Cookies; Red and Green Holiday Elephant Ears; Rum Balls; White Chocolate Gingerbread Blondies. Skills Covered in Class Include: Making Cookie Dough; Determining Cookie Doneness; Selecting and Working with Chocolate; Using Spices; Working with Puff Pastry. 1-week cancellation policy.

Deck the Halls: Holiday Entertaining
Create an incredible feast with lots of make-ahead shortcuts! With a little advance prep you’ll be able to create an impressive spread, and have plenty of time to enjoy your guests. Apple and Dried Cherry Salad with Maple Dressing and Fennel-Spiced Nuts; Horseradish-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction; Potatoes Au Gratin; Chocolate Jelly Roll Cake with Kahlua Infused Whipped Cream. Skills Covered in Class Include: Balancing Flavors; Making Spiced Nuts; Selecting and Roasting Beef; Determining Meat Doneness; Making Pan Sauce; Selecting Potatoes; Separating Eggs; Whipping Egg Whites; Folding Cake Batter; Determining Cake Doneness; Whipping Cream. 1-week cancellation policy.

Caribbean Cruise
Need to get away from the demanding and tiring holiday season? Join us for an evening of revitalizing fare. Jerk Shrimp Skewers with Mango Relish; Adobo Roasted Pork Loin; Fried Plantains; Caribbean Rice; Pudín de Pan (Spiced Pineapple Bread Pudding). Skills Covered in Class Include: Getting Familiar with Caribbean Ingredients; Selecting and Grilling Shrimp; Choosing and Cutting Mangoes and Pineapple; Working with Plantains; Shallow Frying; Selecting and Roasting Pork; Determining Meat Doneness; Cooking Rice; Baking Custard. 1-week cancellation policy.

Noble Grapes From Around the World
Noble grapes are international variety of grapes that are most recognizable for the top quality wine they produce. These are the grapes that have been produced for hundreds of years and have spread around to nearly every continent. This class takes a walk around the globe and explores the fundamentals of these noble varietals. We will taste and discuss the merits of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Understanding the characteristics of each variety will help you establish a relationship with the grape and wine. Christophe Bakunas has worked two and half decades in all facets of the wine and spirits world from owning/running a wine bar, producing wines and spirits in three wineries/distilleries on the West Coast to distributing alcohol nationwide as well as in Chicago. Christophe’s passion for flavor and sharing knowledge is as strong today as it was 20 years ago.
You must be 21 or over to attend. Please present valid ID at the time of check-in. 1-week cancellation policy.

Holiday Tea Party
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and join us for a relaxing afternoon full of sweet and savory bites. Upon arrival to our kitchen, you’ll be greeted with an assortment of tea sandwiches and an approachable DIY tea bar. After you’ve had some time to enjoy the food and beverages, you’ll work in groups to prepare Vol-au-Vent (Puff Pastry Shells Filled with Chocolate Mousse), Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes Filled with Buttercream and Jam and Currant-Ginger Scones. Our chefs will have Mini Quiche Lorraine and Chicken Salad prepared ahead of time to add to the spread at the end of this hands-on class. Sit back and enjoy your tea and noshes before returning to the real world. This is the perfect class to take with friends and/or family, perhaps as an intermission from holiday shopping! 1-week cancellation policy.