Published November 2011
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SHARPEN YOUR KNIFE SKILLS, EDUCATE YOUR PALATE, AND FRESHEN UP
YOUR COOKING KNOW-HOW.
It's that time of year again — when our cheeks turn rosy from the brisk fall air, and our mouths crave sweet and decadent delectables. We need recipes that not only warm our bellies, but our spirits too. There’s something special about creating a vat of “liquid gold” butternut squash soup by hand, but for foodies lacking knife skills, like me, those treats can be hard to come by. Luckily for the culinarily challenged (again, me), local chefs offer cooking classes throughout this season of feasting. Whether it’s picking up a few basic tips or learning how to prepare a professional-grade holiday banquet, the beginner, the seasoned professional, and everyone in between will learn how to cook — and eat! — like a Pittsburgher this holiday season.
ON THE MARKET
With the freshest produce, prepared foods, and all the utensils a beginner or expert chef could ever need, the Giant Eagle Market District is a mouth-watering mecca for food-lovers. Demonstration and hands-on cooking classes at the Robinson location teach the culinary craft with a Pittsburgh perspective. Chef Luke Cypher, the cooking school lead, highlights his favorite classes offered in November. “Be prepared to get dirty, eat a lot, and leave with a new appreciation for well-prepared food,” he says. Giant Eagle Market District Robinson, 100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, 412.788.5392, marketdistrict.com.
Edible Education
The Perfect Bird - Demonstration class, November 1 & 15 at 6 p.m. $35.
With the mother of all holiday meals approaching, Market District chefs demonstrate techniques needed to create a perfectly prepared Thanksgiving feast from start to finish, including the turkey, stuffing, gravy, and all the trimmings. The best part? All attendees leave with complete recipes in hand and get to sample a taste of the holidays early. “Even people who are good cooks, they will learn something new. Us as chefs are always learning something new because that’s how the culinary world works. Everything is always changing, so there’s always something new to try,” Cypher says.
Pittsburgh Street Food - Tailgating Hands-on class, November 14 at 6 p.m. $35.
Pittsburgh certainly has a unique local flavor. From rustic Italian to Polish party fare, the Market District is bringing street food to the kitchen. Learn how to prepare the ever-popular pierogi and Italian home-style meatballs — this class is truly a taste of the ‘Burgh. “Pittsburgh is a big sports town. Tailgating is important here,” Cypher says. “We’re investing in peoples’ passions and turning them into foodies.”
Doughn’t Forget the Fresh Rolls - November 21 at 6 p.m. $35.
My favorite part about Thanksgiving dinner? The rolls, of course! Learn how to create a traditional dinner roll for that holiday party, or famous Italian knots for a cozy snack by the fire. And, of course, take home a copy of all the recipes prepared in each class.
Register for classes online at marketdistrict.com/learn.
MAMA MIA
It’s like my grandmother used to tell me — eat according to the season and you will live a long, healthy life. This is a motto Merante Gifts also stands by. Their goal is to teach southern Italian cooking the way an authentic Italian family would make it. “We want to inspire you, not train you,” says Merante Gifts owner Maria Merante. “We want you to take these recipes home for your family and feel confident and inspired. Don’t be afraid, because you can do it.” Merante Gifts, 4723 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield, 412.682.3370, merante-gifts.com/classes.
Edible Education
Classes are offered every season, with the January and February schedule to be released soon. Check merante-gifts.com for additional times and sessions. Private sessions for groups of 6-10 are $50 per person. Reservations for private sessions can be made for any day of the week.
Pasta Again! - November 20 at 11 a.m. $40
It’s the mark of a true Italian cook — the ability to make fresh pasta. It’s essential to southern Italian cooking and can make the difference between a dish that is molto bene and one that’s atroce. With optional participation, Merante said this class is perfect for beginner pastafarians or the seasoned Italian cook. “We’re not a stainless steel commercial kitchen, this is a casual environment,” Merante says. “We like to take the intimidation out and inspire creativity.”
Seven Fish Sunday - November 27, Dec. 4 & 11 at 11 a.m. $75
It’s Merante Gifts’ “famous” class! Instructors teach how to prepare various types of fish that are essential to southern Italian cooking. In these classes, explore ways to cook calamari, smelts, and baccala for a traditional Italian Christmas Eve banquet.
Register for classes by calling 412.682.3370
WOK THIS WAY
Unlike many cooking schools, Chop, WOK, & Talk has students eating from the minute they walk in the door. With recipes that span pan-Asian, Moroccan, and Mediterranean style cuisine, Chop, WOK, & Talk’s courses focus on making six-course meals in three hours, starting with soups and appetizers and sampling each creation along the way. This way, the student walks away with a diverse recipe book in just one session, according to Chop, WOK, & Talk owner Dorothy Tague. “It’s totally hands-on. The student does everything but wash the dishes,” she says. Chop, WOK & Talk, 5404 Penn Ave., Friendship. 412.362.0679. chopwoktalk.com.
Edible Education
Elegant Entertaining - Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. $70
This class is the ultimate in fine dining. Learn how to make that “liquid gold” butternut squash soup, as Tague affectionately calls it, brined pork roast fig and pistachio stuffing, and a chocolate almond souffle for dessert. But Tague says not to be intimidated by the menu – small class sizes mean personal training from experts as they walk the students through the recipes.
Holiday Baking & Candy Making - Saturday, Nov. 12 & 19 (2 sessions) at 11 a.m. $150
For someone with a mouth full of sweet teeth, this is heaven. The two-session class teaches how to make nut rolls, truffles, toffees, brittles, and more for a holiday party. And while the student is always provided with recipes after class, you might not ever need them! Teague encourages students to bring containers to take all the leftovers back for their own party.
Register for classes by calling 412.362.0679
CRATE AND CREATE
A cooking school and houseware store in South Hills, Crate offers classes that are full of flavor. From sweet chocolate to spicy Moroccan, each session is designed to appeal to a specific set of taste buds, with classes geared toward men in the family and the kids! “Our goal is to have all kinds of different people take our classes, ” says owner Linda Wernikoff. “It’s a chance to come in, meet new people, and be with people with the same tastes.” Crate, 1960 Greentree Road, Green Tree. 412.341.5700, cratecook.com.
Edible Education
It's a Family Affair - Hands-on, November 19 at 1 p.m., Adults $40, Children $30
New at Crate, the first family-style cooking class was a huge hit in September. This second class in November has a completely different menu. One adult and two children 6 years old and over can take part in this hands-on kitchen class. Learn how to make more complicated dishes, like frittatas, appeal to younger taste buds, as well as the basic of kitchen sanitation and knife skills. “We run through everything for the kids, like the equipment and the food,” Wernikoff says. “But we also teach the parents something, too.”
Dinner at Legume - November 15 at 7:30 p.m., $110
Taking the classroom outside of the kitchen, Crate’s students can visit one restaurant a month to learn the application of their teaching. After sampling a five-course mean, plus appetizers, students can meet with the chefs who personally had a hand in the preparation, detailing ingredients, technique, and answering questions. This “class” is he ultimate dinner party, visiting Legume Bistro in Oakland this month for a taste of bon cuisine.
Register for classes by calling 412.341.5700
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