1. Food

february 2015
class calendar
Classes in green are at Lincoln Square. Classes in purple are at the Merchandise Mart.
sunday
Donut Boot Camp
h 10am-2:30pm
1
Knife Skills PLUS
h 10am-1pm
monday
Cozy New England
Supper
h 6-8:30pm
2
Mediterranean
Sojourn
h 6-8:30pm
Taste of Thailand
h 10am-1pm
tuesday
Seafood 101
h 6-9pm
3
wednesday thursday
Mambo Italiano
h 7-9:30pm
4
5
Street Food
h 6-8:30pm
Mambo Italiano
h 5-7:30pm
Simple French Food
h 6-8:30pm
6
saturday
7
Pasta Workshop
h 10am-1pm
Vegan Voyage
h 10am-12:30pm
Knife Skills
h 7-9:30pm
Gluten-Free Gourmet
h 7-9:30pm
Seal the Deal
d 7-9:30pm
Steakhouse D.I.Y.
h 6-8:30pm
Indian Vegetarian
h 7-9:30pm
Sauce Odyssey
h 7-9:30pm
Steakhouse D.I.Y.
h 7-9:30pm
Date Night:
Your Place or Mine?
h 7-9:30pm
Celebrating Julia
Child
h 6:30-9:30pm
Meat 101
h 11am-2pm
friday
Sushi Workshop
h 7-9:30pm
Macaron Workshop
h 10am-1pm
Knife Skills PLUS
h 10am-1pm
Fresh Start
h 10am-12:30pm
Food and Wine of
Argentina
d 7-9:30pm
Knife Skills
h 2:30-5pm
Wine and Dine
h 7-9:30pm
Couples’ Cooking:
Under the Tuscan
Moon
h 7-9:30pm
Sushi Workshop
h 7-9:30pm
Cast-Iron and Crock
Pot Cookery
d 10am-1pm
Death by Chocolate
h 10am-1pm
Knife Skills
h 10am-12:30pm
Ramen Workshop
h 11am-1:30pm
Marrakesh Express
h 5-7:30pm
8
9
Chicken 101
h 6:30-9:30pm
10
Cold-Weather Soups
and Stews
d 7-9:30pm
Mediterranean
Sojourn
h 7-9:30pm
Pasta Workshop
h 6:30-9:30pm
Clean in ’15:
Filling Fats
d 7-9:30pm
11
12
13
Date Night:
Your Place or Mine?
h 6-8:30pm
Romantic Valentine’s
Dinner
d 6-9pm
The Building Blocks
of Wine:
What’s in a Sip?
7-8:30pm
Hands-on Valentine’s
Feast
h 6-9pm
Couples’ Cooking:
Under the Tuscan
Moon
h 7-9:30pm
Romantic Valentine’s
Dinner
d 6:30-9:30pm
Hands-on Valentine’s
Feast
h 6:30-9:30pm
Street Food
h 7-9:30pm
14
Death by Chocolate
h 10am-1pm
Simple French Food
h 10am-12:30pm
Latin Lovers
h 11am-1:30pm
Sugar Buzz
d 10am-12:30pm
Mambo Italiano
h 10am-12:30pm
Romantic Valentine’s
Dinner
d 6-9pm
Hands-on Valentine’s
Feast
h 6-9pm
Romantic Valentine’s
Dinner
d 6:30-9:30pm
Hands-on Valentine’s
Feast
h 6:30-9:30pm
h hands on d demonstration g outdoor grilling class
k kid’s class
wine class
Easy online enrollment!
www.thechoppingblock.com
Please call ahead if you have dietary restrictions.
We will do our best to accommodate you.
february 2015
class calendar
Classes in green are at Lincoln Square. Classes in purple are at the Merchandise Mart.
sunday
15
Cupcake Boot Camp
h 10am-2:30pm
Breakfast in Bed
d 10am-12:30pm
monday
16
Culinary Boot Camp 1
Starts Today! Mon–Fri
h 8:30am-4:30pm
Knife Skills
h 6-8:30pm
Celebrating Julia
Child
h 10am-1pm
Taste of Thailand
h 6-9pm
tuesday
Ramen Workshop
h 6-8:30pm
17
Chicken 101
h 6-9pm
Knife Skills
h 7-9:30pm
Meat 101
h 6:30-9:30pm
Mardi Gras Party!
h 7-9:30pm
Girls’ Night:
Everything a Girl
Should Know
d 7-9:30pm
Fresh Start
h 7-9:30pm
Couples’ Cooking:
Under the Tuscan
Moon
h 4-6:30pm
wednesday thursday
18
19
Hands-on Valentine’s
Feast
h 6:30-9:30pm
20
Culinary Adventure:
A Trip to Brazil
h 6-8:30pm
Date Night:
Your Place or Mine?
h 6-8:30pm
Warming Winter
Dinner Party
d 7-9:30pm
Wine and Dine
h 6-8:30pm
saturday
21
Pie & Tart Boot Camp
h 10am-2:30pm
Fresh Start
h 10am-12:30pm
Bloody Mary Brunch
d 10am-12:30pm
Food and Wine of
Argentina
d 7-9:30pm
Chinese New Year
Feast
h 7-9:30pm
Ramen Workshop
h 10am-12:30pm
Knife Skills
h 2:30-5pm
Steakhouse D.I.Y.
h 7-9:30pm
Simple French Food
h 7-9:30pm
Wine and Dine
h 4-6:30pm
friday
Sushi Workshop
h 7-9:30pm
Date Night:
Your Place or Mine?
h 7-9:30pm
presidents’ day
Chinese New Year
Feast
h 7-9:30pm
Steakhouse D.I.Y.
h 7-9:30pm
Cozy New England
Supper
h 7-9:30pm
Dim Sum Favorites
h 10am-12:30pm
Pasta Workshop
h 10am-1pm
Sauce Odyssey
h 11am-1:30pm
Mardi Gras Party!
h 11am-1:30pm
Family Night:
Chinatown
h 5-7:30pm
22
Mix and Mingle
Appetizer Party
h 6-8:30pm
23
Gluten-Free Gourmet
h 6-8:30pm
Meat 101
h 6-9pm
24
Knife Skills PLUS
h 6-8:30pm
Seafood 101
h 6:30-9:30pm
Cast-Iron and Crock
Pot Cookery
d 6:30-9:30pm
Knife Skills
h 7-9:30pm
Indian Vegetarian
h 7-9:30pm
Mambo Italiano
h 7-9:30pm
25
Chicago Beer Tasting
with Hopleaf’s Beer
Expert Michael Roper
d 7-9pm
Clean in ’15:
Power Plant Protein
d 7-9:30pm
26
Croissant and Danish
Boot Camp
h thu & fri 10am-4pm
Street Food
h 6-8:30pm
German Comfort
Food
h 6:30-9:30pm
Ramen Workshop
h 7-9:30pm
Couples’ Cooking:
Under the Tuscan
Moon
h 6-8:30pm
27
28
Celebrating Julia Child
h 10am-1pm
Meat Butchery
h 10am-2:30pm
Sushi Workshop
h 6-8:30pm
How to Bake Bread
h 10am-1pm
From Beer to Eternity
h 6-8:30pm
Cold-Weather Soups
and Stews
d 10am-12:30pm
Marrakesh Express
h 7-9:30pm
Chinese New Year
Feast
h 10am-12:30pm
Wine and Dine
h 7-9:30pm
Knife Skills
h 2:30-5pm
Mardi Gras Party
h 7-9:30pm
Culinary Adventure:
A Trip to Brazil
h 7-9:30pm
Simple French Food
h 7-9:30pm
Couples’ Cooking:
Under the Tuscan
Moon
h 7-9:30pm
h hands on d demonstration g outdoor grilling class
k kid’s class
wine class
prices are per person. 1-week notice required to cancel enrollment in any class. all classes subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
the chopping block • lincoln square 4747 n. lincoln, chicago 60625 telephone (773) 472-6700 fax (773) 275-4150
the chopping block • merchandise mart suite 107, chicago 60654 telephone (312) 644-6360 fax (312) 644-6367
www.thechoppingblock.com
february 2015 classes
demonstration classes
d
Demonstration classes are an intimate,
interactive look at cooking. Each class
features an entertaining and informative
lesson by our professional chef-instructor plus
generous tastings of every dish prepared in class.
v = vegetarian menu
Bloody Mary Brunch • $65
lincoln square february 21
Learn how to make the perfect brunch to accompany
this classic morning beverage. This cooking lesson
includes a full meal, so come hungry! Bloody Marys;
Fried Chicken and Waffles; Spinach Salad with
Apples and Bacon; Bananas Foster with Vanilla Bean
Ice Cream. Skills Covered in Class Include: Making
Bloody Marys; Selecting and Frying Chicken; Dredging;
Preparing Batter; Using a Waffle Iron; Making
Vinaigrette; Balancing Flavors; Sautéing Bananas;
Flambéing.
Breakfast in Bed • $65
lincoln square february 15
Start your day off right with these sumptuous seasonal
gems. Class includes a full meal and complimentary
mimosa, so come hungry. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
with Lemon Glaze; Eggs Florentine Frittata with
Hollandaise Sauce; Sweet Potato and Celery Root
Hash; Apple, Sage and Fennel Breakfast Sausage;
Crêpes with Sautéed Apples and Chantilly Cream.
Skills Covered in Class Include: Making Muffin Batter;
Baking Eggs; Preparing Hot Emulsion Sauces; Working
with Root Vegetables; Preparing Breakfast Sausage;
Making Crêpe Batter; Cooking Crêpes; Selecting
and Sautéing Apples; Whipping Cream; Working with
Vanilla Beans.
The Building Blocks of Wine: What’s in a Sip? • $50
lincoln square february 12
Ever wonder what people mean when they say a wine
has high acid? How about tannin? Join us to explore
the components of wine and the words professionals
use to describe these nuances. You will never be
confused about wine again. We will swirl, sip, and
learn about what makes wine taste good and how we
discover what tastes good to us.
Cast Iron and Crock Pot Cookery • $50
lincoln square february 8, 24
Relax as we teach you how to prepare slow-simmered
recipes that will fill your home with amazing aromas.
Beef Stroganoff with Buttery Egg Noodles; Turkey
Chili Verde; Mediterranean Chicken Stew; Crock Pot
Chocolate-Toffee Bread Pudding. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Slow Cooking; Using Cast Iron and Crock
Pots; Selecting and Braising Chicken and Beef; Using
Tomatillos; Roasting Peppers; Deglazing; Using Roux as
a Thickening Agent; Using Spices; Making and Baking
Custard.
8Chicago Beer Tasting
with Hopleaf’s Michael Roper • $60
merchandise mart february 25
This is a not-to-be-missed class! Michael Roper is
the owner of Hopleaf, the famed Chicago bar and
restaurant specializing in amazing beers and Belgian
specialties. Join us as Michael takes you on a tour of
Chicago’s contemporary beer scene.
Enjoy a Chicago beer history lesson followed by
samples from several noteworthy breweries such as
Goose Island, Half Acre, Two Brothers, Metropolitan,
Revolution, 5 Rabbit, Finch’s, and Solemn Oath. Beer
beginners and connoisseurs alike will raise a glass to
this class!
demonstration classes
8Clean in ’15 • $50
Filling Fats
lincoln square february 11
As part of our new clean-eating class series, Health
and Wellness Chef Alia Dalal explains that goodquality fats are essential for optimal body and
cognitive function, as well as key to feeling full,
fighting cravings and sticking to a mostly unprocessed
clean-eating diet. Giving an overview of fats to avoid
and fats to seek out, Chef Alia will demonstrate
techniques to reduce vegetable oils in your cooking—
like water-sautéing and nut-based dressings—while
showing you how to incorporate good quality fats
like Omega 3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty
acids into your everyday meals. Breakfast Chia Bowl;
Lentil Turnip Soup with Collards; Sicilian-Sstyle
White Beans and Kale; Green Herb Falafel with
Tahini Sauce; and Raw Chocolate Macaroons. v
Power Plant Protein
lincoln square february 25
Chef Alia devotes this class to picking and preparing
quality plant-based protein sources. While animal
proteins are certainly not off-limits in a clean-eating
diet, incorporating plant proteins into your diet, as
well, allows you to simultaneously consume a variety
of vitamins, minerals and fiber, while minimizing
exposure to antibiotics, hormones, heavy metals
and other toxins. Students will learn the benefit of
building meals around a variety of nuts, beans, whole
grains, seeds and vegetables and will feel confident
adding these inexpensive, flavorful and nutrient-filled
ingredients to everyday meals. Banana-Hemp Green
Smoothie; Whole-Grain Pasta Salad with Spinach and
Walnuts; Thai Curry Abundance Bowl; Mushroom
Lentil Tacos with Pickled Shallot and Pistachio
Crema; and Raw Peanut Butter Cookie Bites. v
Check our online calendar for details on Chef Alia’s
other classes in the Clean in ’15 series:
• Charged-up Carbs march 11, april 22
• Filling Fats march 25
Sign up for the whole series, and receive a 10%
discount on all three classes!
Cold-Weather Soups and Stews • $50
lincoln square february 10, 28
Take the chill out of the air with these hearty, soulsatisfying recipes. Tortilla Soup; Cioppino with Mussels
and Clams; Beef Daube (Beef Braised with Red Wine,
Mushrooms and Tomatoes); Curried Sweet Potato
Chowder. Skills Covered in Class Include: Working
with Spices and Aromatics; Selecting and Cooking
Shellfish; Selecting and Braising Beef; Determining
Meat Doneness; Working with Sweet Potatoes; Making
Pureed Soup and Chowder; Balancing Flavors.
Food and Wine of Argentina • $60
lincoln square february 2, 20
demonstration classes
Squash Risotto; Honey-Roasted Pears with Gelato and
Toasted Hazelnuts. Skills Covered in Class Include:
Preparing Pâte à Choux Dough; Selecting and Sautéing
Chicken; Making Pan Sauce; Working with Arborio
Rice; Cutting Butternut Squash; Selecting and Roasting
Pears. During class students will sample all the dishes
prepared by the chef.
Seal the Deal • $60
lincoln square february 5
Practice makes perfect. Don’t stress about cooking
for your Valentine! Surprise them with a sexy dinner
cooked with love by YOU! We will show you how to
cook everything step-by-step, so you will be a pro on
the big day. Shrimp Scampi; Grilled Radicchio with
Balsamic Glaze; Beef Tenderloin with Herb Roasted
Potatoes and Red Wine Reduction; Flourless Chocolate
Cake with Bourbon Caramel Sauce. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Selecting Shrimp, Beef, Potatoes and
Chocolate; Determining Shellfish and Meat Doneness;
Grilling Chicory; Balancing Flavors; Making Pan Sauce;
Whipping Egg Whites; Caramelizing Sugar.
VALENTINE’S DAY
AT THE CHOPPING BLOCK!
We know the way to your
hearts. Nothing starts
a perfect night like
a sumptuous dinner.
Bring the object of your
affection, and we will treat
the two of you to a fun,
romantic and delicious evening.
Romantic Valentine’s Dinner • $95
lincoln square february 13, 14
merchandise mart february 13, 14
d Treat yourselves to a lavish meal complete with
cooking lesson! A complimentary glass of bubbly
is included.
Tuscan Kale Salad with Pancetta, Pecorino and
Walnuts
Sautéed Shrimp with Artichoke-Mushroom Ragout
and Salsa Verde
Horseradish and Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs with
Saffron-Infused Polenta and Gremolata
Torta Caprese (Dark Chocolate Flourless
Cake with Almonds)
Hands-On Valentine’s Feast • $125
Learn how to prepare traditional South American
dishes, while sampling Argentine wines full of New
World character. You will enjoy a complimentary glass
of bubbly, and a tasting pour of each wine pairing
while you sample the dishes prepared by the chef.
Empanadas with Ground Chicken, Olives and Raisins;
Grilled Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce; Cumin-Spiced
Potatoes; Arroz con Leche (Spiced Rice Pudding).
Featured Wines: La Posta Cocina Tinto, 2011, Mendoza,
Argentina. Skills Covered in Class Include: Working
with Puff Pastry; Selecting Beef and Ground Meat;
Making Meat Filings; Grilling Beef; Determining Meat
Doneness; Preparing Herb Sauces; Selecting Potatoes;
Working with Spices; Steaming Rice.
lincoln square february 13, 14, 15
merchandise mart february 13, 14
Girls’ Night: Everything a Girl Should Know • $50
For more romantic cooking ideas for you and
your date, look for the “” on the classes
above and below.
lincoln square february 18
Ladies, bring a friend and learn some solid cooking
basics while you relax with a glass of wine. Cheddar
and Bacon Gougères; Chicken Marsala; Butternut
h Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant multicourse meal that you cook together, for each other.
A complimentary glass of bubbly is included.
Watercress Salad with Chickpeas, Pomegranate
Seeds and Feta Vinaigrette
Sautéed Scallops with Golden Beets, Oranges,
Pine Nuts and Harissa
Chicken Tagine with Couscous and
Roasted Red Pepper Relish with Mint
Chocolate Pistachio Tart
[note: prices listed are per person]
february 2015 classes
demonstration classes
Sugar Buzz • $40
lincoln square february 14
You’ll be like a kid in a candy store once you learn how
to make these ooey-gooey, sweet and chewy treats
from scratch. Chocolate Truffles; Raspberry Pâte de
Fruit (Fruit Jellies); Coffee-Flavored Marshmallows;
Chocolate-Covered Hazelnut Dragées. Skills Covered
in Class Include: Selecting and Working with Chocolate;
Making Ganache; Working with Gelatin; Whipping
Egg Whites; Cooking Sugar for Candy; Selecting and
Toasting Nuts. v
Warming Winter Dinner Party • $60
lincoln square february 19
Take the chill out of the air with these wintry delights.
This class includes a full meal, so come hungry!
Caramelized Parsnip Bisque; Apple Cider-Glazed Pork
Chops; Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Maple Mustard
Glaze; Horseradish Whipped Potatoes; Sticky Toffee
Pudding. Skills Covered in Class Include: Working
with Root Vegetables; Preparing Soup; Selecting and
Sautéing Pork; Determining Meat Doneness; Sautéing
Green Vegetables; Selecting Potatoes; Making Cake
Batter; Determining Cake Doneness; Whipping Cream.
hands-on classes
h
In hands-on classes, you participate
in each step of the cooking so you can
re-create the experience at home. Our
professional chef-instructor will discuss the ins
and outs of each recipe, give you valuable tips,
and coach you as you work in groups to prepare
the dishes. You’ll sit down at the end of class to
feast upon the fruits of your labor.
v = vegetarian menu
Celebrating Julia Child • $80
lincoln square february 2, 15
merchandise mart february 28
Julia Child revolutionized American cuisine by
presenting an approachable version of sophisticated
French cooking techniques. Join us as we pay tribute
to this Master Chef and prepare dishes inspired
by her most famous book, Mastering the Art of
French Cooking. Crème de Champignons (Cream of
Mushroom Soup) with Herbs de Provence Croutons;
Coq au Vin (Chicken Braised in Red Wine with Bacon,
Pearl Onions and Mushrooms); Scalloped Potatoes;
Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Preparing Cream Soups; Balancing
Flavors; Selecting Mushrooms; Making Roux; Selecting
Chicken, Potatoes and Chocolate; Braising Chicken;
Whipping Egg Whites and Heavy Cream.
Chicken 101 • $80
lincoln square february 10
merchandise mart february 18
New ideas for cooking this versatile bird! We’ll show
you three delicious techniques for cooking chicken
perfectly. Orange and Soy-Glazed Chicken with
Gingery Grilled Pineapple; Arabian Spiced Chicken and
Rice with Yogurt Sauce; Ancho Chile Roasted Whole
Chicken with Winter Squash-Hominy Hash. Skills
Covered in Class Include: Selecting Chicken; Grilling,
Braising and Roasting Chicken; Preparing Glazes;
Working with Spices and Winter Squash; Steaming Rice;
Grilling Fruit; Determining Meat Doneness.
hands-on classes
Chinese New Year Feast • $80
lincoln square february 19, 28
merchandise mart february 21
Celebrate the Year of the sheep by enjoying some
traditional Chinese favorites. Shrimp and Ginger
Wonton Soup with Watercress; Beef Chow Fun with
Black Bean Sauce; Chicken with Walnuts; Stir-Fried
Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce. Skills Covered in Class
Include: Getting Familiar with Asian Ingredients;
Selecting Shrimp, Beef and Chicken; Preparing
Seafood Fillings; Working with Wonton Wrappers
and Asian Noodles; Balancing Flavors; Stir-Frying;
Preparing and Using Marinades.
Couples Cooking: Under the Tuscan Moon • $80
lincoln square february 12, 28
merchandise mart february 7, 15, 27
Let the cuisine and wine of Tuscany bring warmth and
light to your table. Ribollita (Rustic Bean and Vegetable
Soup); Chicken Marsala with Parmesan Polenta; OvenRoasted Broccolini; Semolina and Olive Oil Cake.
Skills Covered in Class Include: Selecting Chicken and
Potatoes; Working with Dark Leafy Greens, Cornmeal
and Semolina; Balancing Flavors; Sautéing Mushrooms;
Making Pan Sauce; Roasting Vegetables; Mixing Cake
Batter; Determining Cake Doneness.
Cozy New England Supper • $80
merchandise mart february 2, 21
Enjoy an evening out, cooking and feasting upon these
winter delicacies. Mixed Green and Dried Cherry Salad
with Maple Dressing; Crispy Sautéed Pork Medallions;
Risotto with Chives and Aged Cheddar; Individual
Maple Apple Crisps. Skills Covered in Class Include:
Balancing Flavors; Selecting and Pan-Frying Pork;
Choosing Potatoes; Working with Arborio Rice; Fruit
Fillings; Making Streusel Toppings.
8Croissant and Danish Boot Camp • $300
merchandise mart february 26-27
Learn the techniques and professional tips for
making outrageously flaky, buttery layered doughs.
We will teach you the versatile nature of these
sweet and savory delights. Day One: Make Danish,
croissant and puff pastry doughs from scratch.
Prepare sweet and savory fillings to be used on day
two. Day Two: Shape, proof, fill and bake the doughs.
Puff Pastry: Beef Wellington and Brie en Croute.
Danish Dough: Cream Cheese, Custard, and Apricot
Filled Danish Pastries. Croissant Dough: Classic
Croissants and Pain au Chocolat.
Culinary Adventure: A Trip to Brazil • $80
merchandise mart february 19, 28
Aahh... Learn about the cuisine of Brazil, and be
transported to the beaches of Rio! Hearts of Palm,
Crab and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette;
Feijoada (Brazil’s National Dish: Black Bean and Pork
Stew); Brazilian Rice; Coconut Flan. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Getting Familiar with South American
Ingredients; Selecting Crab; Cutting Avocado;
Preparing Vinaigrette; Balancing Flavors; Selecting and
Braising Pork and Beef; Steaming Rice; Caramelizing
Sugar; Making and Baking Custard.
Culinary Boot Camp 1 • $1750
merchandise mart february 16-20
Have you always wondered what it would be like to
go to culinary school? Culinary Boot Camp provides
thorough, concise cram sessions that give you a
taste of a professional culinary program without the
lengthy time commitment. Boot Camp explores all
the fundamental methods of cooking, from basics to
advanced techniques. This is a great opportunity to
improve upon your skills with a trained, professional
chef at your disposal. On the last day, you’ll bring
hands-on classes
everything together to plan and produce a menu with
your classmates that incorporates all the skills you’ve
learned throughout the week.
Day 1: Knife Skills, Fish Butchery, Emulsions and
Fish Cookery; Day 2: Chicken and Beef Butchery,
Stocks and Meat Cookery; Day 3: Soups and Sauces;
Day 4: Eggs, Vegetables and Grains; Day 5: Flavor
Dynamics, Plating, and Honing Your Skills.
Cupcake Boot Camp • $90
merchandise mart february 15
Have your cake and eat it, too! Make several varieties
of delicious cupcakes, and bring them home to impress
your friends and family. We will teach you fun, easy
ways to decorate them, too. Lunch will be served
during class. Boston Cream Cupcakes with Chocolate
Ganache and Vanilla Pastry Cream Filling; Chocolate
Stout Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Frosting; Ginger
Lime Cupcakes with Seven-Minute Frosting; Carrot
Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Skills Covered
in Class Include: Understanding Baking Ingredients;
Mixing Batters; Cake Doneness; Making Custard;
Whipping Egg Whites and Cream; Working with
Chocolate; Spreading and Piping Frostings.
Date Night: Your Place or Mine? • $80
lincoln square february 6, 21
merchandise mart february 12, 20
Learn how to make these easy-to-execute recipes
that will leave time for what’s really important. Mixed
Green, Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Salad with
Toasted Walnuts and Apple Cider Vinaigrette; Roasted
Pork Tenderloin with Dried Fruit and Port Wine
Reduction; Crispy Smashed Potatoes; Dark Chocolate
Soufflé. Skills Covered in Class Include: Roasting Fruit;
Making Vinaigrette; Balancing Flavors; Selecting and
Roasting Pork; Determining Meat Doneness; Making
Pan Sauce; Reductions; Selecting Potatoes and
Chocolate; Whipping Egg Whites.
Death by Chocolate • $75
lincoln square february 8
merchandise mart february 14
Lose control with these insanely decadent chocolate
masterpieces. Chocolate Whoopie Pies with
Marshmallow Filling; Chocolate Pecan Bars; Chocolate
Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting; Chocolate
Toffee Cookies. Skills Covered in Class Include: Making
Batters and Doughs; Determining Cake and Cookie
Doneness; Using a Piping Bag.
Dim Sum Favorites • $80
merchandise mart february 22
Have fun preparing and enjoying some traditional dim
sum favorites. Shrimp Toast with Sweet Chili Dipping
Sauce; Chicken Bao (Chicken-Filled Buns); Vegetable
Pot Stickers with Soy Dipping Sauce; Five-Spice Spare
Ribs with Hoisin Glaze. Skills Covered in Class Include:
Shrimp Fillings; Preparing Yeast Dough; Steaming;
Deep-Frying; Working with Dried Mushrooms and
Dumpling Wrappers; Making Asian Sauces.
Donut Boot Camp • $90
merchandise mart february 1
Who doesn’t love fried dough? We’ll make both
cake-style and raised-style doughs, and show you how
to fry, glaze, dip and fill them to perfection. You’ll go
home with a boxful of your very own fresh creations!
Lunch will be served, and fresh coffee will be flowing.
Mini Pumpkin Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar;
Maple and Bacon-Glazed Long Johns; Chocolate
Cake Donuts with Dulce de Leche Glaze and Coconut
Flakes; Bavarian Donuts (Custard-Filled Yeast-Raised
with Chocolate Glaze). Skills Covered in Class Include:
Making Sweet Batter; Preparing Yeast Dough; Rolling
and Cutting Dough; Deep-Frying; Making Sweet
Custard; Preparing Glazes.
prices are per person. 1-week notice required to cancel enrollment in any class. all classes subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
the chopping block • lincoln square 4747 n. lincoln, chicago 60625 telephone (773) 472-6700 fax (773) 275-4150
the chopping block • merchandise mart suite 107, chicago 60654 telephone (312) 644-6360 fax (312) 644-6367
www.thechoppingblock.com
february 2015 classes
hands-on classes
Family Night: Chinatown • $75 per adult
lincoln square february 22
Bring the whole gang and join us for family classes at
Lincoln Square! Everyone cooks and eats together, and
one child is free with each adult ($20 per additional
child.) Crispy Vegetable Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili
Dipping Sauce; Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry with
Steamed Rice; Almond Cookies. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Getting Familiar with Asian Ingredients;
Making Asian Sauces; Working with Egg Roll Wrappers;
Deep-Frying; Selecting and Stir-Frying Chicken;
Steaming Rice; Preparing Cookie Dough.
Fresh Start • $75
lincoln square february 7
merchandise mart february 16, 21
The New Year brings opportunities for a better you,
and to embrace the chance to reinvent how you
cook. Learn how to make easy-to-execute, healthy
entrees that you can feel good about eating. MisoGinger Poached Halibut with Leeks, Spinach and Soba
Noodles; Minestrone with Farro, Chickpeas and Kale;
Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Carrot Slaw and Mint
Yogurt Sauce. Skills Covered in Class Include: Selecting
and Poaching Fish; Working with Miso Paste and Soba
Noodles; Preparing Soup; Using Dark Leafy Greens;
Cooking Grains; Selecting Ground Chicken; Working
with Spices; Grilling Ground Meat; Determining Meat
Doneness; Preparing Yogurt Sauces.
From Beer to Eternity • $80
merchandise mart february 27
Be amazed as you experience the layers and nuances
that beer can add to your cooking! Beer-Battered
Portobello Mushrooms with Chipotle Aioli; BeerMarinated Grilled Flank Steak; Beer and Cheese
Macaroni Gratin; Chocolate and Stout Pots de Crème.
Skills Covered in Class Include: Using Beer in Recipes;
Deep-Frying; Cold Emulsion Sauces; Selecting and
Grilling Beef; Making Béchamel; Baking Custards.
German Comfort Food • $80
lincoln square february 26
Take a trip to Germany with Chopping Block chef
Hans Mooser, and learn traditional German cooking
techniques and authentic recipes. Chef Hans will
teach you how to create these beloved dishes from his
hometown in Bavaria. German Rouladen (Rolled Flank
Steak); Braised Red Cabbage; Schupfnudeln (Potato
Noodles); Kaiserschmarrn Dessert (Sweet Austrian RumRaisin Pancake). Skills Covered in Class Include: Getting
Familiar with German Ingredients and Techniques;
Selecting and Braising Beef; How to Prepare a Roulade;
Balancing Flavors; Selecting Potatoes; Making Potato
Dough; Preparing Batter; Griddling.
Gluten-Free Gourmet • $75
lincoln square february 4
merchandise mart february 23
Bring the fun back into your food with these gluten-free
goodies. Caesar Salad with Herb Croutons; Deep-Dish
Pizza with Bacon, Spinach and Mushrooms; Tiramisu.
Skills Covered in Class Include: Preparing Vinaigrette;
Balancing Flavors; Working with Herbs; Preparing
Gluten-Free Dough and Batter; Working with GlutenFree Flours; Making Pizza Sauce; Whipping Cream.
How to Bake Bread • $65
merchandise mart february 28
Learn the basics of working with yeast doughs and
the art of properly shaping them. Potato Rosemary
Focaccia; Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting;
Mini Whole Wheat Baguettes. Skills Covered in Class
Include: Mixing Yeast Dough; Understanding Ingredient
Functions; Using Different Flours; Kneading; Shaping
Dough; Successful Proofing; How to Know When Bread
is Done.
Indian Vegetarian • $80
lincoln square february 3, 24
The fortunes of the spice merchants can’t hold a candle
to the wealth of Indian recipes you will cook in this
hands-on classes
hands-on classes
class. Nargisi Kofta (Vegetable Dumplings Simmered
in Curry); Eggplant Bharta; Raita; Baked Naan. Skills
Covered in Class Include: Getting Familiar with Indian
Ingredients; Selecting Vegetables; Working with Spices
and Herbs; Steaming and Roasting Vegetables; DeepFrying; Making Bread Dough; Shaping and Baking
Flatbread; Balancing Flavors. v
Remoulade; Red Beans and Rice; Bananas Foster
Bread Pudding. Skills Covered in Class Include: Getting
Familiar with Cajun and Creole Ingredients and
Techniques; Working with Andouille Sausage; Selecting
and Blackening Fish; Making Cold Emulsions; Steaming
Rice; Making and Baking Custard.
Knife Skills • $40
lincoln square february 8, 27
lincoln square february 3, 17, 23
merchandise mart february 7, 8, 16, 21, 28
Our most popular class! A hands-on chopping
session where you learn how to mince, slice and dice
vegetables and herbs. Knife care, sharpening and
honing, and selection and manufacturing are also
covered. v
8Knife Skills PLUS • $75
lincoln square february 1, 7
merchandise mart february 24
In this technique-focused class, you’ll learn how
to successfully clean and properly cut challenging
fruits and vegetables that you might otherwise
shy away from, including: pineapple, butternut
squash, tomatoes, leeks, mangoes, oranges and
avocadoes. When your knife work is through, we’ll
cook and devour these dishes using your handiwork.
Pineapple, Mango and Tomato Salsa with Tortilla
Chips; Arugula, Avocado and Orange Salad with
Pistachio Vinaigrette; Fregola Pasta with Caramelized
Butternut Squash, Apples and Walnuts. Skills
Covered in Class Include: Using a Knife; Working
with Hard-to-Cut Produce; Selecting Produce;
Balancing Flavors; Making Vinaigrette; Caramelizing
Vegetables. NOTE: This class is a great add-on
to our Knife Skills class, but Knife Skills is not a
prerequisite for Knife Skills PLUS.
Latin Lovers • $80
merchandise mart february 14
A sumptuous Mexican feast! Shrimp Cocktail with
Avocado Crema; Jicama and Orange Salad; Chicken
Braised in Molé Sauce; Steamed Rice; Dulce de Leche
Flan. Skills Covered in Class Include: Getting Familiar
with Mexican Ingredients; Selecting Shrimp, Chicken
and Avocados; Balancing Flavors; Working with Chilies
and Spices; Determining Meat Doneness; Caramelizing
Sugar; Making and Baking Custard.
Macaron Workshop • $65
merchandise mart february 7
French macarons take a bit of finesse to get that…
je ne sais quoi. Our expert pastry chef will guide you
through every step of the technique as you learn
and practice how to make three different, delicious
varieties. You will go home with a box of your beautiful
masterpieces! Chocolate Macarons with Raspberry
Jam; Toasted Coconut Crunch Macarons with Caramel
Filling; Lemon Macarons with White-Chocolate
Lemon Ganache. Skills Covered in Class Include: Basic
Baking Techniques; Working with Nut Flours; Selecting
Chocolate; Whipping Egg Whites; Using a Piping Bag;
Caramelizing Sugar; Making Ganache. v
Mambo Italiano • $80
lincoln square february 1, 14
merchandise mart february 4, 25
Authentic Italian cooking. Mamma mia! Vegetarianfriendly menu! Arugula and Pine Nut Salad with Lemon
Vinaigrette; Porcini Mushroom and Herb Risotto;
Eggplant Parmesan; Fresh Ricotta and Chocolate
Filled Cannoli. Skills Covered in Class Include: Making
Vinaigrette; Balancing Flavors; Working with Dried
Mushrooms and Arborio Rice; Selecting and Sautéing
Eggplant; Making Béchamel. v
Mardi Gras Party! • $80
lincoln square february 17
merchandise mart february 22, 28
Celebrate Mardi Gras, and create some kickin’
Cajun Creole specialties! Cajun in a Blanket with
Spicy Mustard Dipping Sauce; Blackened Fish with
Marrakesh Express • $80
Create traditional Moroccan food, and rock the
Casbah! Marrakesh Pizza with Chickpeas and Cilantro;
Grilled Chicken Tagine with Roasted Red Peppers
and Kalamata Olives; Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and
Fingerling Potatoes with Mint Yogurt Sauce; Honey and
Almond Shortbread with Citrus. Skills Covered in Class
Include: Getting Familiar with Moroccan Ingredients;
Working with Spices; Rolling and Shaping Pizza Dough;
Selecting and Grilling Chicken; Determining Meat
Doneness; Selecting Potatoes; Making Yogurt Sauces;
Preparing Shortbread Dough.
Meat 101 • $85
lincoln square february 18
merchandise mart february 1, 24
Fear not - you can master cooking meat to perfection.
We’ll teach you how to select meat and handle it
properly for delicious results. Spicy Soy-Glazed Short
Ribs with Jasmine Rice; Pork Milanese with Warm KalePotato Salad; Roasted Rack of Lamb with PomegranateFennel Glaze. Skills Covered in Class Include: Selecting
Beef, Pork and Lamb; Braising Beef; Getting Familiar
with Asian Ingredients; Steaming Rice; Pan-Frying Pork;
Working with Dark Leafy Greens; Selecting Potatoes;
Roasting Lamb; Determining Meat Doneness; Working
with Spices.
Meat Butchery • $150
merchandise mart february 28
Are you ready to take your knife skills to the next
level? We’ll teach you essential butchery techniques
so you can tackle meat preparation like the pros. You’ll
then use your handiwork to prepare three delicious
dishes. Techniques: Breaking Down and Deboning
Chicken; Boning and Filleting a Whole Fish; Cleaning,
Butterflying, Stuffing and Tying Pork Tenderloin. Recipes
to be Prepared: Pan-Roasted Chicken with Honey and
Almonds; Baked Fish en Papillote; Pork Tenderloin
Stuffed with Roasted Red Peppers, Olives and Spinach.
Mediterranean Sojourn • $80
merchandise mart february 2, 11
Let’s travel to a land of bold, fresh and zippy flavors.
Hummus with Spicy Pita Chips; Couscous Salad with
Grilled Zucchini, Roasted Red Pepper and Artichokes;
Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Tzatziki Sauce; Orange
and Clove-Scented Phyllo Cake. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Preparing Bean Dips; Selecting Chicken;
Balancing Flavors; Getting Familiar with Mediterranean
Flavors; Grilling Chicken and Vegetables; Cooking
Couscous; Roasting Peppers; Working with Spices;
Making Yogurt Sauces; Working with Phyllo Dough,
Determining Cake Doneness.
8Mix and Mingle Appetizer Party • $50
merchandise mart february 23
Try something new for after-work fun. Step into the
kitchen with our chefs! Get a drink from our wine
and beer bar, and chat with other guests while we
cook up some tempting hors d’oeuvres together.
Queso Fundido with Mushrooms and Roasted
Poblano Peppers; Beef Empanadas; Butternut Squash
and Rosemary Flatbread with Goat Cheese; Thai
Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce.
Skills Covered in Class Include: Roasting Peppers;
Preparing Meat Filling; Working with Puff Pastry;
Working with Yeast Dough; Sautéing Squash;
Selecting and Grilling Shrimp; Getting Familiar with
Thai Ingredients; Preparing Peanut Sauce.
Drinks are not included in the price of class.
february 2015 classes
hands-on classes
Pasta Workshop • $80
lincoln square february 11, 22
merchandise mart february 7
Learn how to make fresh pasta dough from scratch
and create noodles of all shapes and sizes. You’ll also
discover how to prepare simple, seasonal sauces to
accompany your pasta. Herb Fettuccine with Three
Cheese Sauce; Ricotta and Spinach-Filled Manicotti
with Tomato Sauce; Pappardelle alla Bolognese. Skills
Covered in Class Include: Making Fresh Pasta Dough;
Using a Pasta Roller; Assembling Manicotti; Making
Tomato and Cheese Sauces; Selecting Ground Meat;
Preparing Cheese Fillings.
Pie and Tart Boot Camp • $90
merchandise mart february 21
Making pies isn’t as hard as you might think! Get tips
from a pro on how to make tender, flaky crusts, wrap
them around sweet and savory fillings, and bake them
to golden perfection. Perfect Pie Dough; Chicken Pot
Pie; Banana Cream Pie; Mini Chocolate-Pecan Pies;
Apple Ginger Galette. Skills Covered in Class Include:
Making and Rolling Pie Dough; Preparing Velouté
Selecting and Poaching Chicken; Making Custard;
Selecting Chocolate and Apples.
8Ramen Workshop • $75
lincoln square february 21, 25
merchandise mart february 8, 17
No crunchy noodles and flavor packets here! Learn
the art of making ramen noodles from scratch, and
how to prepare delicious recipes featuring Japan’s
most ubiquitous noodle. Homemade Ramen Noodles;
Ramen Noodles in Miso-Soy Broth with, Carrots, Bok
Choy and Egg; Beef, Broccoli and Ramen Noodle
Stir-Fry. Skills Covered in Class Include: Making
Fresh Ramen Noodles; Using a Pasta Roller; Getting
Familiar with Asian Ingredients; Working with Miso
Paste; Poaching Vegetables and Eggs; Selecting and
Stir-Frying Beef.
Sauce Odyssey • $80
lincoln square february 4
merchandise mart february 22
Join us for the evening and master the time-honored
techniques of classic sauce-making. Dried Fruit
and Port Reduction with Sautéed Pork Medallions;
Cheddary Béchamel with Baked Penne; Easier-thanEver Béarnaise Sauce with Oven-Poached Salmon;
Romesco Sauce with Oven-Roasted Potatoes. Skills
Covered in Class Include: Preparing Reductions; Using
Roux As a Thickening Agent; Preparing Hot Emulsions;
Balancing Flavors; Roasting Peppers; Poaching Fish;
Sautéing Pork.
Seafood 101 • $85
lincoln square february 23
merchandise mart february 3
We’ll teach you the tricks of the trade when purchasing
seafood and how to handle it once you get it home for
perfectly prepared fish every time. Mustard-Glazed
Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Steamed Quinoa;
Shrimp Tagine with Olives and Roasted Peppers;
Sautéed Bass with Golden Beet-Orange Salad and
Harissa Aioli. Skills Covered in Class Include: Selecting
Fish and Shellfish; Broiling, Braising and Sautéing
Fish; Steaming Quinoa; Sautéing Dark Leafy Greens;
Working with Spices; Roasting Beets; Balancing Flavors;
Making Aioli.
Simple French Food • $80
lincoln square february 16, 28
merchandise mart february 6, 14
Preparing French food does not need to be
complicated! Join us as we teach you how to make
beautiful and elegant food, keeping “less is more” in
mind. Frisée, Hazelnut and Goat Cheese Salad with
hands-on classes
Dijon Vinaigrette; Sea Bass en Papillote with Leeks and
Herbed Compound Butter; Endive and Fennel Gratin;
Fig and Thyme Bread Pudding. Skills Covered in Class
Include: Making Vinaigrette; Selecting and Baking Fish;
Preparing Compound Butter; Working with Endive and
Fennel; Making and Baking Custard.
Steakhouse D.I.Y. • $80
lincoln square february 5, 20
merchandise mart february 6, 21
Why go out when you can learn how to prepare these
steakhouse classics at home? Caesar Salad; Grilled
Strip Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter; Twice-Baked
Potatoes; Oven-Roasted Broccoli; Molten Lava Cakes.
Skills Covered in Class Include: Preparing Vinaigrette;
Making Croutons; Selecting and Grilling Steaks;
Determining Meat Doneness; Preparing Compound
Butter; Roasting Vegetables; Baking and Filling
Potatoes; Preparing Fruit Fillings; Selecting Chocolate;
Making Cake Batter.
Street Food • $80
lincoln square february 8
merchandise mart february 5, 26
Have you ever wanted to eat your way around the
world like Anthony Bourdain? Here’s your chance!
Get on board and we’ll take you for a wild culinary
ride. Cuban Sandwiches; Lumpia (Crispy Pork-Filled
Egg Rolls); Beer-Battered Fish Tacos with Chipotle
Mayonnaise; Beef Kofta Kababs (Grilled Ground Beef
Skewers) with Dill Yogurt Sauce. Skills Covered in Class
Include: Getting Familiar with Mexican, Filipino and
Middle Eastern Ingredients; Selecting Fish, Ground
Beef and Ground Pork; Making Beer Batters; DeepFrying; Working with Spices and Herbs; Determining
Meat Doneness; Balancing Flavors; Grilling and
Griddling.
Sushi Workshop • $85
lincoln square february 6, 21
merchandise mart february 7, 27
Be your own sushi master! With a little practice and our
chef’s helpful hints, you will learn how easy it really is to
make sushi in your own kitchen. Maki Rolls; Inside-Out
Rolls; Spicy Tuna Rolls; Shrimp Tempura; Salmon and
Eel Nigiri. Skills Covered in Class Include: Preparing
and Seasoning Sushi Rice; Purchasing and Handling
Sushi-Grade Fish; Using a Bamboo Rolling Mat; Getting
Familiar with Japanese Ingredients; Deep-Frying.
Get equipped to put your new sushi skills into action!
We’re offering a set of useful tools and ingredients
at a discount. For details see our calendar at www.
thechoppingblock.net.
Taste of Thailand • $80
lincoln square february 1
merchandise mart february 16
Come experience the intoxicating flavors of Thai
cuisine. Green Papaya, Carrot and Peanut Salad with
Cilantro Vinaigrette; Thai Pork Egg Rolls; Seafood
Panang Curry; Pad See Eiw with Tofu. Skills Covered in
Class Include: Getting Familiar with Thai Ingredients;
Balancing Sweet, Salty, Sour and Spicy; Working
with Rice Noodles and Egg Roll Wrappers; Selecting
Seafood and Pork; Stir-Frying; Preparing Thai Sauces.
hands-on classes
Wine and Dine • $85
lincoln square february 7, 27
merchandise mart february 15, 20
Cook together and have a blast learning fresh new
ways to make dinner fun! Spinach Salad with Dried
Cranberries and Candied Pecans; Sautéed Beef
Tenderloin with Crumbled Blue Cheese and Red Wine
Reduction; Smashed Potatoes; Chocolate Whoopie
Pies with Marshmallow Filling. Skills Covered in Class
Include: Preparing Vinaigrette; Making Candied
Nuts; Selecting and Roasting Beef; Determining Meat
Doneness; Making Pan Sauce; Selecting Potatoes;
Preparing Cake Batter; Determining Cake Doneness.
kids’ and teens’
k classes
this month
Tater Tots ages 3-6
lincoln square, 10-11am • $20
Bada Bing sunday, february 22
Pasta with Marinara Sauce; Cheesy Garlic Bread.
Kids’ Cooking Classes ages 7-11
lincoln square, saturdays 3-4:15pm • $30
After-School Snacks february 7
Homemade Granola and Yogurt Parfaits; Tortilla
Pizzas with Black Beans, Cheese and Salsa.
Valentine Treats february 14
Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting;
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.
Sushi february 21
Sushi Rice; California Rolls and More.
Go Bananas february 28
Banana Muffins; Caramel-Banana Hand Pies; Banana
Smoothies.
Teens’ Cooking Classes ages 12-16
lincoln square, sundays 2:30-3:45pm • $35
When in Rome february 1
Chicken Saltimbocca (Sauteed Chicken Breast with
Prosciutto and Cheese); Risotto.
Valentine Sweets february 15
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting;
Chocolate Truffles.
Chinese New Year february 22
Shrimp Pot Stickers; Moo Shu Pork.
Kids of all ages are invited to cook with their
parents at our Family Night classes.
Teens are welcome to attend adult cooking
classes when accompanied by an adult.
Vegan Voyage • $75
merchandise mart february 7
From light and elegant to decadently delicious,
let’s explore the world of vegan cooking. Spinach
Artichoke Dip; Spicy Chickpea, Tomato and Chard
Soup; Mushroom and Broccoli Alfredo; Chocolate
Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Frosting. Skills Covered
in Class Include: Working with Tofu, Legumes and Dark
Leafy Greens; Balancing Flavors; Preparing a Vegan
White Sauce; Making Cake Batter; Determining Cake
Doneness; Getting Familiar with Vegan Substitutes. v
Easy online enrollment!
www.thechoppingblock.com
Please call ahead if you have dietary restrictions.
We will do our best to accommodate you.
prices are per person. 1-week notice required to cancel enrollment in any class. all classes subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
the chopping block • lincoln square 4747 n. lincoln, chicago 60625 telephone (773) 472-6700 fax (773) 275-4150
the chopping block • merchandise mart suite 107, chicago 60654 telephone (312) 644-6360 fax (312) 644-6367
www.thechoppingblock.com