Casa Belvedere “In Cucina” Culinary Classes

Winter/Spring 2012 Session begins March 9th

Casa Belvedere offers Italian Culinary Classes! Casa Belvedere’s “In Cucina” Culinary Program is a hands–on series designed to be both an educational and a fun experience. Classes are conducted in an intimate setting (not to exceed ten students) and are geared for anyone who wants to cook – from the novice to the more experienced home chef. Held in the Casa Belvedere mansion, participants will expand their skills, learn new techniques and gain confidence in the kitchen. Classes will be held on Fridays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.Cooking lessons will be hands on with the students as they will interact with the Instructor and learn the different techniques on how to prepare homemade ravioli, pizza, sauces, risotto, Easter dishes, “secondi” and “antipasti”. The “In Cucina” program is a 6 class course that students can buy as a whole or as an individual class. A discount will be given to the students who purchase the entire program. Consider signing up with a friend or family member and take part and share in the fun and learning together. Each student receives a Free Apron!

Message from Chef-Instructor, Carole Gervasi -
“Cooking is my passion and something that I’ve grown up doing. From preparing Sunday dinner with my mom, to working in my family’s restaurant on Long Island since the age of 11, there’s nothing like watching people enjoy a delicious dish that you’ve created. Through the years, my passion and desire to cook grew and today, I’m able to translate this passion into this series of cooking classes that will be offered at Casa Belvedere. My mission is simple: inspire people to cook simple yet delicious meals so that they may bring their family and friends together. I’m really excited to be a part of Casa Belvedere’s Culinary Program.”

Program Description

Fresh Ravioli
Starting only from a mound of flour and eggs, Chef Carole will guide you through the art of making Fresh Ravioli – teaching you how to make the perfect dough. You will shape it, fill it with traditional ricotta or gorgonzola and walnut stuffing and cook it to perfection.

Sauces
Enjoy making different sauces to complement your favorite pasta dish – Puttanesca, Carbonara, Ragu and Alfredo on March 23rd and Pesto, Primavera, Alfredo and Carbonara on May 18.

Risotto
Making a good risotto is like riding a bicycle: It takes a little bit of practice to begin with, and a certain amount of concentration thereafter. Arborio, Vialone, Nano, and Carnaroli are among the best rice grains to make perfect Risotti with mushrooms and asparagus.

Easter Specials
Chef Carole will guide you through the preparation of traditional Italian dishes tocelebrate Easter with family and friends with Pizza Rustica, Manicotti and Spaghetti Pie.

Pizza
Thin and crusty or thick and moist: learn how to make your favorite pizza. Choose your style, add a traditional topping or create your own and savor your perfect, fresh out-of–the oven Pizza.

Antipasti
Chef Carole will guide you through the secrets of preparing fresh mozzarella so that you can really surprise your guests. And add some delicious arancini (rice balls) or eggplant caponata – the perfect Antipasto before the main meal.

Secondi
A true Italian dinner is not complete without a ‘Secondo’ or second course. Impress your guests now that you have learned the steps to prepare chicken three ways: Piccata, Marsala and Francese.

Schedule and Pricing:
Classes meet on Fridays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Pricing: $75 per class or $400 for all Six classes