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Article: Italian Dinner Class

Italian Dinner Class

Cooking Class Menu & Recipes

(Italian-Inspired Edition)


Starter: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 10 min (for balsamic reduction) | Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a thicker reduction)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Balsamic Reduction:
    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer balsamic vinegar (with honey if using) until it thickens and reduces by half (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Assemble the Salad:
    • Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate in alternating layers.
  3. Drizzle & Serve:
    • Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Main Dish: Chicken Piccata with Lemon-Caper Sauce

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally into cutlets)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
    • Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
    • Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
    • Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Finish the Dish:
    • Return chicken to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning sauce over the top.
    • Stir in the remaining butter and garnish with parsley before serving.

Side: Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 5 min | Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 10 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Spinach:
    • Add spinach in batches, stirring frequently until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
    • Season with salt and black pepper. Serve warm.

Dessert: Quick Stovetop Tiramisu

Prep Time: 15 min | Chill Time: 30 min (in freezer) | Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cream Mixture:
    • In a bowl, whisk together mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Soak the Ladyfingers:
    • In a shallow dish, mix coffee and coffee liqueur.
    • Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (do not oversoak).
  3. Layer the Tiramisu:
    • In small serving cups, alternate layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
    • Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder.
  4. Chill & Serve:
    • Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to set.

Timing Guide for Class

Total Time: 90 min

  1. Start balsamic reduction (0-10 min) – Let it simmer while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Prep chicken & chop ingredients (10-20 min)
  3. Make Caprese Salad (20-30 min) – Keep it chilled until serving.
  4. Sear chicken & start piccata sauce (30-50 min)
  5. Make tiramisu & place in freezer (50-65 min)
  6. Sauté spinach (65-75 min)
  7. Plate & serve (75-90 min)

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