Some recipes earn a permanent spot in your cooking rotation after just one bite. Korean Bulgogi is one of those dishes. At Cooking Skills & Social in Itasca, IL, we're always searching for recipes that deliver big flavor without requiring a professional kitchen. Bulgogi checks every box. It's sweet, savory, slightly spicy, and packed with layers of flavor that come from a simple marinade and a hot cooking surface. While it has roots dating back centuries in Korean cuisine, it

Elegant, Simple, and Endlessly Versatile — A Favorite from Our Chicago-Area Cooking Class There are certain recipes that stop you in your tracks the first time you make them — not because they're complicated, but because of how effortlessly they come together. Ricotta Gnocchi is exactly that kind of recipe. At our cooking social club based in Itasca, IL, we love bringing the kind of dishes to the table that feel restaurant-worthy but are completely achievable at home. This on

Most French toast is fine. This one is a different thing entirely — thick brioche, a cloud of whipped mascarpone filling, and a warm brown sugar pan syrup that will make you question why you ever bought the bottled stuff. The Case for Making Your Own Syrup Let’s start here because it matters and it’s almost insultingly simple: butter, dark brown sugar, water, a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Five minutes over low heat. The result is a glossy, deeply flavored syrup th

Ham. Cheese. Béchamel. Toasted bread. Four things that, when handled correctly, produce one of the most satisfying sandwiches ever conceived — and one of the simplest ways to understand what French café cooking is actually about. What Is a Croque Monsieur? The Croque Monsieur has been a fixture of Parisian café menus since the early 1900s. The name loosely translates to "Mister Crunch" — a nod to the toasted, golden exterior that gives way to melting cheese and tender ham ins

Six people. One kitchen. The whole place to themselves. That's a different kind of night — and it's one of our favorites to host. This week, the HR team from Hydro Aluminum Metals USA came in for a private cooking class. No shared space, no strangers, no distractions. Just six people, our chef, and an evening built entirely around them. They chose the Japanese Menu. And they nailed it. What the Hydro Aluminum Team Cooked The night ran through three courses, start to finish: →

If you've ever had a lobster roll on a hot day and thought I wish this happened more often in my life — the shrimp roll is your answer. Same logic, same buttery toasted bun, a fraction of the cost, and a slightly nuttier, sweeter flavor. It's one of the most-requested dishes in our spring cooking classes in the Chicago area, and once you make one at home you'll see why. The secret to a great shrimp roll is in the poaching liquid. You're not just cooking the shrimp — you're se

Spring cooking should feel light, a little playful, and not require a list of ingredients you have to translate. That's why this recipe has become such a favorite in our springtime cooking classes in the Chicago area — it's approachable, hands-on, and the kind of dish that builds real cooking skills without feeling like a lecture. These shrimp cakes are like crab cakes' snappier cousin — sweet Gulf shrimp held together with just enough egg and breadcrumb, brightened with herb

AdventHealth Team Building Event At Cooking Skills & Social! When the team from AdventHealth here in Chicago reached out about bringing 40 of their team members in for a proper cooking class, we were thrilled to roll out the red carpet — or in this case, the rolling pins. What unfolded was one of our favorite team building events of the season: hands-on, full of laughter, and packed with seriously good food. A Private Space, All to Themselves To give a group of this size the

Pasta carbonara is a classic Italian dish loved for its creamy texture and rich flavors. Making it at home might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. This recipe uses fresh pancetta, homemade pasta, and a simple egg and cheese mixture to deliver authentic taste. Plus, it includes a side of garlic butter bruschetta to complement the dish perfectly. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious p