Bright, buttery, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor, this week’s Recipe of the Week comes straight from our Italian Summer Seafood class. Our Sicilian Herb & Wine Shrimp combines tender shrimp with white wine, garlic, capers, fresh mint, parsley, and lemon for a quick dish that tastes light, briny, and satisfying. The key to this recipe is controlling the heat and having every ingredient ready before you begin. The shrimp cook quickly, and the simple pan sauce comes t

Chicken Cordon Bleu sounds fancy… and it can look fancy when you slice it open and get that beautiful cheese pull. But at the end of the day, we are working with chicken, cheese, prosciutto or bacon, and a crispy panko coating. Nothing too scary here. The important part is the technique. We need an evenly pounded bird, a cold cheese filling, a proper dredge, and enough patience to cook the chicken before we worry about making it golden. We are going to bake it first to set ev

Rich, hearty, and packed with deep savory flavor, this week's recipe is a true comfort food classic. Our Beef Pot Pie combines tender chunks of slow-braised chuck roast with earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and fresh peas — all tucked beneath a golden, flaky crust. The filling is built with a red wine and beef broth braise that develops incredible depth of flavor, while the buttery pie dough on top bakes up perfectly crisp. Whether you make it in a Dutch oven or a crock pot,

Full house. Three tequila cocktails. And a spread of Mexican-inspired bites so good, guests were packing up to-go boxes on their way out. That was Saturday night at Cooking Skills & Social, and honestly? It was one for the books. Our Spicy Sips: Margaritas, Palomas & Mexican Bites class brought together guests of all ages — from the younger crowd looking to sharpen their cocktail game to the more seasoned home entertainers ready to try something new. Whatever brought them thr

Fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, this week’s recipe brings the taste of Hawaii straight to your kitchen. Our Authentic Shoyu Ahi Poke Bowl combines sushi-grade ahi tuna, ripe mango, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds in a savory shoyu-sesame dressing. Served over seasoned sushi rice with a crisp scallion and cucumber salad, this homemade poke bowl is light, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Finish it with avocado, furikake, nori strips, or your favorite

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean coast to your kitchen with these White Wine and Garlic Confit Steamed Maine Mussels. This simple seafood recipe combines fresh mussels with crisp white wine, butter, olive oil, and rich garlic confit to create a savory broth made for dipping. Steamed mussels may look like a restaurant-only dish, but they are surprisingly quick and approachable to prepare at home. Once the mussels have been properly cleaned, the entire dish comes together

Fluffy basmati rice, toasted almonds, warm cumin, and fresh parsley come together in this simple Mediterranean-inspired rice pilaf. Unlike basic steamed rice, this recipe begins by sautéing onion, garlic, and cumin before lightly toasting the rice in olive oil and butter. The rice then simmers in flavorful stock before being finished with toasted almonds and fresh herbs. The result is a fragrant and versatile side dish that pairs especially well with seafood, roasted chicken,

Light, fluffy, and covered in powdered sugar, zeppole are the kind of dessert that rarely lasts long once they hit the table. These Italian-style doughnuts are made with whole-milk ricotta, giving the center a soft and tender texture while the outside fries until beautifully golden. Our version includes vanilla and a touch of allspice for a little extra warmth. Serve them fresh with plenty of powdered sugar—or add a squeeze of lemon for a bright, refreshing finish. What Are Z

Fresh basil pesto is one of those recipes that proves great cooking doesn't have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients, this vibrant sauce can transform pasta, sandwiches, grilled proteins, and roasted vegetables while bringing fresh, homemade flavor to any meal. At Cooking Skills & Social, pesto is one of our favorite foundational recipes because it teaches a simple but valuable lesson: quality ingredients and proper technique matter. We often use garlic conf

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that many home cooks find intimidating. The creamy texture and rich flavors seem complex, but with the right technique and ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality risotto in your own kitchen. This recipe uses Carnoroli rice, (a large grain Italian variety, similar but slightly larger than its more well known cousin Arborio) and incorporates garlic confit and red pepper puree for a unique twist. Whether you’re a beginner or an experi

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

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

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

Enchiladas are a beloved dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures to the table. Making them at home allows you to control every ingredient and customize the dish to your taste. This guide walks you through preparing chicken tinga enchiladas paired with a rich red sauce, offering a satisfying meal that’s both authentic and approachable. Chicken tinga enchiladas with red sauce and melted cheese Preparing the Chicken Tinga Filling The heart of these enchiladas is th

Summer BBQs in Chicago are a time to gather, enjoy good company, and savor bold flavors. One dish that captures the spirit of street food and adds a fresh twist to your grill lineup is Street Style Elote. This Mexican-inspired corn dish combines smoky, buttery corn kernels with spices, creamy cheese, and fresh cilantro. It’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making it a perfect side or snack for your next outdoor party. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or loo

Calamari steaks offer a quick, light, and fresh start to any meal. Their tender texture and subtle flavor make them a perfect appetizer that feels both elegant and simple. This recipe highlights how to prepare calamari steaks with minimal ingredients and fuss, delivering a dish that is bursting with freshness and just the right amount of seasoning. Seared calamari steak strips with garlic and fresh herbs Preparing Calamari Steaks for Cooking Before cooking, it’s essential to

Scallops are a seafood favorite for many, prized for their delicate texture and sweet flavor. Cooking them perfectly can be a challenge, but with the right technique, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe for simply seared scallops with a white wine pan sauce and tender asparagus is straightforward, elegant, and packed with flavor. It highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops while adding a bright, tangy finish from the lemon and wine. Perfectly

If you want to serve something impressive yet simple at your next gathering, asparagus beef rolls are a perfect choice. This dish combines tender, thinly sliced beef with crisp asparagus, wrapped together and glazed with savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks elegant but takes minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a new recipe to try at a cooking class in Chicago like Cooking Skills & Social, this recipe will quickly b

Group cooking classes have exploded in popularity over the last few years — and it's easy to see why. They're social, hands-on, and unlike most group activities, everyone walks away with something real: a great meal, new skills, and memories that stick. Whether you're planning a corporate team building event, a birthday celebration, or a night out with friends, a group cooking class offers a unique mix of benefits you won't find anywhere else. Let's break down what makes thes