February at Skillette: A Celebration of Culinary Legacy, Wine, and Pastry Art
Join us at Skillette Cooking School in Washington DC this February for a month filled with enriching cooking classes, hands-on experiences, and exciting events. From mastering the art of soufflés to exploring iconic French wine regions and celebrating the culinary legacy of Julia Child, this month offers something special for every food enthusiast.
Weekend Workshops and Signature Classes
Our weekend workshops are designed for home chefs to enhance their skills and explore new techniques.
- Knife Skills Series: Learn the fundamentals with Knife 1 and advance to Knife 6, covering a range of cutting techniques from basic chopping to fine, delicate slicing.
- Global Dumpling Series: Travel the world through dumplings, from Chinese Dumplings and Polish Pierogi to Southern Chicken & Dumplings.
- Braising & Stewing: Master comforting winter classics like Beef Bourguignon, perfect for cozy nights.
- Pâte à Choux Pastry: Create éclairs and cream puffs with precision in this hands-on class.
- Winter Salads: Craft seasonal salads that are hearty and full of flavor.
- Butchery Series: Learn to break down meats such as pork ribs, lamb, and more with professional techniques.
Masterclass with Rochelle Cooper: Soufflé Magic
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, join Rochelle Cooper, a RAMMY Award-winning pastry chef, for a Soufflé Masterclass where you'll learn to create two show-stopping soufflés:
- Classic Chocolate Soufflé: A rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate soufflé with raspberry sauce.
- Grand Marnier Soufflé: A light, airy soufflé infused with orange liqueur and a silky vanilla custard sauce.
Gain hands-on experience and confidence in creating these iconic desserts, as well as tips and techniques you can apply to savory soufflés.
A Tribute to Julia Child: Braising with Julia
On Sunday, February 16th, 3:00–5:00 PM, we honor the legendary Julia Child in a special class that combines history, technique, and delicious food. Braising with Julia: A Culinary Tribute celebrates Julia's influence on American home cooking by teaching you to create her signature dish: Boeuf Bourguignon.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Sunday, February 16th, 3:00–5:00 PM
- Location: Skillette Cooking School inside La Cosecha at Union Market
Start with a captivating Conversation with Paula Johnson, curator of the Smithsonian exhibition on Julia’s kitchen and author of Julia Child’s Kitchen. Paula will share stories about Julia’s groundbreaking impact on American home cooking and culinary education.
Next, Chef Rachel Bindel, Michelin-trained and Skillette's lead chef, will guide you through the hands-on process of braising, helping you perfect the art of Boeuf Bourguignon in the same spirit that Julia did.
To complete the experience, each attendee will receive a signed copy of Paula Johnson’s book, Julia Child’s Kitchen, and have the chance to ask Paula questions in a personal Q&A session.
Class Highlights:
- Dive into Julia’s legacy with stories about her impact on American home cooking.
- Master braising under the guidance of Chef Rachel Bindel.
- Take home a signed copy of Paula Johnson’s Julia Child’s Kitchen and explore Julia’s culinary legacy further.
Celebrate Julia's timeless influence with an unforgettable culinary experience!
Wine Passport Series with Claudia Chamberlain
Join Claudia Chamberlain for the Wine Passport Series, where you'll explore the world’s most celebrated wine regions:
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Part 1: Northern France
Saturday, February 22, 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Discover Champagne, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, and Alsace, tasting wines that showcase their unique terroirs. -
Part 2: Southern France
Sunday, February 23, 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Dive into Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, Provence, and Languedoc-Roussillon, learning about their distinctive wines shaped by the Mediterranean climate.
Claudia’s expertise will deepen your wine knowledge and refine your palate, making this an unforgettable experience for both newcomers and seasoned wine lovers.
Key Masterclass Dates to Remember
- Sunday, February 2, 2025: Soufflé Masterclass with Rochelle Cooper (5:30 – 7:30 PM).
- Sunday, February 16th: Braising with Julia: A Culinary Tribute (3:00–5:00 PM).
- Saturday, February 22: Wine Passport Series – Northern France (12:00 - 2:00 PM.
- Sunday, February 23: Wine Passport Series – Southern France (12:00 - 2:00 PM).