August 31, 2007...

Cooking shows are fun to watch, but nothing beats hands-on practice in a state-of-the-art kitchen with a culinary expert. The Culinary Institute of Charleston offers an impressive menu of continuing education courses this fall on Trident Technical College’s Main Campus in North Charleston.

Learn the essential elements of cooking in six classes in Learn How to Cook Part 1.  This course is offered 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 6-Oct. 11. Then take the next step toward culinary confidence with Learn How To Cook Part 2, which meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 18-Nov. 29. Courses are $189 each.

Simply Sensational Seafood features seafood dishes that can be ready in 20 minutes or less. It meets 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 and the cost is $59. If baking is more your thing, Kimberly Brock Brown teaches you the tricks of the trade, including how to make roses, in Cake Decorating. Brown is owner of a gourmet food purveying company and former executive pastry chef at Charleston Place. This course is offered 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 and again on Saturday, Oct. 27. Cost is $69.

Learn how to prepare and serve perfect cocktails from a spirits industry expert in Master Mixology. Class meets 6:30-10 p.m. Sept. 17-20. You must be 21 years old to register. Cost is $149. Cheese-Making Introduction gives you the opportunity to make your own cheese. It is offered 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and the cost is $59. Anthony di Bernado, director of culinary for the Mustard Seed Group, showcases his Italian heritage in Truly Italian. Class meets 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Cost is $59.

For teenagers who want to make more than pizza and nachos, the Culinary Institute of Charleston offers Entertaining for Teens. Bruschetta, quesadillas with fresh salsa and coconut oven-fried shrimp are on the menu. Class meets 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.

Chef Jason Ulak from Uno Mas shares some of his Mexican specialties in Make Mine Mexican, which meets 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. Cost is $59. Ted Dombrowski, owner of Ted’s Butcherblock, invites you to make some of his signature sausages. Sausages and Sides is offered
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 and the cost is $59.

To register and for more information, call 843-574-6152 or visit www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm.