CLASSES

Virtual Classes

The Chopping Block is now offering virtual classes! Virtual cooking has been part of our strategic planning for years, and we are excited to bring this curriculum to fruition. Get cooking in the comfort of your own kitchen with our virtual Cooking Demonstrations and Cook Along classes. 

Our Virtual Demonstration classes, via Zoom, are a fun opportunity to watch your chef in action. During class, your chef will teach you how to  prepare the dishes while you observe and take notes. Our Zoom moderator  will make sure your questions submitted through the chat option are answered during or after class. The recipe packet will be provided upon registration. Please note that some recipe steps may be prepared ahead due to the length of the class.

Our Virtual Cook Along classes, via Zoom, will have you and your chef cooking together in real time. We’ll provide you with the recipe packet and equipment list upon registration, so you’re prepared to get cooking, and when it’s over you’ll have dinner on the table! Our Zoom moderator will make sure your questions are answered live by the chef either during or after class. 

Virtual Cooking Demo: Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Panzanella to Benefit Common Threads

• Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Panzanella

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 5:30pm CST

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

The Chopping Block has supported Common Threads' mission for many years, and you can choose to make a donation to this organization when you register for this class. Common Threads' cooking and nutrition programs and curriculum help kids and families experience the joy of cooking, while learning how and why healthy food fuels the body. All of the donations will go directly to Common Threads, and The Chopping Block and Common Threads will split the proceeds from this class.

We are also excited to partner with Top Box Foods so that you can purchase the ingredients for this menu and have them delivered to your home. Click this link to order everything you need to prepare this meal and have it shipped to your home for just $45. You must order no later than Tuesday, August 4 in order to secure delivery in the Chicagoland area by Saturday,  August 8, 2020. Since deliveries are made by Chicago volunteers and Top Box Foods staff, you must live within the delivery range in order to receive your box of ingredients. Click here to see Top Box Foods' delivery range. 

Virtual Cooking Demo: Fresh Tomato Pie

• Fresh Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing
• Fresh Tomato Pie 

Thursday, August 13, 2020 6pm CST

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

This class is in partnership with the Green City Market and you can choose to make a donation to support Chicago's premier farmers market connecting local farmers with the Chicago community. All of the donations will go directly to the organization. 

Virtual Cocktail Class: Tequila 101

• Catarito (Tequila, Lime and Grapefruit)
• The Last Word (Tequila, Chartreuse and Cherry)
• Mezcal Oxacan Old Fashioned (Mezcal, Bitters and Orange)

Friday, August 14, 2020 5pm CST

Spirits Expert Christophe Bakunas

Virtual Date Night Cook Along: Steak au Poivre

• Steak au Poivre with Cognac Pan Sauce
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Saturday, August 15, 2020 6pm CST

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

Virtual Date Night Cook Along: Chicken Piccata with Lemon-Caper Sauce

• Chicken Piccata with Lemon-Caper Sauce
• Herb Roasted Potatoes

Friday, August 21, 2020 6pm CST

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

Virtual Family Night Cook Along: Chicken Saltimbocca

• Chicken Saltimbocca (Sautéed Chicken Cutlets with Sage, Prosciutto and Provolone) with Lemon-Caper Sauce
• Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Basil and Pine Nuts

Monday, August 24, 2020 5pm CST

Chef Sara Salzinski

Virtual 3-day Kids Baking Camp (new menu)

• Day 1: Banana Pudding with ‘Nilla Wafers
• Day 2: Chocoflan (Chocolate-Cajeta Flan Cake)
  
• Day 3: Summer Fruit Crostata with Seasonal Sherbet

Tuesday, August 25, Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2020 3pm CST

Chef Sara Salzinski, Executive Chef Lisa Counts, Chef Hans Mooser

Virtual Cooking Demo: Chinese Barbeque Feast

• Chinese BBQ Pork (Chashu Pork)
• Sweet and Spicy Cucumber Salad
• Shanghai Spring Onion Noodles

Thursday, August 27, 2020 6pm CST

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

This class is in partnership with Meals on Wheels and you can choose to make a donation to help eliminate hunger and isolation for Chicago’s homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities. All of the donations will go directly to the organization. 

Virtual Date Night Cook Along: Moroccan Chicken with Ginger and Apricots 

• Moroccan-Braised Chicken with Ginger and Apricots
• Warm Couscous Salad with Orange Zest and Fresh Herbs
• Roasted Green Beans with Almonds

Saturday, August 29, 2020 6pm CST

Chef Sara Salzinski

Virtual 3-day Kids Savory Camp (new menu)

• Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Enchiladas with Salsa Verde
• Chicken Cordon Bleu (Chicken, Ham and Gruyere Cheese) Crêpes with Sautéed Green Beans
• Pork Milanese Sandwiches with Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

Tuesday, September 1, Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3, 2020 3pm CST

Chef Sara Salzinski, Executive Chef Lisa Counts, Chef Hans Mooser

Virtual Knife Skills 

Wednesday, September 2, 2020 6pm CST

Executive Chef Lisa Counts

Virtual Family Night Cook Along: Mexican Fiesta

• Tomato, Corn and Black Bean Salsa
• Chicken Tinga Tacos with Steamed Rice

Friday, September 4, 2020 5pm CST

Virtual Sushi Night (choose your level of instruction: demo or Cook Along formats)

• Maki Rolls
• Inside-out Maki Rolls
• Spicy Tuna

Friday, September 11, 2020 6pm CST

Executive Chef Lisa Counts

Virtual Meatless Monday Cook Along: Indian Vegetarian

• Vegetable Pakoras with Coconut-Cilantro Chutney
• Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry) with Steamed Rice

Monday, September 14, 2020 6pm CST

Owner/Chef Shelley Young

Virtual Baking Demo: Creme Brulee

• Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Saturday, September 19, 2020 10am CST

Since our stores remain closed for COVID-19, we unfortunately cannot accept gift cards as form of payment for virtual classes at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience!