It's no secret that Chicago has an amazing food scene. Every neighborhood in the city is chock-full of amazing restaurants and bars. But while it's great to go out for some tasty grub, the winter is an ideal time to stay in and cook a hardy meal. If you don't have the skills to put together a dish that stands up to some of the best in Chicago, don't fret. Sign up for one of these terrific cooking classes and become the amazing cook you know you're capable of being.
Donut Boot Camp
Chicago has so many great doughnuts that it can be hard to keep track of them all. If you don't feel like sifting through the morning crowds for one of the sweet, fried pastries across town, take this class to learn how to make your own at home. (The Chopping Block at Lincoln Square, 4747 N Lincoln Ave, January 10, 10am-2:30pm. $90)
From Beer to Eternity
You're probably painfully familiar with getting drunk off of beer, but cooking with it is a whole different story. Spend an evening learning how to use a tasty brew to add layers to your cooking, and maybe even sip on a few in the process. (The Chopping Block at the Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart, December 23, 6-8:30pm. $80)
Butchering Class
If you're a carnivore, then you should probably become aware of where your meat comes from. Take this three-hour class and learn the right way to cut up an animal. (Butcher & the Burger, 1021 W Armitage Ave, December 2, 6-9pm. $85)
Ramen Noodles
You might know how to boil up a 25-cent bowl of ramen noodles, but you've probably never turned it into a delicious creation a la Slurping Turtle. Get your noodle game on point and make a departure from your college days at this class in Uptown. (JASC, 4427 N Clark St, March 12, 10am-12:30pm. $65)
Healthy Cooking Boot Camp
Chicagoans tend to put on a few pounds during the winter. Rather than spending your time at the gym, head to this six-hour Kendall College class and learn how to prepare some healthy options so your pants continue to fit. (Kendall College, 900 N North Branch St, January 16, 10am-4pm. $130)
Fresh Winter Pastamaking, Hands-on
From Aziz Ansari's efforts in Master of None to Hannibal Buress's fictional blog "The Al Dente Dentist" in Broad City, homemade pasta is hotter than ever. Learn the best techniques from some of the best pasta makers in town at Eataly this winter. (La Scuola at Eataly Chicago, 43 E Ohio St, December 8, 6:30-8:30pm. $126.50)