Classical French Desserts from the Hit Movie Julie and Julia
June 8, 2013
9 a.m. to noon

The culinary inspiration of Julia Child and generations of fabulous French cooks will come alive in this sophisticated but easy-to-understand dessert class. Students will learn how to prepare the highlight of many a French meal, developing new finesse at creating four fabulous French classics. For an impressive entertaining event or a memorable dinner for family, these French favorites do not go out of style. The menu includes:

--Apple Tarte Tatin
--Chocolate Cream Pie
--Raspberry and Chocolate French Macarons


Entertaining Desserts Made Easy
June 15, 2013
9 a.m. to noon

Adopt the inspired thinking of a pastry chef and learn how to create desserts with which to entertain at home or at dinner parties. Obtain special insider culinary secrets for entertaining with elegant miniature desserts, and then plan to wow the crowd at your next event. Tips for creating delicious variations using local, seasonal fruits and ingredients will be included. The menu includes:

--Chocolate Eclairs
--Almond and Fruit Tartlets
--Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Local Peaches


Baby Cakes
June 22, 2013
9 a.m. to noon

Small is beautiful, mini-desserts are still the rage, and this delightful session is the perfect way to learn how to create delicious, adorable cake bites. Whether for family dining, entertaining or away-from-home convenience, these sweet mini-creations will tempt and delight, while respecting dieters and calorie-counters just a wee bit. There's nothing more charming than a colorful, lovingly-crafted little cake bite, and this class will teach students how to become the master of this popular culinary art. The menu includes:

--Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
--Strawberry Shortcakes
--Lemon Pudding Cakes


You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
July 13, 2013
9 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn how to craft home-made ice cream. Tips will be shared as you master finding the perfect balance of cream and flavorings to accompany your favorite desserts – a perfect session for a warm summer day. Menu includes:

--Classic Vanilla
--The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte Signature Honey Pecan
--Baileys


Chocolate and Champagne Lover’s Workshop
July 20, 2013
9 a.m. to noon

This is the ultimate dessert class, allowing students to combine freshly-created sweets with paired Champagnes. Inspired by Bar Cocoa’s weekend five-course, all-dessert Chocolate and Champagne Dinner, this session will provide instruction on the creation of three spectacular desserts, followed by the opportunity to enjoy each of them along with a paired premium Champagne. The menu includes:

--Caramelized Lemon Chiboust with Fresh Berries and Consommé
--Chocolate Soufflé with White Chocolate Soup
--Strawberry Sabayon
--Add a glass of Dom Pérignon Champagne for an additional $40


Entertaining Desserts Made Easy
August 10, 2013
9 a.m. to noon

Adopt the inspired thinking of a pastry chef and learn how to create desserts with which to entertain at home or at dinner parties. Obtain special insider culinary secrets for entertaining with elegant miniature desserts, and then plan to wow the crowd at your next event. Tips for creating delicious variations using local, seasonal fruits and ingredients will be included. The menu includes:

--Chocolate Eclairs
--Almond and Fruit Tartlets
--Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
--Biscotti


Cupcakes Gone Rogue
August 25, 2013
9 a.m. to noon

While cupcakes have grabbed headlines for years now, taking them to colorful new levels is the goal of this delicious class. In this imaginative session, students will learn how cake can be prepared as a beautiful cupcake, complete with memorable frostings, toppings, flavors and textures. The tasting experience is sure to be a highlight of this informative class. The menu includes:

--Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Chantilly
--Southern Coconut with Pineapple Jam
--“Snickers” with Salted Peanuts


FAQs

What are the age limits for your classes? Adult Classes: Age 18 and up/Teen Classes: Age 15 – 17

How often do your classes change? You will find that new classes are offered every three months. This will include popular favorites as well as seasonal and holiday classes.

How much food is served in your classes? For our hands-on classes, full-sized portions are prepared and served.

What should I wear to the cooking class? You should dress casually and comfortably. Students should wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves, and flat, closed-toe shoes. We will provide you with an apron to wear during class.

How many people are in the class? As it is a hands-on experience, we limit the class size to eight people.

Will I get a copy of the recipes to take home? You will receive a recipe packet to refer to during class, and it is yours to keep.

Will I make all of the items on the menu? Yes, you will be divided into teams of two, and then each team will prepare the entire menu. The instructor will demonstrate the techniques and provide guidance during the class.

Where do I go once I arrive at The Ritz-Carlton? The meeting point will be Bar Cocoa. The chef will meet you there and take you back to the Cocoa Lab.

Should I register for the class in advance? All classes require advanced registration.

How much does it cost to take the classes? The price of each class varies and is listed in the class description. Prices and length of class may vary by subject.

Do you have a waiting list for sold-out classes? Yes, waiting lists are maintained for all sold-out classes. You will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Do you have a cancellation policy? Yes, it is forty-eight hours.

Do you get a student discount for items purchased at Bar Cocoa? How long is the discount offered? Students receive a ten percent discount after the class on all Bar Cocoa retail items. The discount is good for the entire day of the class.