Sizzling Savings Card

Share the love this month with our Annual Sizzling Savings Card promotion. Buy a Gift Card valued at $150 and pay only $130! Use it toward classes, retail, and wine. This gift card does not expire or lose value and can be used at either of our locations: the Merchandise Mart or Lincoln Square.

Sale ends February 29, 2012. Purchase in store or online.

It makes the perfect gift for all of your sweethearts!

March to the Beat

Our March class calendar has a flair for fabulous cooking with new classes inspired by YOU.

Our brand new Cooking for One class was developed after our owner, Shelley Young recently blogged about how cooking for just one person doesn't have to mean a week's worth of boring leftovers. You asked for more ideas for meals, so we've developed an entire class full of make-ahead shortcuts. You'll learn how to break down amazing dishes like Lemon Sole en Papillote with Leeks, Roasted Peppers and Herb Compound Butter into easy, weeknight solo meals.

Each month we get requests for more gluten-free classes. This isn't just a diet craze, it's a way of life for many of our students. But going gluten-free doesn't mean eliminating good food. Our Gluten-Free Gourmet class features dishes that don't skimp on flavor like Homemade Gluten-Free Fettuccine with Grilled Shrimp, Portobello Mushrooms and Arugula.

Some of you are getting the urge to move past winter and get outside to grill. So, we're headed back to our amazing Lincoln Square patio in next month's Bourbon & BBQ. This part indoor, part outdoor class will get you fired up about our favorite smoker, the Big Green Egg, with dishes like Honey BBQ Wings with Blue Cheese Aioli.

It's not cheesy to speak up on our Facebook page. One of our favorite fans requested a cheese making class, so Homemade Cheesemaking has returned. In this class, you'll not only learn how to make cheese but also recipes that star fromage like Fresh Mozzarella Roulade with Prosciutto and Basil.

Everyone has a sweet tooth that needs to be indulged from time to time. In our new Sugar Rush class, you'll learn classic pastry techniques with a modern flair like Key Lime Tartlets with Sour Cream Garnish.

With all of the butcher shop openings in Chicago lately, you'd think no one was butchering at home. But having meat know-how can save you money. In our Meat Butchery class, we'll teach you about the different parts of animals and their uses. You'll learn how to clean, butterfly, stuff and tie a pork tenderloin.

Sweet Bakeware Sale in February

Instead of buying a box of chocolates for your special someone, bake them a homemade treat to show your love. Save 20% off all Bakeware in February, including these can't-miss items:

Chicago Metallic Mini Muffin Pan This pan is ideal for miniature muffins, quick breads, quiches and cupcakes. Twenty-four treats bake all at once and evenly. The aluminized steel pan provides superior heat conductivity and durability, and with the bonded nonstick surface, any tiny tidbit pops out of the pan without a struggle. Dishwasher safe.

Instant fun for the whole family, with professional quality results. The Cookie and Cupcake Decorating Set from Kuhn Rikon has everything you need to decorate cookies, cupcakes and cakes. 4 Decorating Bottles for different color icings, 9 interchangeable decorating tips and one frosting spatula. Kuhn Rikon Decorating Set

Silpats turn any baking sheet into a non-stick surface. They replace parchment paper, are heat-resistant up to 480 degrees F and easy to clean--simply wipe them off using hot water and dish soap.

Please Note: This bakeware sale does not include Emile Henry.

Wine Classes & Goddess are Back

Wine classes are back at The Chopping Block with a vengeance! We're happy to report that our resident Wine Goddess, Diana Hamann, is back from her western adventure and is once again at the helm of our wine program.

We're also excited to kick off the "2.0" version of our wine program with a brand new series of wine classes called "Wine Boot Camp." This focused, comprehensive wine educational series is intended for the service professional, or the oenophile seeking to watch their wine knowledge build upon itself week to week. The series will be taught by Diana, with guest instruction from some of Chicagoland's top sommeliers and experts.

Level 1 will begin March 25, with Sunday afternoon classes meeting at our Merchandise Mart location. Each level will culminate with an exam gleaned from materials presented in class, and each student will receive a certificate based on merit (which can be either be referenced on a resume, or simply hung on the fridge)! Contact diana@thechoppingblock.net with questions.

Get Serious about Cooking

Delve deep into a variety of subjects with The Chopping Block's Boot Camps. From sauces to sushi, these intensive hands-on classes will give you the tools needed to master necessary cooking techniques. If one of your new year resolutions is to cook at home more, these camps will provide your recipe for success!

Baking Boot Camp
Thursday, Feb. 23 thru Saturday, Feb. 25 10am-4pm
Merchandise Mart

Our boot camps are available for registration throughout 2012. Peruse the entire year's class calendars to see what fits your schedule.

Culinary Boot Camp

Can our Culinary Boot Camp turn you into a master cook in just one week? The Chicago Tribune recently followed a mother and daughter team through our week-long program as they whisked, butchered and tasted their way to culinary enlightenment. They were looking to pick up a few skills, but what they found was that once you learn a few basics, cooking is easy. Read the article here.

Get an inside look into our program and hear from recent graduates. Click here for more information on our curriculum, which boils down professional culinary education to home cook terms.