Chicago - August 26, 2008

Cooking with Class

Private Cooking Parties at The Twisted Lizard

Frozen meals?

Sure, the pictures on the box are pretty. Inside, not so much.

Learn how to make a real meal at The Twisted Lizard, where chef/owner Sergio Sanchez just started teaching private cooking classes. All it takes is a few domestically challenged pals (five or more) and a taste for Southwestern/Mexican cuisine.

You sip frozen margaritas; Sanchez whips up his signature guacamole, spicy tomatillo sauce, and pineapple seafood fondito (hollowed pineapple filled with cheese, shrimp, and scallops). The finale: fried butter pecan ice cream drizzled with raspberry sauce and hot fudge.

Take home leftovers (yeah, right) and recipes to recreate at home.

Now that’s what we call thinking outside the box.

Classes are held Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., at The Twisted Lizard, 1964 North Sheffield Avenue, at Armitage Avenue (773-929-1414 or caseymorans.com). To make a reservation, call Sanchez at 773-818-9336.