Food and wine classes

TODAY

Fourth of July Backyard Dips and Appetizers Learn some ideas for great dips and appetizers to get summer off to a great start in this class at 6:30 p.m. at Someone's in the Kitchen, 522 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. $65. (847) 816-9511 or www.LiveLoveCookEat.com.

THURSDAY

Mommy and Me - Barrington Farmers' Market Children 4 to 6 and their moms are invited to take a mini tour of the downtown market and decorate 4th of July cookies. The Cucina Della Rose class will be held in the outside tent from 2 to 3 p.m. $30. (847) 650-9463 or www.maryrosecooks.com.

SATURDAY

Garden Chef Series Join Mark Hannon and Jeffrey Sills of Quince in Evanston as they prepare recipes with garden fresh ingredients in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Demonstration Kitchen at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Free. (847) 835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org/school.

SUNDAY

Garden Chef Series Join David Teichman of Bluegrass in Highland Park as he prepares his favorite dishes with garden fresh ingredients in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Demonstration Kitchen at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Free. (847) 835-8261 or www.chicagobotanic.org/school.

MONDAY

Kids Cooking Italian I Kids 9 to 12 can join this four-class young chef series and learn to make an Italian dinner menu in this three-day, Cucina Della Rosa class from 5 to 8 p.m. at McCauley Design, 211 Park Ave., Barrington. $150 (Other classes July 8 and 9). (847) 650-9463 or www.maryrosecooks.com.

The Basics This Chicago Wine School course is a five-week course aimed at those developing an interest in wines or those who need a good review. Each week a different topic will be covered. Class runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 4 at 404 Wine Bar, 2850 N. Southport, Chicago (enter through Jack's). $180. (312) 491-0284 or www.wineschool.com.

The Varietals This Chicago Wine School course is an intermediate course covering nearly three dozen grape varieties. Each week a different grape or wine group will be covered. Class meets 8 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 4 at 404 Wine Bar in Chicago. $210. (312) 491-0284 or www.wineschool.com.

TUESDAY

Cool Desserts Learn to make some great desserts that can be made ahead and served cold in this Cucina Della Rosa class from 7 to 9 p.m. at McCauley Design in Barrington. $75. (847) 650-9463 or www.maryrosecooks.com.

California and the Pacific Northwest This Chicago Wine School Course is a five-week course offering an in-depth study of a specific region. Class meets 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 5 at 404 Wine Bar in Chicago. $260. (312) 491-0284 or www.wineschool.com.

Icings: Is there a Difference? Make kitchen tested recipes of boiled, royal and four different buttercream icings and rolled fondant, too. Class meets 9 a.m. to noon at Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts, 7511 Lemont Road, Darien. $85. (630) 985-6077 or visit www.school.wilton.com.

Ice and Fill Need some help icing cakes? Want ideas and recipes to enhance cakes with appropriate and tasty fillings? This class will make all your cakes more delicious. Class meets 1 to 4 p.m. at Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts located in Darien. $85. (630) 985-6077 or visit www.school.wilton.com.

JULY 9

Caribbean Dreams Join chef Michael Clark who brings the exotic flavors of the Sugar Islands with a variety of dishes in this class at 6:30 p.m. at Someone's in the Kitchen in Libertyville. $65. (847) 816-9511 or www.LiveLoveCookEat.com.

Ice Cream and Sorbets Learn how to make all sorts of frozen treats using an assortment of fresh fruit in this hands-on class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Now We're Cookin', 1601 N. Payne St., Evanston. $45. (847) 570-4140.

JULY 10

Cooking with Herbs Join Dave Esau, chef/owner of Dave's Specialty Foods in Mount Prospect, as he demonstrates how to creatively cook with herbs from one's own garden or the farmer's market in this free class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Chalet Nursery and Garden Center, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette. (847) 256-0561, ext. 225 or jenniferb@chaletnursery.com.

Dinner With Friends Take advantage of the longer days and invite some friends over for dinner. Learn to prepare a leisurely dinner menu to enjoy from 6 to 8 p.m. at Williams-Sonoma, 322 Commons Drive, Geneva. $35. (630) 262-8390.