What's Cooking

by Amy Strauss

Holiday baking is a time-honored tradition for many, and Roz Bratt (owner of Homemade Goodies by Roz) is ready to whip up some goodies to help you prepare for the merry season. Recreate your aunt's maple pumpkin bread or your grandma's apple pie by learning some simple and efficient baking skills. Flour yourself with sweets by attending this course and impress your loved ones with sugar-y creations. Holiday Baking , Homemade Goodies by Roz, 510 S. Fifth St., 215-592-9616.

Instead of traveling to Björk's island nation, Whole Foods has brought Iceland to you. A handful of Icelandic chefs will slice, dice and grill six dishes from their homeland, five of which can be purchased at Whole Foods stores citywide. Surprise yourself with the taste of Hofdingi, a mild, soft white cheese; lamb reflecting the flavor of open-range grazing; skyr, a creamy fat-free dairy product similar to yogurt; and a chunk of rich chocolate. Celebrate the Foods Of Iceland , Whole Foods Market, various locations, www.wholefoods.com.

Several years back, Fred Franzia cashed in on California's grape glut and produced dirt-cheap Charles Shaw brand wine, better known as "Two Buck Chuck." He's stated that consumers can't really tell the difference between "well-made" wine and cheap, boxed stuff. Auletto Caterers has decided to put him to the test: This tasting will offer two examples each of four varietals, including generic California chardonnay and burgundy. Each of the wines, cheap or no, will be available for purchase after the tasting. The Good vs. the Bad, and Nothing Ugly , Auletto Caterers, 1849 Cooper St., Almonesson, N.J., 856-227-3800.

Seven Stars Farm in Phoenixville was among the first biodynamic farms to process milk on premise. This Sunday, the Fair Food Project will host an invasion of the 350-acre farm in Chester County, including a chow-down on its made-on-site beef and dairy. Although the old-fashioned, European-style yogurt may not taste like what you find in area grocery stores, its unique, natural flavor (available in whole milk plain, maple and vanilla) could change the way you spoon for good. Seven Stars Farm Tour , 501 W. Seven Stars Rd., Phoenixville, 215-386-5211, ext. 102.

Michael McCaulley, one of the city's top sommeliers and wine educators, will enhance your intellect (and palate) when he hosts "A Taste of Tuscany," Tria's first fermentation class of the fall. Don't be intimidated—just savor the basics as McCaulley explores Tuscan comfort drinks. (Hey, they even serve wine at the breakfast table.) With superb samplings of red wines like Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, white wines such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and the Tuscan sweet sipper Vin Santo, you'll come to appreciate the quintessential Italian wine region at its best. " A Taste of Tuscany ," Tria Fermentation School, 1601 Walnut St., Suite 620, 215-972-7076, www.triacafe.com.