Information on upcoming food classes, tastings and demonstrations can be sent to Extra, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, VA 24010, e-mailed to extra@roanoke.com or faxed to 981-3318. Deadline for submissions is two weeks before the event. For more information, call Nona Nelson at 981-3402.

Tonight

Holiday pies

Pie dough made easy, including lattice and crumb crusts and cut-out designs.

When: 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Culinary Institute at Virginia Western, 109 Henry St., Roanoke

Cost: $40 per person

Contact: 857-6210 or www.virginiawestern.edu/bet/culinary

Breakfast time

The most important meal of the day can include homemade biscuits and perfect Eggs Benedict.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Sunday

Baklawa

Learn how to make this Lebanese treat with ricotta cheese, pineapple, coconut or walnuts

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: 5509 Coleman Road SW, Roanoke

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: Marcelle Melki, (540) 598-8334 or mmelki2001@aol.com

Tuesday

Alternative Thanksgiving, Part II

Cooking breads and desserts for your vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friends.

When: 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Where: Roanoke Main Library, 706 S. Jefferson St.

Cost: Free

Contact: 853-2473 or main.library@roanokeva.gov

Wednesday

Holiday sides

Learn how to put a new spin on classic holiday dishes or start new traditions with fresh recipes.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Gourmet Pantry, 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: 951-1995 or www.gourmetpantryonline

Thursday, Nov. 19

Pastry chef

Just in time for holidays, learn to make ice cream, crème brulee, chocolate mousse, peach melba and tres leches cake.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Foodies, 4054 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: 776-3693 or www.cookingmadefun.com

Sunday, Nov. 22

In a stew

Learn how to make traditional Lebanese stews with lentils, spinach, chicken, potatoes, barley and lamb.

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: 5509 Coleman Road SW, Roanoke.

Cost: $30 per person

Contact: Marcelle Melki, (540) 598-8334 or mmelki2001@aol.com

Friday

Jolly old beer samples

Offbeat English ales offered for tasting: Fuller's ESB and Samuel Smith's winter warmer.

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: (540) 400-8466 or www.winegourmet.biz

Friday, Nov. 20

Company's comin' beer

Welcome your out-of-towners with samples of Delirium Nocturnum and Terrapin Rye Pale Ale.

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: (540) 400-8466 or www.winegourmet.biz

Friday, Nov. 27 Black Friday beer tasting

Take a shopping break and sample imperial stouts and schwarzbiers.

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wine Gourmet, 2219 Franklin Road, Roanoke

Cost: Free

Contact: (540) 400-8466 or www.winegourmet.biz