When: 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Cheesekeeper, 6500 W. Main St., Belleville
Features: Sampling of 13 red and white wines for parties, family dinners and gifts. Includes are wines from Spain, France, Germany, South Africa, Oregon and California. All wines sampled are 15 percent off day of tasting only.
Information: 398-7184
Holiday cooking classes
When: 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 15
Where: Collinsville Library
Cost: $5;s due at time of registration at the main desk at the library
Features: Learn how to make cookie recipes and dessert shots
Information: collinsvillelibrary.org or 344-1112
Kitchen magic trick
Adding a little baking soda will brown onions faster.
The baking soda, a weak base, makes the onions less acidic, which speeds up the browning, called the Maillard reaction. Just a pinch, though. Too much and the onions become wet and mushy. -- "The Kitchen as Laboratory: Reflections on the Science of Food and Cooking" (Columbia, $29.95)
Christmas cookie sale
The Pentecostals of Troy will be hosting its annual Christmas cookie and sweet goods sale at noon Dec. 16.
Enjoy a wide variety of homemade and specialty items just in time for holiday festivities. Cost is $4 per dozen. For more information, visit www.pentecostalsoftroy.org, like The Pentecostals of Troy on Facebook, call 667-6054 or email revbb63@aol.com. The church is located at 312 S. Main St. Troy.
