Instructor: Candy Argondizza

Biography: Candy Argondizza grew up in a close-knit Italian family where food was the center of every gathering. This led to her love of food and sharing of ideas. She began her career with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and worked her way through many of New York City's finer restaurants. She has spent the last 17 years teaching and guiding future chefs at the helm of the International Culinary Center in NYC. There she worked alongside and collaborated with many of the culinary world's best known chefs.

Candy has contributed to various cookbooks, is often sought for her advice and tips for food magazines, and has been featured at the James Beard House. She was also honored with Culinary Teacher of the Year by the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

She is excited to continue sharing her culinary knowledge and talents with all food lovers in Bend and Central Oregon. As an avid triathlete and accomplished runner, Candy feels right at home in the Bend active community.

Classes by this instructor

Elevated Italian: A Full Series

Join Chef Candy on an elevated tour of Italian cuisine. Chef Candy tapped into her Italian roots, and family recipes, to design delicious menus using ingredients specific to Italian cooking. Enjoy Chicken Saltimboca, Classic Italian Manicotti, Potato Gnocchi, Seared Scallops, and Veal Parmigiano. This course will awaken your culinary curiosity while learning about elevated, traditional Italian dishes. Register for the full series at a discounted rate, or for any of the stand-alone classes.
October 5, 2024 to November 30, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Elevated Italian: Chicken Saltimboca w/Marsala Wine Pan Sauce

Chicken Saltimboca, translates to "jumps in the mouth". This delicious dish consists of Italian chicken cutlets, wrapped in prosciutto and sage, saut�ed in marsala wine sauce. Paired with rosemary roasted potatoes, this dish is full of flavor and brings a hint of elegance to your dinner table. Students can register for any of the stand-alone classes, or the full series at a discounted price.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Elevated Italian: Classic Italian Manicotti

Unlock the secrets of classic Italian cooking with this authentic Italian dish. Manicotti means "little sleeves" that can be stuffed with any savory filling. In this class, you will create a filling of cheeses, then bake it off in the oven with a zesty red sauce. Broccoli rabe aglio e olio (oil and garlic spaghetti) will complete this hearty Italian family dinner. Students can register for any of the stand-alone classes, or the full series at a discounted price.
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Elevated Italian: Potato Gnocchi with Sauce Contadina

The authentic, homemade Italian classic, potato gnocchi, is elevated when simmered in Sauce Contadina, a rich and savory tomato-based pork ragu. This hearty dish is sure to be a family favorite on cold, Autumn evenings. Students can register for any of the stand-alone classes, or the full series at a discounted price.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Elevated Italian: Seared Sea Scallops w/Lemon Risotto

Italian cuisine can be light and healthy too. In this class you will learn to saut� fresh sea scallops, creating a crispy exterior, while maintaining their sweet and delicate flavor. Paired alongside the classic Italian risotto and delicious Italian chilled Zabaglione, you have a flavorful Italian meal, complete with dessert. Students can register for any of the stand-alone classes, or the full series at a discounted price.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Elevated Italian: Veal Parmigiano

Try this comforting, crunchy Italian favorite, for a new cold weather or holiday dish. The crispy, breaded veal cutlet is smothered with a hearty red marinara sauce and baked in the oven with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Finish your meal with a family favorite, panna cotta and fresh berries. Students can register for any of the stand-alone classes, or the full series at a discounted price.
Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Holiday Supper Series: Beef Wellington

Welcome to the COCC Community Education Dinner Series. Join Chef Candy Argondizza as she demonstrates the technique of making a traditional Beef Wellington. This dish is noted as one of the hardest dishes to make, and overcooking is a common problem. Learn techniques to perfectly prepare and bake this beef tenderloin, wrapped in layers of p�t�, duxelles (a finely chopped mushroom mixture), parma ham, and puff pastry. A perfect addition for any holiday dinner.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 5:00pm-8:00pm | Bend

Let's Get Saucy! Sauce Veloute & Chicken Pot Pie

Sauce always makes it better and compliments any protein it's paired with! Make an American classic, chicken pot pie, using Sauce Veloute, one of the five Mother Sauces of French cuisine. Master this sauce, and any time of the year can be chicken pot pie season. Please bring a sharp knife, apron, and containers for leftovers. Students can register for any of the stand-alone classes, or the full series at a discounted price.
Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend

Wood-Fired Pizza

This class is becoming an annual summer tradition here at COCC! Join Chef Candy in making homemade pizza, in our outdoor pizza oven, along with an assortment of toppings. Bring an apron and containers for your leftovers.
Sunday, June 2, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend
Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm | Bend