Compiled by Chuck Martin

Just In

Schnecken has returned to Virginia Bakery in Clifton (286 Ludlow Ave.) for the holidays. The bakery will sell its famous German-style sweet rolls ($6.50), dinner rolls and other specialties on a first-come, first-serve basis 10 a.m.-1 p.m. today and Thursday, and beginning at 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Advance orders not accepted.

HoneyBaked Ham offers ideas for serving Easter ham and using leftovers creatively in its "Easy Easter Entertaining Guide," available free at the five Greater Cincinnati HoneyBaked locations. Information: (800) 394-4424.

Sips: Beer

While many have heard about Fuller's ESB (Extra Special Bitter), the underappreciated star of the brewery's lineup is London Pride.

In its bottled form, London Pride is a fruity, copper-colored ale with remarkable complexity. It boasts a healthy dose of hops, perfectly balanced with malt, giving it only a low to medium bitterness. The finish is just as complex, with a smooth, lingering mellowness that's neither sweet nor dry - just memorable.

I think London Pride is the perfect English special bitter, because your second or third pint goes down just as easily as the first. And while previously difficult to find in Greater Cincinnati, London Pride and other Fuller beers are at several better beer retailers. $9.99 per six-pack.

Ed Westemeier

Contact Ed Westemeier by e-mail: hopfen@malz.com.

Take it from a pro

To dry your lettuces and greens quickly (and get a little fresh air), Kristy Schalck, chef-owner of the Tousey House in Burlington, suggests zipping them up in a mesh lingerie bag. Go outside and swing the bag until the greens feel dry. Store dried greens in a sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Clip off a corner of the bag to allow moisture to escape.

Send Pro tips to cmartin@enquirer.com.

Cooking classes

Call cooking schools for schedules and fees.

• Cooks' Wares, Shops at Harper's Point, Symmes Township. 489-6400; Marketplace at Settler's Walk, Springboro. (937) 748-4540.

• Cooking School at Jungle Jim's Market, Fairfield. 674-6059; cookingschool@junglejims.com.

• Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking, Dayton. (937) 434-1294; www.dorothylanemarket.com.

• Kremer's Market Cooking Classes, Crescent Springs. 341-1067.

• Ridge Market Cooking Classes, Pleasant Ridge. 366-4760.

• Wild Oats, Rookwood Commons, Norwood.

531-8015.

• Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine, Kenwood Towne Centre, 793-3445.