Mon., Jan., 9, 6:30 p.m., $45
Going stir crazy this winter? Cook up a lovin' spoonful of hearty soup with Albertson's Cooking School guest Kevin Meeker (Cork, Philadelphia Fish & Company). Attendees of the soup-making class should expect ample tastings and printed recipes cards to take home. Awesome Soups, Madsen Design Center, Springfield Rd., Broomall, 610-356-4800.

Tue., Jan. 10, 6 p.m., $25
Calling all bored teens of the burbs: If you've grown tired of re-enacting the knife-fight scene from Kill Bill, sharpen your real skills with a course that teaches you how to choose the right blade and the best ways to wield it. (On food, of course.) After the lesson, students take a stab at preparing an, ahem, cutting-edge meal. Knife Skills for Teens, The Culinary Academy at Kitchen Kapers, Eastgate Square, 1341 Nixon Dr., Moorestown, N.J., 856-778-7705.

Runs Jan. 10-16, 4 p.m., $39.95
Just because Ben Franklin is turning a less-than-spry 300 doesn't mean you have to eat curds in his honor. Try parmesan cheesecake. For one week, City Tavern and chef Walter Staib will offer a four-course prix fixe menu to celebrate one of its most famous patrons. Benjamin Franklin's 300th Birthday Celebration, City Tavern, 138 S. Second St., 215-413-1443.

Runs Jan. 12-19, $20-$30
You've got eight nights to bank on this bargain batch of three-course dinners from 20 participating University City digs, including Zocalo, Rx, Fatou and Fama, Penne Restaurant & Wine Bar and Bubble House. With deals this good, you can treat your favorite UC bum to gourmet on the cheap. Just tell him to pack a 40—the price doesn't include alcohol. University City Dining Days, www.ucityphila.org for locations.