With Fourth of July on the not-so-distant horizon, I’ve started thinking about all the barbecues and dinner party possibilities that the summer encourages. And although I’ve been told by other people that I’m a fantastic cook (not my words, seriously), summertime also seems like the perfect occasion to get in on some recreational cooking classes to improve the craft. Check out a list of awesome NYC cooking classes (that you can probably convince your significant other or BFF to attend with you) after the jump .

Brooklyn Kitchen - Located in a rustic warehouse space in Greenpoint adjacent to the Meat Hook butcher shop, BK offers a broad range of instruction, with guest professionals leading classes and discussions in a causal, cool environment, with none of that stereotypical, pretentious French BS. Classes range from canning to bread making, beer brewing, herb cooking, pizzas and parfaits, kimchee making and cake decorating. Feel free to get your weird on. Classes start at $40.

The Social Table -Tailored for groups of friends, or for making new ones when you’re sick of your social circle, Chef Rebecca Goldfarb leads instruction in her Midtown West kitchen location for 3 hours at a time. It’s BYOB, and everyone enrolled gets some hands-on action in the process of cooking dinner. Best for getting to know cooking basics, if your mom never taught you anything and you’re starting from scratch. Classes start at $75

French Culinary Institute - If you feel like you’ve got something to prove or maybe if you’ve considered telling your boss to F- off by enrolling in culinary school, then this is a super serious route in the right direction. Courses run anywhere from 15 to 110 hours (over a few weeks or months) and are available on weekends and evenings to fit around work schedules. If you complete the intricate Advanced Culinary Techniques course, and you’re hooked, FCI offers Advanced Standing in the Classic Culinary Arts career program. You can be the next David Chang (he’s an alum). Classes start at $785.

Astor Center - Although they focus on more of a liquid diet here, pairing classes are available (because every good chef knows good wine and drinks) with cooking components. The class topics are the opposite of stringent and drinking is obviously encouraged as part of the class. They offer a Cocktail Lab, an Internationsl Street Food Series, Regional Food and Wine courses, and a personal favorite, A New Orleans Brunch. Good choices if you’re trying to wrangle your significant other into attending with you. Classes start at $35.

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) - ICE definitely offers the most options to suit any palate. Classes are held 355 days a year around the clock to accommodate really any schedule. The instructors hail from diverse backgrounds, and are usually laid-back and focused on making it fun, as it is supposed ‘recreational.' They finish each class with a family-style meal and paired beverages, which works out well as long as you get along with your classmates. Classes start at $90.

2 Peas & A Pot - If leaving your apartment just seems like too much, or if you have a stellar kitchen that’s never been used, Phil and Lauren Rubin are available to rock your world. They come to your house and bring all the stuff! They set up work stations for you and your minions friends and teach you to do awesome things with food. Classes last around 4 hours and prices vary depending on the number of people involved.