Cooking class experience — learning Borscht properly

I took a cooking class specifically to learn how to make Borscht correctly. The instructor explained why beetroot is used the way it is — something I'd never understood from just eating it. The subtly sour result when you make it yourself is different.

many dishes are tied to Orthodox religious calendar. We learned how a family Sunday lunch shapes the way this dish is eaten. The class ended with the meal and a glass of smetana. I've made it three times since and each time it improves. Highly recommend the cooking class approach.