October 7 – 14, 2011.
What could be better than spending a week in Italy? Spending that week shopping the local markets and learning to cook with what you find!
Stay in a beautiful villa in the central Italian region of Le Marche and learn the fundamentals of Italian cooking during this week-long program. Together we will prepare regional sauces, appetizers, entrées, pasta, rice dishes and desserts. In an informal, fun and friendly setting we will learn the fundamental techniques that will allow you to perfect your favorite dishes and add delectable options to your culinary repertoire. With it’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, it is this area of the world that has inspired the “slow food” movement.
All the classes will be taught in English but you may find yourself becoming well-acquainted with Italian words and phrases that just do not seem to translate (especially as it pertains to food!). Every cooking class will conclude with a lunch prepared by the participants. After lunch you can use the ample free time to relax, explore on your own or opt for one of the guided activities included in the program. It will not take you long in exploring Le Marche’s culture and landscape to understand the inspiration for its food. To help you connect with your surroundings, we will provide excursions to small medieval villages, offer a truffle hunt and conduct a wine tasting tour. This culinary adventure will leave you recharged with a desire to cook and create your own perfect meals.
- Day 1: Homemade pasta fresca (ravioli, tagliatelle), dry pastas and sauces (mushroom ragù and bolognese)
- Day 2: Meats (veal, osso buco, saltimbocca and porchetta) and vegetables
- Day 3: Rice, risotto, ai frutti di mare, risotto al barolo, preserving excess risotto
- Day 4: Pear tart, polenta cake and chocolate torta
- Day 5: Truffle dishes
- Day 6: Giorno del Mercato: A practical exercise in selecting and preparing fresh and local ingredients, from market to plate.
