Here we tempt you with a few courses in Tuscany, and help you find something that caters to your taste, and your tastebuds!
Cooking classes in Tuscany are getting more and more varied and inventive. Some combine the lesson with a visit to a market, teaching people how to choose ingredients. There are classes organised in villas and elegant palaces, with a combination of impressive settings and culinary expertise. From 2-hour courses to all-inclusive foodie tours, here we show you a taste of what’s on offer.
Popular Cooking Classes in Tuscany
1. Wine and Cooking in the Heart of Tuscany
Food lovers, this one’s for you. An all-inclusive 8-day tour based in the Chianti, where you will do plenty of hands-on cooking and get to see some of the highlights of Tuscany like Florence, Siena, Montalcino and Cortona – the setting for Frances Mayes’ book “Under the Tuscan Sun.”
What can you expect? There are 3 half-day cooking classes, and a wine-pairing class with a professional sommelier. You’ll try your hand at cooking real Tuscan classics like Ribollita, Panzanella and Pici using local, organically sourced produce. And you’ll visit family-run wineries and artisan cheese producers. This Wine and Cooking in the Heart of Chianti and Florence Tour is a full-immersion food experience that will give you an authentic taste of cooking and life in Tuscany.
2. San Lorenzo Market & Farmhouse Cooking Class
Imagine buying your fresh ingredients inside Florence’s historic San Lorenzo Food Market. Imagine amazing colours and smell, hams hanging from the ceiling of the salumiere stall, baskets overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables, fragrant Tuscan bread and butchers showing off their best cuts. This is where you’ll be headed to buy ingredients for your cooking session.
The cooking class will take place in a farmhouse outside Florence – transportation in a minivan is included. You’ll learn as you cook, preparing a delicious 4-course meal: from starter to pasta, arista (Tuscan style roasted pork) and the classic dessert tiramisù. When the dishes are ready, relax and enjoy your creations over a glass of locally produced fine Chianti red wine.
3. Evening Cooking Class & Dinner in Florence’s city centre
While you’re in Florence, why not spending an evening learning how to cook a 4-course traditional Italian meal? In a modern fully-equipped kitchen, under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll try your hand at creating some typical dishes.
But that’s not all. The evening carries on with a gastronomic feast, as you enjoy the fruits of your labour. This Tuscan cooking Course & Dinner in Florence comes highly recommended by people who tried it, they all love – the food, of course, but most of all the fun atmosphere, and the chance to learn from a friendly and knowledgable chef. Good value for money!
4. Pizza and Gelato making in a Renaissance Villa
Pizza and gelato are some of the most iconic foods that Italy has to offer. And at this 4 hour cooking class in the Chianti countryside, you’ll get to experience the thrill of preparing gelato and pizza, with the help of an experienced local chef.
Set in the Relais Villa L’Olmo, the location has a spectacular view, and you’ll be cooking your own creations from scratch. This course is perfect for people of all ages and skill levels, and an ideal activity for families. Dinner is included at the end of the class.
5. Learn to make pasta in Siena
If you want to learn about cooking handmade pasta in Siena, this Tuscan Cooking Class in Siena is for you. You’ll warm up by learning how to prepare a classic antipasto, and then you’ll get your hands stuck into the dough, making your own handmade pasta.
Under the guidance of your experienced host you’ll pick up the closely guarded secrets behind the preparation of Tuscany’s famous cuisine. But that’s not all. At the end of the class, you can relax with the chef and your fellow classmates to enjoy your meals with a glass of wine.
What is it that makes Tuscan cooking so special?
Food for Tuscans, and Italians in general, is practically a religion. And like every religion, it’s got its own rituals. Families stay proudly faithful to the traditional recipes handed down by “nonna” (or grandmother) and ingredients are chosen meticulous care. There’s rivalry too. And every town claims the title for having the most genuine version of a “primo piatto” or the best cured meat.
In Tuscany, cooking is about perfectionism, purity and passion. You’ll learn how to prepare some deliciously authentic food, and you’ll add some Tuscan flavour to your holiday.
And remember… The culinary heritage of Tuscany is as important as that of the Renaissance!
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