After numerous trips to the area, I am convinced I have found the best authentic cooking classes in Tuscany – whether you want a group or private setting, I have some options for you!
The best authentic cooking classes in Tuscany – private
My mom and I took this cooking class when we stayed at Selvabella! Marta and Bernardo host cooking classes in their main house. We really enjoyed getting to know them while they taught us classic Tuscan recipes. It is crazy to think this class is the very first time I made fresh pasta! We made pici, basically a chubbier hand rolled spaghetti, which originates nearby in the Tuscan province of Siena. It went beautifully with a simply delicious tomato-based sauce.
We also had liver crostini, beef cheek in Chianti Classico sauce with crispy taters and for dessert a caramel, chocolate ganache and sea salt “pie” in a chocolate shortbread cookie crust!
Booking info: email Selvabella
The best authentic cooking classes in Tuscany – group
If you are looking for a more social experience, I have a couple options for you!
Meet Luca & Lorenzo
They bring together the perfect dichotomy of Italian cuisine. Luca was born in Livorno, with southern Italian parents – from Amalfi and Sicily & Lorenzo is from Milan, with Emilian & Tuscan parents! My mom and I enjoyed their cooking class at their wonderful farmhouse situated just 15km from Florence. If you are looking for an authentic cooking class while you are in Tuscany, theirs’ is a MUST! You get to recreate traditional recipes that have been handed down to them from their grandmothers, used for generations.
This class is in a group setting and is one of the most popular experiences on Airbnb.
We made (and enjoyed) Spaghetti alla chitarra prepared with a creamy cauliflower sauce // Ravioli filled with ricotta, pepper and pecorino in a sage butter sauce // lavender panna cotta
Since this in person cooking class, I got to enjoy a few online experiences with Luca & Lorenzo during the pandemic! Walter and I also got to visit them a few months ago to share a meal with them.
Meet Virna & Claudio
This dynamic duo is so much fun to be around. We felt right at home on their beautiful Tuscan property in Castellina in Chianti, very conveniently located near Romitorio di Serelle (the most recent place we stayed in Tuscany, who also recommended this cooking class).
We were joined by a wonderful couple also from the US! The evening was filled with delicious food, wine and lots of laughs.
Virna taught us how to make 2 fresh pastas – Tagliatelle with Tuscan Ragu & Ravioli filled with spinach and cheese.
Antipasti consisted of 2 types of bruschetta – the classic with tomato on top and another with sausage and stracchino cheese. The second course was a super tender Pork Loin with spices. Dessert was a pear and chocolate cake I will definitely be remaking!
We got to enjoy red wine made by Claudio throughout the meal, then Virna’s homemade limoncello (the best I’ve ever tasted) after dessert, plus grappa made from the leftovers of Claudio’s winemaking!
Booking info: email Virna
The wonderful thing about these classes is that you go home with the recipes!
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Happy Cooking,
Corey
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