If you’ve ever read Eat, Pray, Love, watched Under the Tuscan Sun or simply love to cook – you may have fantasized about what it would be like to find yourself lost in the Italian countryside whipping up some traditional Italian dishes. Let me share with you the magic that is a cooking class in Italy.
After visiting twice, six years apart, I can confidently give Podere Il Casale the Exploren Lauren stamp of approval.
The Location
Driving the meandering Tuscan road to get there is worth the price of admission on its own. The undulating hills of cypress trees, wheat, wineries and olive groves seems to be straight from a whimsical Van Gogh painting. Perched above the rolling fields is where you’ll find the cooking oasis. A cooking class in Italy just wouldn’t be the same without an awe-inspiring setting.
- 15 minute drive from Pienza
- 20 minute drive from Montepulciano
- 1.5 hour drive from Florence
- 1.5 hour drive from Perugia
The offerings
Of all of the places I researched to find the perfecting cooking class in Italy, Podere Il Casale, had the most expansive list of offerings and experiences at an approachable cost. From cheesemaking, truffle hunting and tasting tours, to pizza, pasta or a full-meal cooking class options, the options are endless. You can also pay a bit more if you’d like for it to be a private experience.
*I did the pasta course as a private session with my family 6 years ago. It was absolutely tremendous and we still talk about it. When I found myself back in Tuscany, I knew I had to return to experience the magic again. This time for a full-meal cooking class in a public setting.*
The cooking class experience
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and brought into their restaurant to start the day with a cappuccino. From there you’ll enjoy a tour of their farm, see their animals, land and cheesemaking facility. Podere il Casale is situated in pecorino cheese region, so that is their specialty. Pecorino is a hard, salty cheese made of sheep-milk giving it a subtle tangy and grassy flavor.
After the tour and gaining an understanding of the farm and its products, the 9 of us gathered around a wooden farm table eager to learn. All of the participants were of varying ages and culinary skill levels, but everyone did a great job! The class comes with a 4-course lunch/dinner (depending on the time you sign up for).
During the class we sipped on juice, red or white wine and learned about traditions and the farm. We made homemade pici pasta with a chili, breadcrumb and garlic topping, pork loin with seasonal roasted vegetables and a rosemary & sage pesto, and to end the meal we learned how to make delicious Italian wine cookies.
After making all of the dishes we were sat in their restaurant and served a four course meal of our dishes starting with a decadent cheese platter of their farm fresh cheeses.
*For individuals with dietary restrictions, they are incredibly accommodating. There were individuals that were vegetarian, and they were immediately offered alternative options. They decided on a butternut squash and pecorino bake with a farm fresh egg.
[…] and have the skills to recreate what you’ve learned once you go back home. Whether it’s making pasta in Italy, making chocolate in Costa Rica or Grilling in Argentina – you’re bound to have a fantastic […]