This culinary program has been designed for lovers of Tuscany and all that it represents – the charming medieval towns, the centuries old traditions, the people and their culture, the art and of course, the great food and wine!! We have spent time with our chefs to create a week dedicated to the secrets and traditions of Tuscan cookery and participants will spend many hands on hours perfecting the skills of Tuscan cooking in our original kitchen of the 14th century 'Villa Pandolfini'.

During the week you will have a wonderful 'Introduction to Tuscan Cuisine'
We will discuss the history of the Tuscan diet, typical dishes,Tuscan bread, peasant foods, and how the gastronomy has changed throughout the medieval and renaissance periods up until modern times. *sometimes the day classes are changed to evening classes to allow for extra excursions.

Cooking Days- Each day you will prepare a five course meal
'I primi piatti' -Risotto's , soups , gnocchi and fresh handmade pasta 'You will focus on pasta' – what would Italy be without it?! We will discuss different pasta making techniques, stuffed pastas, colouring and flavouring pastas, different sauces and how to match them with different types of pastas. Risotto's- what makes a great risotto? The do's and dont's, shortcuts and the broths. Salads and soups- there are many dishes in Tuscany that focus on soups in the winter and salads in the summer using old bread and the wonderful variety of vegetables in season. The combinations seem countless. 'Seasonal Cooking' and 'Antipasti & Desserts' The secret of all Italian cookery are the fresh products used. Fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables are the base of all tasty dishes and frozen products are almost never used. During the year the menu's in all restaurants change , adapting to the produce available and we will discuss the various dishes popular for each season. More Details...