Experience cooking with an Italian family
As a traveler, you can sample Italy’s famed cuisine in various great restaurants, but cooking at someone’s home offers you a unique opportunity to savor the true Italian flavors and traditions.
When Ruurd and I opened our bed and breakfast in the Assisi countryside, we wanted to share our enthusiasm for Italy’s culinary culture. That’s why we’d like to give you the opportunity to share a day in our beautiful kitchen.

Why cooking is important in Italy
The essence of Italian family life is found in cooking. In addition, much of the social life in Italy revolves around the dining table. School friends and professional colleagues alike often meet for home-cooked dinners, during which they will proudly present their new recipes and comment on a wine from their favorite winery. Individual budget might limit the choice of food and beverage, but everyone shares the same enthusiasm for the national cuisine and has strong opinions regarding its preparation.

Your teacher’s qualifications
I am a home-taught cook. I spent my childhood in the kitchen helping my mother make not only our everyday meals, but also the elaborate holiday dishes she would prepare for the large groups of relatives who would gather in our dining room throughout the year. My extended family is Sicilian, so we will prepare recipes based on my personal interpretation of Umbrian and Sicilian dishes characterized by a fresh, light, and simple taste.

What will you learn
The atmosphere of our classes is friendly and informal, providing a blend of traditional and modern Italian cooking techniques.
You will first learn how to select the best Umbrian ingredients during a shopping excursion in the nearby village. You will then use these delicacies - and other ingredients picked up locally and in our own herb garden - to prepare an authentic Italian meal. With a view of the garden, our spacious and professionally equipped kitchen is a perfect setting for a gourmet experience for you and your cooking companions. See the detailed program in the next page.