From the moment that I landed in Pisa, Italy, just a few weeks ago, I knew that my band of "students" were in for a treat. My intuition was spot on! I’ve had two groups, back-to-back, joining me for Culinary Journeys and it has been a real adventure!!
The first group joined me at a gorgeous 16th century villa, located just outside of Lucca in Tuscany, where we were surrounded by olive groves, vegetable gardens, roses, and green rolling hills. We couldn’t wait to dive into the beautiful kitchen and begin cooking! I think everyone's favorites were the pork tenderloin that’s rubbed with fennel pollen, tucked into a hollowed out baguette and baked, a spicy salad of colored bell peppers, olives and grilled chicken and a layered torta rustica for a grand finale! And, of course, we took excursions to some of my favorite places in the region, like the incomparable markets of Pistoia and wine tasting in Bolgheri, my new favorite wine region!
Then, it was off to meet my next group at the lovely Villa Vallentina in Levanto. I’m still there now and have to say, I am loving Levanto and the Cinque Terre so much, I may not come home! We started with one of my new favorite apertivos, a Hugo Spritz, and wood-fire pizzas al fresco- a fitting way to begin exploring the “5 lands” of ancient villages tucked into the mountainous set along the azure Italian Riviera. Then we were off and running, from a private boat ride to all five of the villages, a focaccia-making demo to a sunset bicycle ride to Bonassola. Could it get any better?
I wish you were here with me now, but to get you into the mood in the meantime, here are a few of my favorite Italian recipes:
With love,
|
