Some of the finest expressions of the Italian culture are captured in the cuisine — tangible and delectable testaments to the history and traditions of the country. Eating meals together is an essential part of Italian life, serving as portals through which all generations can come together as one. Family legends are passed down through time-honored recipes. Innumerable agreements have been made and disagreements resolved over a plate of pasta and a bottle of vino. Being ‘at table’ together is a genuine celebration of life to the Italians.
Experience a full sensory immersion into the myriad types of cheeses produced in Tuscany (pecorino, ricotta, parmigiana, mozzarella etc). Learn to identify a cheese by its appearance, smell, taste and texture. Visit a Tuscan cheese farm, enjoy a private cheese and wine-tasting at home, learn how to effectively use cheeses in cooking to really accentuate the food.
The secret to the best chocolate begins with the cacao seed (more familiarly known as the cocoa bean). Learn how and where these seeds are grown and harvested and the intricate process involved in making a truly fine chocolate. Tour a chocolate factory and make your own chocolate. Enjoy chocolate tasting at home with a professional cioccolatier or participate in a cooking class based on chocolate.
What better way to enjoy time with the family than by creating and consuming culinary treats together? All activities are designed to bring the family together and appreciate how food can facilitate bonding experiences that will be remembered forever. Visit the local food markets with an expert chef, participate in cooking classes at home or in the kitchen of a professional chef, even learn the traditional art of Italian table-setting. You and your family can choose from a large menu of ideas.
Experience a different side of wine, from the chef’s point of view. Not only is wine a favorite beverage in Italy, many traditional Italian dishes use wine as an ingredient of choice. This opportunity will focus on creating authentic dishes where wine is incorporated and is essential to the flavor and outcome of the food. From hands-on cooking classes to gourmet meals prepared by a professional chef, this culinary expedition will highlight the many uses of vino. All meals will be accompanied by a variety of wines, specifically chosen to complement the foods being served.
This customized experience is dedicated to those who may have an intense curiosity about the foods of a specific province. Each day will focus on learning how to prepare a variety of the typical ‘plates’ of that province. The typical Italian meal has 5 plates or courses. You will select those that are of the most interest to you.
Join an acclaimed chef in her own kitchen as you learn the secrets of cooking organically in Italy. You will participate in the food selection for your class — all fresh, organic ingredients from both the farm and local markets — as you decide together what treats you are inspired to make. This hands-on experience is great fun for all with lots of laughing and learning along the way.
The preparation of food in Italy not only relies on taste, but also on the visual appearance of the plate. For the artists of the world we have developed a cooking itinerary based on colors. Select a palette then let our professional chefs develop menus incorporating ingredients of those colors. Have you ever had a ‘blue meal’ from start to finish? The more adventurous cooks are invited to prepare this yourselves under the instruction of a talented chef.
Select the season you want to visit and experience a sensational ‘foodie week’ based on the specialties of the area available at that time. Spring is a prime time for white truffles; Fall is perfect for the olive and grape harvests, as well as an abundance of chestnuts and black truffles. All experiences will focus on using fresh herbs and ingredients of the season to create delectable meals to enjoy.
© 2010 by Homebase Abroad, Ltd. All rights reserved.
