Cooking Classes in Tuscany

There are many great cooking schools in the Tuscany Region and some not-so-great ones. The Villa Pandolfini Gastronomical Adventure costs about $2,800 per person. The cost includes your accommodations at a Tuscany villa, all meals, all tours and transportation to and from Florence to the villa. There is plenty of “hands-on” participation and loads of camaraderie. By the end of the week, you will make many new friends. You cook every day and shop for ingredients at local markets.

Cooking with Divina Cucina is also an excellent cooking class. Gourmet Chef Judy's classes are of shorter duration and do not include accommodations. The one, two, three or five day sessions are taught at her studio on Via Taddea near the incredible Central Market in Florence.
Classes are hands-on and combine cooking, wine tastings, shopping and even a dash of art appreciation. Prices range from $375 for one day to $1,300 for five days.

A third source for locating Tuscany cooking classes is Shawguides. Caution: Class size and English language proficiency are two key factors to ask about in a Tuscany cooking school. The smaller the class, the more personalized it is. There are more opportunities for hands-on participation and time for questions. Language proficiency is critical. No matter how good a chef may be if you have difficulty understanding him or her, the class will be more frustrating than fun. Before you book a course, speak directly with the chef and make sure you are on the same wavelength. Happy Travels! Mangia!

Italian Cooking Class - Study in Italy

If you're looking to study in Italy, but you don't want to spend a lot of time there, you could consider taking a one-day Italian cooking class on your next visit. There are many cities in Italy that offer one-day Italian cooking classes -- Amalfi Coast, Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia/Lakes Region, Sicily, Tuscany, Umbria and Veneto.
If you choose to stay in the states for your culinary education, know that many schools offer study abroad programs that allows you to learn in New York City and Parma, Italy.

Rice Around the World

Almost every nationality uses rice in their cuisine so choosing the right type of rice is vital for International cooking. There are many types of rice, here are just a few:

Basmati - used in East Indian cooking. It stays separate and has an aromatic aroma.

Long Grain – used in Chinese cooking – it's sticky and perfect for steaming.
Jasmine- highly polished rice great for sushi. It has a bright white look and it sticks together.

Arborio - Italian rice perfect for Risotto, rice ball. It's flat and sticky.

Ingredients Used in Italian Cooking

Italian food is ingredient driven and focuses on local, fresh, and seasonal products. Chefs use a variety of ingredients in Italian cooking, but there are some ingredients chefs use more than others. The five key ingredients used in Italian cooking are: pasta, extra-virgin olive oil, real balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and parmesan cheese. Some of the other main ingredients used in Italian cooking are: wine, tomatoes, onions, garlic, marinara sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, capers, rosemary, thyme, basil and oregano.

Italian Cooking in Italy

What better place to learn Italian cooking than in Italy. There are many Italian cooking classes offered in Italy, and some of them are as follows: Italian cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine, quick recipes, hand-made pasta, bread and pizza, wine tasting for beginners, Sicilian cuisine and many more.

Study in Italy

If you plan for your culinary career to involve Italian cooking then you may want to consider an Italian cooking class through study in Italy.
The biggest advantage to studying in Italy is the first hand experience to Italy's culture and language. If you're considering full time work in Italy after your course study, find out about work permits and work visas for that country.
Getting a job in one of Italy's restaurants will teach you more about Italian cooking, and it will give you the experience of cooking classic Italian dishes and cuisines.

Rice Around the World

Almost every nationality uses rice in their cuisine so choosing the right type of rice is vital for International cooking. There are many types of rice, here are just a few:

Basmati - used in East Indian cooking. It stays separate and has an aromatic aroma.

Long Grain – used in Chinese cooking – it’s sticky and perfect for steaming.
Jasmine- highly polished rice great for sushi. It has a bright white look and it sticks together.

Arborio - Italian rice perfect for Risotto, rice ball. It’s flat and sticky.

Types of Italian Cooking Classes

Consider taking a hands-on Italian cooking class. An Italian cooking class allows you to meet other people with the same interests, and the Italian cooking class also allows you to prepare the foods and taste them -- a great way to get a feel for Italian cooking.
Language and cooking preparation is another Italian cooking class. This class will familiarize you with the Italian language and culture.
You can also register for an Italian cooking class in pizza making and bread-making. A pizza making course will teach you the fundamentals of making pizza, and the bread-making course will teach you the fundamentals of making bread. Both pizza and bread are prepared in Italian cooking.
If you truly have a passion for Italian cooking you can study in Italy; Italy has a variety of Italian cooking classes to choose from. Search the Internet for "Italian cooking classes" or "study in Italy".

Italian Cooking Class on the Fundamentals of Italian Cooking

There are many different dishes, cuisines and desserts that can be prepared in Italian cooking courses. And an Italian cooking class in the fundamentals of Italian cooking will focus on the ingredients and preparation you need to make these authentic dishes. A fundamental course is usually a full-time program lasting a few months and is very comprehensive. Studies may include: Italian cheeses and antipasti, stocks and sauces, pastas, fish, meats, Italian desserts and more.

Italian Cooking: Tips for Cooking Pasta

Whether you're from the beautiful country of Italy, or just want to master the art of Italian cooking, your first step is through pasta. There is no secret to cooking pasta except to make sure you use in abundant amount of salted water, bring to a rapid boil, and use a high quality of pasta. If using dried pasta cook, stirring frequently, until al dente. When al dente, drain and either add to the sauce or if holding for a later date, lay out on a cooking sheet or sheet pan to cool. Never shock pasta in cool water! If using fresh pasta, the cooking time will be far less.
Here are some basic cooking tips for your next pasta dish:

1. Before adding your pasta, let the water come to a full boil first. Also, to keep the noodles from sticking together, add a teaspoon of oil or butter.
2. Cook pasta at a continuous boil for even cooking, but make sure that you stir the pasta noodles continuously or they will stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. Don't rinse the pasta.
4. Don't let pasta stand in water or sit around -- serve immediately.
5. Add a little salt for flavor.

Italian Cooking: Tips for Frying Fish

Frying Fish:

Generally everyone loves fried anything. Success at frying properly is as follows:

Use clean neutral oil, like peanut or soy bean oil
Proper temperature of oil should be about 350 degrees to 375 degrees
Item being fried is dry when entering oil
Do not over crowd the fry basket or frying pan or the temperature will be reduced and items will not cook properly
When golden brown and cooked through, drain and season immediately

Rice Around the World

Almost every nationality uses rice in their cuisine so choosing the right type of rice is vital for International cooking. There are many types of rice, here are just a few:

Basmati - used in East Indian cooking. It stays separate and has an aromatic aroma.

Long Grain – used in Chinese cooking – it's sticky and perfect for steaming.
Jasmine- highly polished rice great for sushi. It has a bright white look and it sticks together.

Arborio - Italian rice perfect for Risotto, rice ball. It's flat and sticky.

Italian Cooking Tips

Below are some tips you can apply to your Italian cooking:

1. Keep your pantry stocked with some of the main ingredients used in Italian cooking -- olive oil, pastas, wine, garlic, onions, etc.

2. The five key ingredients used in Italian cooking are pasta, extra-virgin olive oil, real balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and parmesan cheese.

3. Basil and vintage balsamic are great in desserts.

4. Nutella makes a great substitute for peanut butter on your toast.

5. On a hot summer day, panna cotta makes a wonderful, easy and light dessert to serve with fresh berries.

6. Use fresh ingredients, keep it simple, and respect Italian and Mediterranean traditions.