Our Italian Cooking takes place in the home of our chef, located on the Aventine hill (the very heart of Ancient Rome) where in her modern, well-equipped kitchen we will discover the secrets of recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. Whether we are seasoned cooks or beginners in the kitchen, a morning with our expert will not only help develop culinary skills but will provide a fun way to learn more about Italian culture.

Through the hands-on cooking class, we will discover how to prepare both typical Roman and southern Italian dishes. (Note, participants who are more comfortable observing and tasting rather than actively cooking are welcome; there's space and snacks for you while we work.) We will also spend time learning about the natural ingredients that the chef would have selected that same morning at the market. Menus vary according to the time of year and are based on what is fresh at the market that day and might include: bucatini all'amatriciana; orecchiette con broccoli; pasta e Ceci; eggplant caponata; stuffed, fried zucchini; and chicken with peppers. Recipes for mouthwatering desserts like homemade fruit marmalade cake or creamy mascarpone cheese with fresh fruit will not be neglected.

By the time we finish and sit down as a group to enjoy the fruits of our labor, enjoying a bit of local wine chosen to accompany each dish, the lessons we've learn will leave us sated in a deeper way, ready to return home with some new recipes and insights into real Italian cooking.