this blog is for you! You can Google Alessandra Federici's Cucina Cooking School
and read all her praises on TripAdvisor, Slow Travel, and even You Tube!
Or follow me through a day of cooking with Alessandra....
First you must understand that this is a "real life" cooking class in Alessandra's family kitchen, in her home in the foothills of Cortona, Italy.
She will meet your group in the main square in Cortona
(a special Tuscan hillside village you will need another day to explore!)
for a quick coffee and a look at your menu for the day.
Alessandra is a big personality, with an engaging laugh, hilarious stories,
high energy and she is the most genuine host.
You will feel like you have known her your whole life!
Did I mention - she is a fabulous, authentic, Italian cook!
From there you will visit the butcher, the farmers market, maybe the
wine store!
Your cars stay parked in Cortona and Alessandra drives you
down the winding paths/roads to her farmhouse below.
Usually this includes a side trip to her brother's for olive oil
and the neighbor's chicken house
for fresh eggs and herbs -
ask her about the "bunnies" and make sure "rabbit" is not on the menu!
Everyone gets an apron and everyone cooks....
When we were there in June the Electric Company was working on some lines and cut the power!
No lights, no oven!
Alessandra is big on making due with what you have.
She stresses cooking with what is in season, what looks good in the market that day.
The roast she was planning was scratched from the menu
but our meal was fantastic!
Don't forget to bring your appetite.....
This was my antipasto plate......
Tagliatelle alragu di Fungi can be cooked on a gas range!
AND EVERYBODY EATS!
AND EATS, AND EATS!
I really hope you will give her a call the next time you
plan a trip to Italy. It will be the highlight of your holiday!
