Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany celebrating the food and culture of the Italian region, is back at their pre-pandemic full schedule of classes and excursions in the charming village of Montefollonico.
The 2022 season is just about sold out though space is still available, and they are taking reservations for 2023 and 2024. Owner and host, Coleen Kirnan has been hard at work with her team and the businesses in Montefollonico creating new class experiences, fun and relaxing side trips and activities for her guests.
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“Tuscan Women Cook is proud of our deep relationships forged with the residents and businesses of Montefollonico. We’ve been here since 2000 and feel deeply connected to this community,” Coleen says. “The warm welcome our guests receive from the residents and the personal ties we have with the very best vintners, restaurateurs, and, of course, our cherished nonnas, gives our guests unparalleled, exclusive access to a true Italian culinary experience. We are so happy to be able to resume our full schedule.”
During each day of the week-long program, a group of 16 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes from some of the best cooks in all of Italy…the local grandmothers, or “nonnas of Montefollonico.” These extraordinary women teach their cooking classes sharing family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.
This year Tuscan Women Cook is happy to add a new nonna to their teaching roster, Dania, the former owner of the Michelin-starred La Chiusa Ristorante. She came out of retirement just to conduct classes for Tuscan Women Cook. Guests swoon over Dania’s homemade caramel gelato and love learning how to pull hand-spun sugar during Dania’s cooking class.
While staying within the walls of the magical village of Montefollonico, guests stay at the beautiful I Castagni hotel. Perched at the very top of Montefollonico, guests enjoy spectacular views of the Chiana valley and the picturesque village from their suites and I Castagni’s well-appointed expansive outdoor terrace.
“Families, friends, couples, and solo travelers of all ages from around the world join us every spring and fall for this life-changing experience,” Coleen states. “Join a group of accomplished cooks, the culinary curious, and grateful, happy eaters who may very well become your new foodie friends for life. Where better to launch a new friendship than relaxing with a glass of Super Tuscan wine while admiring the breathtaking view of the Tuscan countryside?”
And after a day of cooking, eating, and wine tasting, participants are taken on shopping and sightseeing trips in the many beautiful villages and towns of Tuscany, with maybe a little more wine tasting and afternoon gelato sampling, ending each day with a memorable gourmet dinner in the region’s top locales.
Tuscan Women Cook’s week-long program runs during the months of May, June, September and October.
For more information on Tuscan Women Cook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.
The show hosted interesting masterclasses with experts from the F&B industry. An exceptional program of culinary events: demonstrations, live cooking classes with renowned chefs such as Mr.Manjit Gill, President, IFCA hosted a cooking demo of forgotten Indian recipes whereas Chef Manisha Bhasin hosted a cooking demo for sustainable cooking. The maiden Vinexpo India show in Delhi had participation from 15 wine and spirit companies. The exhibitors included the only dedicated State Wine Board in the country, the Karnataka Wine Board.
“Plant-based foods have a place in everyone’s diet, whether people adhere to it as a lifestyle or just one night a week,” said Dan Marek, Director of Culinary & Development at Rouxbe. “The updated Plant-Based Pro course includes core lessons derived from our deep foundation and expertise in putting plants front and center, along with the latest plant-based innovations and the necessary techniques that make cooking easier. It’s an incredible, all-encompassing course that students can utilize if they are looking to secure a culinary job, advance in one they already have, or simply want to become more well-informed as they cook for themselves at home.”
“Whether the pandemic forced them into their kitchens or they’ve enjoyed cooking for decades, many home cooks want to take their skills to the next level, or are even considering a career in the culinary space, ” said Ken Rubin, Chief Culinary Officer at Rouxbe. “Both of these courses are great introductions to an elevated level of cooking as they provide fundamental skills and knowledge that make creating menus and meals both less stressful and more delicious.”
The 2-day-long hybrid live/virtual event will honor women-owned farms, businesses, and entrepreneurs in the food and craft beverage industries. The May 8th live farmers market will host dozens of vendors with products ranging from cakes and cookies to fresh veggies to honey and hot sauce to teas, hard ciders and spirits – all locally sourced and produced and for sale to the public. There will also be a craft beverage tent for on-site beverage purchases.
With four native Oregon truffles and the successful cultivation of prized European truffles in the Willamette Valley, the region is North America’s contribution to the short list of world-class truffle and wine regions. This singular culinary bounty in Oregon wine country, coupled with the winter timing of the truffle season, presented a perfect opportunity for collaboration between the festival and the Valley’s regional marketing organization.
Our cocktail toast will be made with a refreshing and seasonal Triple Berry Infused Lemonade. I’ll show you how to infuse your own vodka with any flavor you fancy. So much better than the artificially flavored stuff!
Each retreat will consist of hands-on cooking classes in which guests will use locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes alongside the visiting chef. Guests will then have the opportunity to sit down with the guest chef and enjoy their meal in the intimate Library. Custom wine pairings from the resort’s sommelier will complete the experience.