There’s no better souvenir to bring home from your travels than the gift of authentic Italian cuisine.
Beyond its iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, the heart of Italy’s appeal lies in its food culture, and what better way to experience it than through immersive cooking classes? Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, Acquera offers a range of cooking classes in Italy that promise an unforgettable experience.
We have selected four different cooking classes, each set in a different regions, offering unique culinary experiences ranging from homemade pasta to seafood snacks and from the perfect Neapolitan pizza to pastries.
Fresh egg pasta with pesto in Italian Riviera
Pasta with pesto is a culinary masterpiece from Italy, and you can learn how to make it from a local chef in a villa in the historic center of Sanremo, Genoa or Portofino. The ingredients for this recipe are simple, but the flavors are extraordinary: flour, water, and eggs combine to make delicious tagliatelle, while fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, oil, and Parmesan cheese create a delicious pesto sauce.
The key to this dish is mixing the ingredients with passion and following traditional family recipes. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to do this with your family and friends. Once the cooking is done, sit back and enjoy your creation in a convivial atmosphere while admiring the stunning views from the terrace overlooking the town.
Feel the Neapolitan spirit making Pizza Margherita
Pizza is so integral to the history and cuisine of Naples that it has been recognized by UNESCO. Uncover the secrets of an authentic “Neapolitan pizza” through this immersive workshop. Join an expert pizza chef in creating your own traditional pizza using fresh local ingredients.
In the first part of the class, you’ll learn the process of making dough from scratch with flour and water. You’ll be actively involved in cutting the mozzarella and preparing the tomato sauce. The chef will explain fermentation, temperatures, storage and more. Then you’ll create and bake your very own Margherita pizza and you will enjoy it alongside a good glass of wine, admiring the beautiful seascape of Naples.
Sweet Sicily: a pastry workshop in Ortigia
Discover the enchanting flavors of Sicily on a journey through the charming village of Ortigia. A selected local chef will guide you through a delightful pastry workshop where you’ll learn the secrets of authentic Sicilian cuisine, from picking fresh ingredients at a nearby market to making iconic dishes like the tube-shaped shells cannoli filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta cheese, cassata and sfogliatelle.
You’ll also discover the historical heritage of Sicilian pastries, precious recipes passed down through generations, and taste the unique flavors and textures that make Sicilian pastry-making an art.
Venetian experience: mastering the art of Cicchetti.
Join a local chef on a discovery tour of the historic Rialto market, where you’ll find the freshest and finest ingredients for your cooking class. You’ll learn how to select the best fish from the Adriatic Sea, the most fragrant spices from the east and the most colorful vegetables from the nearby islands. Then, you’ll head to a typical Venetian palace, where you’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen to master the art of cicchetti, which are small snacks or side dishes that are part of the traditional Venetian cuisine. Cicchetti can be made with various combinations of seafood, meat, cheese, vegetables, and bread or polenta. They are usually enjoyed with a glass of local wine, called an “ombra” (shadow).
You’ll taste the original local aperitif and excellent Italian wines as you savor your homemade cicchetti experiencing the authentic flavors and culture of Venice.
